We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Danielle Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina Danielle, how do you think about risk?
I feel like this is the main question people love to ask entrepreneurs and I love it lol Before I took a huge life risk for the betterment of my creativity and business I used to think to myself “I don’t know what risk i’m supposed to take” It wasn’t until I got sick and tired of working just to pay bills and not having any happiness in my life that I realized what risk I needed to take. For me, it was quitting my job and pursuing my acting career and other creative endeavors full time. Let me be clear: This isn’t everybody’s risk! For some people the risk is accepting a new job, for some it’s investing into a new class, for some its writing your first business plan. A risk doesn’t have to be drastic and life changing and I think that’s where most people make the mistake of thinking they’ve never risked anything for their dreams. In my case.. My risk was definitely life changing lol Quitting my job was scary as hell but for me, working 40+ hours at 24 was even scarier. It’s crazy though because once I took that risk, things slowly started falling into place. I started getting more clients, I started getting paid for my gifts, I started to be HAPPY and not just making money. And I think that whatever your risk is, it should move you more towards happiness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been an artists before I ever even knew that’s what I as meant to do with my life. When I was younger, I used to get in trouble a lot for lying, That may seem unimportant but what it was, was me in my youth trying to bend reality to be what I wanted it. I used to memorize my favorite movies (Still do) word for word and just repeat them over and over. I remember once I watched a Tyler Perry Movie 10 times in one day in the living room. To the outside world “She’s obsessed” Me, I didn’t know why I did it, but God knew then that I would need to be able to memorize quickly. He knew then I would have to learn different inflections and how a story line is supposed to be performed. I used to be so wild that my mom would make me come in the house while all the neighborhood kids were outside and just sit, quietly with my hands folded. She knew then, I would need to learn to contain myself and focus. I was at a tenth grade reading and writing level in the third grade. Sometimes I would stand in the mirror and make myself cry and then practice laughing right after and going back and forth. These are the things that I was doing to prepare for my life as an actress, writer, director and teaching before I ever even knew that was an option. I say all that to say, even though being an artist has always been in me, the path to being who I am professionally has been HARD. Sometimes even when it’s in you from birth, there are lessons you have to learn that are less than pleasant. As cliche as it is, I had to learn that I can’t expect everyone to support my craft. I had to learn that not everybody will like you and what you stand for. I’m a Christ- Follower, and there have been times where I’ve been told my art isn’t “Christian enough” I’ve been told it’s “Too Christian” I’ve been told i’m not emotional enough to be an actor, I’ve been told I’m TOO emotional and take things too personally. I say All that to say… No lol it has not been easy. It has been a struggle, but it’s also been the most rewarding path I could’ve ever taken and I can’t imagine myself doing anything but what I do.

To keep it short and simple, I’m most proud of finding who I am as an artist. I’m a filmmaker who makes films that are interesting to watch and subtly teach people about God. I write films that say what everyone is thinking, but no one wants to say. I coach and teach kids that through art they can be exactly who they are and have fun doing it. I think for the futures I’m almost excited about getting more funding for my projects so that I can create on a bigger scale and reach more people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Babyyyy when I say I love Atlanta with my heart I could give you the full rundown!!

So it’s a weeklong trip? Let’s get it.
Monday: Let’s have a chill day in the city, Georgia Aquarium, Coca Cola Factory, then let’s go eat at the Varsity for dinner and then walk around Centennial before we head to the hotel
Tuesday: We gone chill today in nature , just take a trip around Piedmont Park, let’s go ride bikes and what not, then have lunch at 10th & Piedmont, let’s go to Atlantic station do a little shopping and then go to Botanical Gardens
Wednesday: If you riding with me? We gotta go to six flags, I’m such a fan.
Thursday: THIS is the day we spend eating. Food food food. We find the food trucks (they always around) , get a bunch of different meals and head to the hotel to watch movies and eat. After a day of six flags we gotta chill
Friday: THIS IS THE DAY YOU BEEN WAITING ON!!! So boom, we spend the day shopping, probably at Lenox or Cumberland, go get lunch at West Egg Cafe or Atlanta Breakfast club, come back to the hotel and get ready to go clubbingggg we’re spending the night on Edgewood Ave

And that’s my perfect week long visit for a friend lol Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped to shape who I am as an artist and business person. If I could name each individual by name, I would because there are so many people since the start of my career who have been a positive influence on me. My mother pastor marilyn porter has definitely helped to mold me into an influential artist. Miss Forbes my high school theater teacher who showed me what it is to be an actor, a woman who showed me to remember that there is always work to be done and your train is always taking you somewhere! ai want to say a huge thank you to Ms. Pamela Faith-Jackson who made sure to show me the importance of always putting the youth first and encouraged me to start my own youth theater programs. There have been so many strong women who have shaped who I am but shout out to those three women who I will always thank God for putting in my path!

Website: www.twelve2productions.com

Instagram: @tinanotturner

Twitter: @_tinanotturner

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCrhUOMwgWKMORN7vtBr3gNw

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