Conversations with the Inspiring Sally Colón-Petree

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Colón-Petree.

Sally, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m a native of Chicago with over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I am a graduate of Oral Roberts University with a degree in film and television. In 1996, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams. I’ve worked with countless celebrities both on the red carpet and on screen. My credits include several guest starring roles in TV & Film as well as National commercials, and I was featured on the cover of “Woman’s World” magazine. In 2004, I earned 2 Telly awards for my work as a producer and television host.

In 2004, I established Dream On Productions, a Los Angeles based, female-driven boutique Production Company. Dream On’s mission is to produce creative, socially impactful projects that are educational, and crafted to bring awareness to subjects that will ignite the hearts of people globally and locally. I made my directorial debut with the “Women Like Us” documentary which is currently on a festival run and has already been selected at the 2017 Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival and 2018 Bentonville Film Festival. My next film about the crisis in Puerto Rico is in post-production and I’ve begun pre-production on our third project that focuses on anti-bullying.

I started the Women Like Us documentary in February 2014, inspired by the passing of my mom, who left us a month before I started this film. This was my way of grieving. If I could stay busy and create a project that impacts the world, then my mom’s death would not be in vain. In true giving form, my mom left a small inheritance for my sisters and me to use as seed money to create change in the world, so I used part of it to fund this film. I was excited to meet some of the women that were creating change in Kenya and the US, in the areas of Female Genital Mutilation, Education, Sex Trafficking and homelessness. In 2017, the film was completed and has already been screened in over 40 cities across the country.

It was one year to the day of the release of my film, that I filed for divorce and started on a journey of self-exploration.  I am still learning key life lessons and I embrace teachable moments.  I believe during the making of this documentary, my life was completely transformed for the better, and that I have found my true love in directing documentaries.”

I currently reside in Valencia, California with my two daughters Isabella (12) and StevieJane (11).

Has it been a smooth road?
There are many obstacles that get in the way when you finally decide to leave your place of comfort. In my case, I went through a very difficult divorce. But I also dealt with people that said there would be with me on this film journey, that I realized were not in it for the right reasons and did not stick around. Making a documentary is probably the most difficult thing I have ever embarked on, but the most rewarding as well! I’ll never forget the first screening in a theater, I felt like I was living my dream awake! I’ve never been more excited and I got to share it with my two daughters, that was the most rewarding feeling.

What I would say to younger women who are just starting their journey, stay true to yourselves and love yourselves. There will always be people that disappoint you, but with some healthy boundaries and some self-confidence, those people will not take your power. Work hard, play hard and don’t stop until it’s done! Also, learn to tap into your excess capacity, not everyone knows how to do that. Be the girl that keeps on going when everyone has stopped.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Dream On Productions story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a female director for social impact documentaries. I’m also a television host and content creator. I’m most proud of the women that are inspired and empowered by my films. What sets me apart from others is that I am not afraid to dive in and work hard.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I would have answered quite differently before the #metoo and #timesup movements. The way I feel now is that the sky is the limit for females in my industry. We are being recognized, we are being celebrated, we are being sought out, and we are supporting and uniting with one another now. The biggest barrier in my industry is seeking out the funding.

Contact Info:

• Address: 25852 McBean Parkway #140
  Valencia, CA 91355
• Website: www.womenlikeusdocumentary.com
• Email: sally@dreamonprod.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sallycolon1
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sallycolonpetree
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/Iamsallycolon
• Other: www.instagram.com/womenlikeusdocu

Image Credit:
Sally Colón-Petree

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.