Meet Victoria Sharpe of VSharpe Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Sharpe.

Victoria, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After realizing my unique storytelling abilities in the sixth grade, I had not only found my passion – I had found my purpose. Excited to entertain my friends on paper, I passed my writings around the school for my peers to enjoy. Even at an early age, I received an overwhelming response from my elementary classmates, giving me the push I needed to pursue my dream wholeheartedly. By the time I entered college, I was writing, directing, and producing the Black History plays for the student body of Alabama A&M University. With sponsorship from my university, coupled with my personal funds, I was able to produce four stage plays as an undergraduate.

After graduating, I returned to my hometown – Detroit, MI, and founded VSharpe Productions. VSharpe Productions is committed to producing high-quality films, television series, and stage plays to empower, educate, and equip by connecting us to our humanity. After founding the production company, I wrote and produced the critically acclaimed stage plays “After Sunday” and “Tables.” Both shows ran to sold-out audiences three times and yielded standing ovations in downtown Detroit. Although theatre is my first love, I was compelled to bring stories to the screen. Constantly challenging myself to reach new heights in my writing discipline and capabilities, I then created, wrote, and executive produced the award-winning two-season drama web series “Carter and Cody.” With an unwavering commitment to storytelling and the art of writing, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City then finally brought my talents to Los Angeles.

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?
The journey has been difficult, to say the least. NYC was a beast in itself. I received a lot of no’s but the daily yes from myself was enough to keep me writing and producing. After the overwhelming response from season one of the web series, I was met with the realization that I had a duty to exceed what my team and I had already done, which called for a larger budget. I went into overdrive to secure the funds to produce a season two – working over 40 hrs a week, crowdfunding campaigns, selling t-shirts, and hosting bowling and car wash fundraisers to see the vision through. The cost of living in both NYC and LA is expensive so it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle to survive and produce films so having a strong support system is necessary.

In the midst of premiering season two, my older brother was murdered. Stricken with grief but even more determined, I transitioned to Los Angeles 8 months later with the goal to make my brother proud. Like most who lose a loved one unexpectedly, I was hit with the reality that tomorrow isn’t promised – the time is always now.

Los Angeles is full of talented writers – it’s difficult for some to network and to gain access to certain rooms, especially black women and people of color. As a black woman, I’ve experienced many challenges in the industry but whereas most people use life’s issues as a reason to fail, I use them as a reason to soar – adds more fuel to my fire to fulfill my purpose.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
After settling in Los Angeles, I hit the ground running – writing and producing fresh projects. Last summer, I wrote and executive produced the short film “Banned.” “Banned” takes place in a dystopian future where a female doctor will risk it all to protect women and their freedom of choice. It’s a story of audacity, power, and purpose. The film was set to premiere here in Los Angeles before the mandate to quarantine. We haven’t set a new date just yet but will very soon!

In the midst of a pandemic, I stretched myself beyond my comfort zone and created something fresh and innovative. Last month, I launched a series of “divine” short stories on IGTV (@divinelyvic) to empower, educate, and equip women through my storytelling. In addition to telling stories, I am passionate about empowering women – especially black women.

Too often, black women are overlooked and undervalued so I wanted to combine both my passions on my social platform. My vision is for women to heal, manifest, and grow through these collections of stories. Women heal through other women’s stories which is why it’s imperative that we share them.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I give all glory to God for “if it had not been for the Lord on my side, I have no clue where I would be.” I’m a firm believer in prayer, meditation, and fasting. I do all three to stay grounded in my purpose. I believe in the power of manifestation. Everything happens when it’s supposed to happen and exactly as it should happen.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/divinelyvic?igshid=11foeyiem5cny
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMvfls4iAcESWZoE49-PdtA

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