Meet Shaunette Fenton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaunette Fenton.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Shaunette. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
It’s been a wild ride. I thought for sure I would get a job somewhere in education or medicine but here I am. As a shy kid, I don’t know how I ended up acting, but I’m so glad I did. My middle school drama teacher, Ms. Helen Sanders, invested in me and helped me to hone my skills. It was with her confidence and my perseverance that I was able to continue my studies in acting at Talent Unlimited HS. Around this time, I had given my life over to God – BEST THING I have ever done – and was eager to start my new journey in Christ.

Now, acting and anything entertainment, for that matter, is not a popular career choice in my religion. I wondered how acting would fit into my new lifestyle, so I sought advice from peers and leaders in my church for maybe a month. Some thought it was not a safe route for many reasons, and others didn’t know what to say.

I felt so discouraged and wanted to know what God’s path for my life would be, so I went to him in prayer. The prayer went something like, “God, if this is not for me, take away the desire but if it is for me, send someone my way. I’ll know you sent this person if he/she is older, well-versed in your word (the Bible), has a passion for acting, and is an Apostolic Pentecostal.” Due to various reasons, I was transferred out of Talent Unlimited HS into Martin Van Buren HS and stopped acting altogether. God answers prayer, and that answer walked right into my class about a month later! I showed up to class one day, and there was an actor, Brian D. Hills, who would later become my mentor. He spoke to us about an after-school program focused on acting that was being offered in Manhattan for free. That answered prayer affirmed what I already knew -you can be a part of the entertainment field and still serve God – so here I am.

While living in New York, I had the idea to start developing my film production company. My dad bought me my first camera (thanks dad) for this photography class I didn’t want to take – it was a prerequisite to film. I laugh now when I look back because I’ve been blessed tremendously through that art form. It has allowed me to meet some incredible human beings and travel to amazing places. I want to take a moment to remind someone that your gift will make room for you, so stay the course.

In 2018, I somehow fell into this monotonous routine of church, home, and then church again. I love God, but it was horrible. I went into depression and almost lost it. A contact of mine reached out about a great gig, and he wanted me to be the photographer for the event. It was such a fulfilling moment, and it reminded me why I fell in love with this in the first place. I went home that night to apply for film schools and stumbled across LAFILM; I stayed up filling out the application. Within three days, I got the call that I was accepted! Before I knew it, I was booking my ticket to LA.

Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not. At this point in my faith journey, if it’s too smooth, I become skeptical. I’ll share this; On my way to California, I had no money, no savings, and knew no one out in LA. Even up to the Sunday before I had to fly out, my plane ticket hadn’t been booked yet. I prayed that Sunday morning, “God, what am I to do because Tuesday is right there, and I don’t know.” God was already working it out because a mentor of mine showed up to my church that day. She met with me after service and left me with an envelope. Enclosed was a check, and that paid for my plane ticket. I flew out to California on that Tuesday with nothing except a duffle bag and $100. The story has been crazy ever since, and by God’s grace, I’m still here.

It’s been a humbling experience, to say the least, from sleeping and taking showers in a 24hour fitness, to being present in school the next day, and then hurrying after class to look for a job. It’s just been a whirlwind of a ride, and it’s taught me a lot. With all the lessons I’ve had to learn, I thank my family and friends for their tremendous support! I also cherish the prayer warriors out there and my LA family for their love and opening up their homes to me. (huge S/o to the Millers, Ms. Chance, Raecine and Chi)

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Shaunette Fenton Studios is a production company that gives a voice to those who usually don’t have one. I want to see a more positive representation of minority groups, such as Christians, women, and people of color, to name a few. We are underrepresented, and when you do see us, it’s not always in the best light. Through entertainment, this company’s mission is to approach these topics with the sensitivity and frankness they deserve.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I haven’t figured it out yet. Success, to me, is doing what you love without compromise and still getting paid for it. If you’re able to do it with those you love, as well as inspire people along the way, I’d say you’re tremendously blessed!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shaunettefentonstudios.com/
• Email: Shaunettefentonstudios@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaunettefentonstudios/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10540639/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3

Image Credit:
Christopher David Curtiss, Annabel Lavkraft

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