Meet Shamanda Burston, M.A, Ed.S, LCAS | Licensed Therapist, Executive Producer, Screenwriter, Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shamanda Burston, M.A, Ed.S, LCAS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shamanda, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The secret weapon behind my success and brand is “God’s Favor.” Everything about my life and journey says that I’m not supposed to be here. I’m a former high school dropout and teen mom of 2 turned Licensed Therapist, Ph.D. student, Movie Producer/Screenwriter, Published author, and Domestic Violence/ Childhood illness survivor. I truly believe that God allows us to experience situations and circumstances to testify to how we overcame them, which helps others. Essentially, that’s what my production company, LuLu B. Productions is all about. I write and produce cinematherapy-focused films that are centered around healing and spreading mental health awareness.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2017 I launched my production company “LuLu B. Productions,” specializing in developing and producing cinema-therapy-focused films/media content. I have served as a mental health/addictions counselor for over a decade and am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Counselor Education & Supervision. God gave me the vision to combine my three loves (producing, writing, and mental health education) to reach more people. I am passionate about destigmatizing therapy for people of color who tend to find the topic of mental illness taboo. I realized that many people watch TV shows and movies, so educating through this avenue is highly effective. One thing that sets me apart is that my films are all micro-budget (under $50,000), and I own my IP. Using Tyler Perry as a guide, I can continue to write and produce narrative feature films and TV series that are authentic to the stories and circumstances of everyday people. Greenlighting my projects allows me creative control and the ability to maintain ownership. I primarily fund my projects via crowdfunding and revenue from my memoir “Wounded Healer,” my YouTube channel, and social media content. Because there are no outside investors, I can reinvest funds from each project to produce the next project. I enjoy providing income opportunities for the incredible talent I am blessed to work with.

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?
Overall, Atlanta is a fun city. There are so many things to do – depending on what you’re into. I’m an introvert so I tend to stay home a lot. (laughs). When I want to get out, there are various lounges, coffee shops, libraries and more. One restaurant I’m most excited to visit is Slutty Vegan! I never seem to make it because of the line but…I’m super excited to try it out!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I recently Executive Produced/Wrote my debut feature film “Wounded Healer.” I could not have completed this film without my incredible female team of producers and director. I want to shout out Qulanda Moore of QueUp Productions for serving as head of productions, Tiffani-MiShelle Johnson for serving as the Creative Producer, and my phenomenal female director Aleshia Cowser Jackson. Collaboratively, we produced a beautiful cinematic feature film that brings to life the importance of seeking therapy and learning to forgive and heal within the family system. I’m incredibly grateful for my team.

Website: www.ShamandaBurston.com

Instagram: @ShamandaBurston

Other: Wounded Healer Movie @WoundedHealerMovie Production Company @LuLuBProductions Memoir/Book available on Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Barnes & Nobles.com