Connect
To Top
local stories

Daily Inspiration: Meet Thea Touchton

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thea Touchton.

Thea Touchton

Hi Thea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I started as and still VERY much am a theater kid. Forever grateful for when I was rehearsing a song for an audition in sixth grade, and a group of kids commented on that I could sing. I currently stay alive mainly for the rush of applause after I do karaoke. It’s critical when peers recognize talent. So, if you ever see something you love about someone- speak on it! 

Growing up in the age of YouTube, I always wanted to have my own channel, but I grew up unable to afford a camera. Then it took a long time to get over my fear of being perceived, which is a ridiculous and annoying fear to have as a performer. Fortunately, I broke through that enough to get monetized. 

When the pandemic happened, I had to honor this hunch I always had that I was more than just a performer. There was a behind-the-scenes crew person inside me, and I took an online course that made me fall in love with advertising and producing, so I opened up my own production company and started my own business in the pandemic- which, in hindsight, was not the best time to start a business. However, within two years, my company became an international award-winning company that made a feature film I had funded myself. Now, I’m looking for investors to expand into bigger animated projects. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth roads might be a myth? Even the most privileged people I know have struggles. The road was full of bumps for me. I dealt with severe trauma from sexual assaults. I’ve never been in the tax bracket to access the medical care I need. I am still in the midst of finding my steadfast community. I lost so many friends being outspoken for my gender. It’s hard to fit me in a box. I had a rough childhood, and it took me a long time to overcome a scarcity mindset and believe in myself. I allowed way too many people to berate me because I struggled with such a low opinion of myself. I often felt like a burden, unsure of my purpose in life. I had people call into question if I even deserved life, some days are easier than others, I often still have to pep talk myself and meet me where I’m at. Hold fast, trust the process and journey. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I produce comedies and mental health documentaries, which most people laugh at when I tell them because they’re like, oh, that is related! I agree; laughter is the best medicine. I’m known for a bunch of comedy shorts on the festival scene and Bake It Till You Make It, a mental health documentary about healing from eating disorders. I also went to the White House via MTV in recognition for my work in mental health advocacy. I’ve also been in the background of a lot of incredible tv shows. I’m most proud of the fact that I am a person with a disability running my own company- that feels very powerful to me and something I never felt like I would be capable of doing in the thick of my disability. What sets me apart from the majority of workplaces is I truly take every employee’s mental health in mind. We work on flexible schedules, have open dialogues, and build each other up over at Suenito Media. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was so precocious! Incredibly judgy, had such a strong moral point of view. I’ve relaxed so much as I’ve gotten older. I always joke if my eight-year-old self met me, she would probably shriek. She would have never imagined me being pansexual and doing half the things I’ve done. I was also way more interested in science and animals than I am now. I still love science and animals, but when I was younger, I read so many books on them. Now I read mostly self-help and business books. I’m not as religious as I use to be. When I was younger, I considered being a nun! 

Pricing:

  • 1-hour creative coaching call- $50
  • Producing fee- $3500
  • Bake It Till You Make It Screening In Person- $350
  • Bake It Till You Make It Screening Online- $150
  • Photography- $75 per hour

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in local stories