Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawntaria Franklin.
Shawntaria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started with a dream. As a little girl, I felt like there was nothing impossible for me to do. At that time in my life, I often change my mind on what I truly wanted to be in life until I received a postcard in the mail from a modeling agency that was called “Barbizon”. It was like fireworks went off in my head. This is it, this is it: I finally found out what I wanted to be in life and that was to model. However, there was no one in my family that was in the entertainment industry; I had no connections. All I had was a dream. From there, I developed a love for entertainment and fashion. I joined my middle and high school band performing on the color guard & drill team. In addition, I performed in local productions and talent shows. The joy I got from performing was like a “breath of fresh air.”
While in high school, I started taking modeling classes which exposed me to the world of acting. I use to drive almost an hour every week to take classes. I had to make the sacrifices. I remember having conversations with family and friends saying, “one day I’m going to be a model and actress.” I didn’t know how powerful my words were at that time, but I kept speaking and believing it.
I decided it was time for me to pursue my career in the entertainment industry. My first time being cast as an extra was for a film called “Farlanders” in Miami Beach, Florida. I will never forget how excited I was when I heard my agent say, “You have been booked!” On set, I felt like it was a dream that I didn’t want to wake up from: the lights, the cameras, and people everywhere. I found myself observing the onlookers watching us film which made me feel like a superstar. From time to time, I did fashion shows: getting all dolled up and ready to take the stage. I was living my dream job. From there the work was coming in very slow, I felt like I wanted to give up at times, but I didn’t. I remember one time auditioning for a well-known rapper’s music video. After the audition, I felt convicted because I was a fairly new Christian. I made up my mind I was no longer going to audition for those types of jobs. I was going to call my agent the upcoming week to let her know that I don’t want her to send me on any more auditions for music videos. However, before I got a chance to call her, she called me with excitement in her voice because not only did I have an opportunity to audition for one video, but two. I turned them both down. I decided if I’m going to pursue this profession I was going to do it God’s way. Then that’s when the doors of opportunity began to open up for me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been easy at all. This is a ministry and not just for entertainment. When you are portraying roles such as a domestic abused wife, cancer patient, human trafficking survivor you are becoming a voice for the voiceless and inspiring others that it is possible to make it out. You become a threat to the kingdom of darkness. He will try everything he can to distract you from moving forward with the project such as attacking your finances, family, ministry, career and so on. You have to be persistent and don’t let nothing stop you. I have to remind myself its not about me its an assignment.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Shawntaria Franklin – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Shawntaria Franklin is a multi-talented artist who is an American actress, model, author, and empowerment speaker. Best known for her leading role in “Loving Till It Hurts” feature film. In 2018, the film won for “Best Romantic Series” at the Urban Film Festival. This year, 2019, the film has been nominated at the “Miami Web Fest.” Shawntaria is also starring in an upcoming film titled, “Reflection of the Son.” She has worked on films such as Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”, Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming, The Lottery Ticket and Youth of Christ to name a few.
Shawntaria’s television show credits include Tyler Perry’s show “Meet the Browns”, Burn Notice, The Glades and HBO “Ballers” featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Shawntaria’s stage play credits include Godz Sun Production “Hoztage”, The Faith Center Ministries “Lost in Translation”, A.G. Wells Production “Why Am I Still Single?” and “Side Effects….Hurting People, Hurt People”.
She brings an uniqueness to her roles which has made her a sought after actress with a diverse background in film, television, and theater.
In 2016, her first book “My Story is God’s Glory: The Promise Life” was born. This book is also featured in an African American Museum and library. Also, you can find the book on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
She’s also a featured author in a new book titled “Triumph Over Trials: Journeys to Divine Joy” which she collaborated with eight other authors and will begin touring in 2019.
Shawntaria enjoys giving back to her community: She did a mother’s day basket giveaway for two lucky mothers.
She also partnered with “The Pink Queen Foundation” to do a “My Story is God’s Glory” youth essay contest.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Yes, I would make the best out of every situation. Look at it as a testimony to help others.
Contact Info:
- Email: Shawntariafranklin@gmail.com
- Instagram: Shawntaria 1
- Facebook: Shawntaria Franklin
- Twitter: Shawntaria Franklin
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