Meet Lena Jenkins-smith | Executive Producer & Show Runner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lena Jenkins-smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lena, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Most people are unaware of how much work actually goes into production and film and television in general. There are many tedious tasks that producers must complete from script to screen. From the inception of an idea, you are consistently multitasking and building on processes in order to bring a project to life. Countless, sometimes thankless hours are spent perfecting the output and quite often you want to give up … but don’t because then what would we watch?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am very proud of my work and the path that I have chosen to take with content creation. Utilizing my sense of morality and obligation to my community to produce uplifting and empowering material. I am most excited about the ability that I have to freely create realities and worlds that people can relate to and appreciate. My niche area is the youth space – and I love being able to formulate good content for them. this is not an easy journey but it’s so worth it. I have learned the very valuable lesson of exercising patience. Things don’t always happen as soon as you want them, but they do happen at the right time. I am very excited about everything that is on the horizon for the Goldstrand brand – from upcoming features to big brand collaborations. We have a story to tell and we aren’t stopping until it’s told!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Downtown Adventures

Morning:

Breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club – They have Southern comfort food classics like peach cobbler French toast.
Georgia Aquarium – It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world.

Afternoon:

Lunch at The Varsity – An Atlanta institution famous for its chili dogs and frosted orange drink.
World of Coca-Cola – Sip on soda flavors from around the world and learn about the history of Coca-Cola.

Evening:

Dinner at Ray’s in the City – Fresh seafood with a chic downtown vibe.
Drinks at SkyLounge – Sip cocktails with stunning views of the Atlanta skyline.

Day 2: Midtown & Piedmont Park

Morning:

Brunch at South City Kitchen – A sophisticated take on Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes.
Piedmont Park & Atlanta Botanical Garden – Lots of lush greenery and exotic flowers, and it’s a beautiful place to take pics and film content.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room – A legendary spot for Southern soul food.
High Museum of Art – Explore rotating exhibitions and a striking permanent collection.
Evening:

Dinner at Empire State South – Chef Hugh Acheson’s farm-to-table masterpiece.
Drinks at Joystick Gamebar – Play arcade games while enjoying craft cocktails.
Day 3: BeltLine & Foodie Fun
Morning:

Breakfast at Bread & Butterfly – European-style café with dreamy pastries.
BeltLine Eastside Trail – Walk, bike, or skate along the trail and discover street art.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Ponce City Market – A foodie paradise with everything from tacos to ramen.
Krog Street Market – Another culinary haven with unique shopping and eats.
Evening:

Dinner at Two Urban Licks – Trendy spot with live music and bold flavors.
Drinks at the rooftop bar, 9 Mile Station – Gorgeous views and laid-back vibes.
Day 4: Westside Vibes
Morning:

Brunch at West Egg Café – A beloved spot for biscuits and gravy.
Atlanta History Center – Dive into local history, including the Swan House and Civil War exhibits.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Miller Union – Celebrated for its farm-to-table Southern dishes.
Shopping at The Works ATL – A trendy mixed-use space with boutiques and eateries.
Evening:

Dinner at Bacchanalia – A fine-dining experience with seasonal tasting menus.
Drinks at Little Trouble – Cyberpunk vibes with creative cocktails.
Day 5: Fun in Buckhead
Morning:

Breakfast at Café Intermezzo – A European café with amazing coffee and pastries.
Shopping at Lenox Square & Phipps Plaza – Luxury brands and boutique finds.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Atlanta Fish Market – Known for fresh seafood and a giant fish sculpture.
Visit the Swan Coach House Gallery – Southern charm with art and tea.
Evening:

Dinner at Chops Lobster Bar – Steak and seafood in a glamorous setting.
Drinks at Whiskey Blue – A posh rooftop bar in Buckhead.
Day 6: Culture & Adventure
Morning:

Brunch at Le Petit Marche – A charming spot for French-inspired breakfast bowls.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site – A powerful and moving experience.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Slutty Vegan – A must-try for bold vegan burgers and epic vibes.
Zoo Atlanta or Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail – Choose between wildlife or more trail fun.
Evening:

Dinner at Staplehouse – A community-focused eatery with an ever-changing menu.
Drinks at The Garden Room – Whimsical and Instagram-worthy.
Day 7: Relax & Reflect
Morning:

Breakfast at Home Grown GA – A laid-back spot for comfy Southern fare.
Relax at SweetWater Creek State Park – A quick trip outside the city for hiking and nature.
Afternoon:

Lunch at Busy Bee Café – A soul food legend since 1947.
Explore Little Five Points – Quirky shops, street art, and unique vibes.
Evening:

Dinner at Gunshow – Chef-driven, interactive dining.
Final Drinks at Clermont Lounge – An iconic Atlanta dive bar with unforgettable performances.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So, God – first and foremost, Then I would definitely have to shout out Katt Williams because he was my coach that put me in the game.’He shared knowledge with me that was on another level, while giving me opportunities well
before I had the accolades to associate them with. I also would like to shout out my business partner at Goldstrand Media Jonathan Williams, another genius I’m blessed to be able to create with.

Website: https://goldstrandmedia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shestheproducer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-jenkins-smith-mba-01845521

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LenaJenkinsSmith

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1s7SLK74GTAZfFmT12MGw

Image Credits
Derek Blanks, Tony Tyus, Cody Pike, DCals, Patrick Edmond