An Inspired Chat with Sushila Love of South Bay

We recently had the chance to connect with Sushila Love and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sushila, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
When I first began editing, there were very few people outside the industry who had any real understanding of what an editor actually does. To this day, I still encounter people who think that films and television shows are both shot and edited in-camera; that there is no real “editor,” merely a camera operator pushing start and stop.
Over the past decade, however, more and more people have gained access to consumer editing software, whether it be a traditional NLE (non-linear editing system) or a smartphone app. This, in turn, has led to a broader understanding of the editor’s role, especially as people see how the news is reported and recognize the importance of what information is presented, how it is presented and in what sequence.
As this deeper understanding of the power of editing becomes more widespread, it is challenging the classical idea of what editing should look and feel like. In the past, editing was considered “the invisible art,” and editors “invisible artists.” But this evolution of the craft has led to editing that, at times, draws attention to itself in deliberate and meaningful ways. I am excited by the revolutionary ways people are using editing to disrupt and punctuate concepts, both intellectual and visual.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As a film and television editor with over 15 years of experience across multiple genres and a focus on sound design in storytelling, I’ve built my career around collaboration, creative curiosity, and the belief that every story deserves to be told with intention.
I’m committed to mentorship and to creating space for new voices, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. My brand’s uniqueness lies in my passion for pushing the boundaries of how we communicate through the use of motion pictures, and how editing can amplify authenticity and disrupt expectation.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Definitely my mother. She taught me to give 110 percent, 100 percent of the time and took on multiple jobs to support our family when I was growing up. The way she poured herself into those she encountered throughout her teaching career showed me the impact you can have on other people’s lives. Somehow my mother managed not only to be a breadwinner and raise her children, but to also teach us the importance of making time to stand up for our community and our responsibility to give back.
Thinking of all of the sacrifices she made to benefit us keeps me pushing ahead in my own life.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Despite having many successes that I am very grateful for, I still carry the fear of not being enough. I’ve always felt it standing in between me and my next step forward, whether that be starting a new job or maintaining a life-long relationship. However, once I became aware of the fear, I’ve had the opportunity to interrogate it and create an action plan. When it inevitably begins to bubble up, I connect with my support system to remind me that I am valued. I journal about the aspects of myself that have pulled me through difficult situations and remind myself of the evidence of my impact on the world. One exercise I like in particular is putting myself back into my 17 year old mind, then “looking” at my current self. Seeing myself from that place puts into perspective how far I have come.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
As my close friends know, my face likes to blurt out the feelings I think I’m hiding! This is likely one of the many reasons I never got into acting. Knowing this, I just lean into being my authentic self, no matter what company I keep. That being said, I approach people with empathy and kindness first. When you lead with kindness, people tend to give you the benefit of the doubt if and when you make a misstep. Kindness is like money that earns interest: it pays dividends.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I see a lot of people fixated on climbing the ladder, chasing trends, and attempting to align themselves with the biggest names in the industry. There’s value in studying success, of course, but I’ve always been more interested in the underdogs, the ones experimenting quietly just outside the spotlight.
I’ve never regretted investing in new filmmakers, whether they’re editors, directors, or writers with a fresh point of view. Supporting emerging artists through mentorship and collaboration has pushed me to evolve creatively as well. When you invest in people and relationships rather than status, opportunities tend to come back around in ways you’d never expect.
I’ve never been drawn to being the center of attention; what grounds me is building genuine connections with people who challenge and nurture me. That sense of community has created a kind of creative feedback loop… one that keeps me inspired, curious, and open to what’s next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovesushila.com
• Instagram: @sushilalove5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sushila-love-03a13528/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app