Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna DeLane.
Hi Joanna, 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’m an actress and filmmaker born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Since launching my career, I’ve been driven by both a deep passion for storytelling and a frustration with the lack of meaningful opportunities and stereotypical roles available to performers like me. That drive led me to start funding my own projects and collaborating on friends’ work—often for free—just to stay creatively fulfilled and to explore my voice as both an actor and filmmaker.
After years of building a body of work through short films and passion projects, I was recognized on set for my dedication and work ethic. That recognition led to an amazing opportunity with the production company SLAY5, where I began working on commercials, music videos, and live events. From there, my production career gained momentum, leading to larger projects with multiple production companies. Highlights include producing Shania Twain’s Giddy Up music video, which won a Gold Telly Award for Best Music Video, and a Diljit feat. NLE Choppa music video that was nominated for Best International Music Video at the Hollywood Music Video Awards. I’ve also worked with legendary artists like Paul Anka, BUSH, and Melissa Etheridge.
My acting career continues to evolve in exciting ways as well. I am in “A Working Man”, which was the #1 movie in the country when it was released and is currently playing in theaters, acting alongside Jason Statham and David Harbour. I also have a recurring role as ER Nurse Hill in Netflix’s new series “Pulse”, which is currently the #1 show on the platform.
I’ve also worked on groundbreaking projects like Hulu’s Prey, Marvel’s Echo, and Paramount’s 1883. Every project no matter the scale, has not only been exciting but deeply educational—each one teaching me something new about the craft, the process, and myself.
At the heart of it all, my mission has always been to authentically reflect the people and stories I grew up with and to challenge the status quo in an industry that still has a long way to go when it comes to representation. I’ve made progress, but the real impact I want to make is still ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Balancing a multi-hyphenate career as an actor, producer, and talent agent assistant hasn’t been easy. Juggling all these roles means constantly switching gears while trying to stay creatively fulfilled and true to myself. I still face typecasting, which can be frustrating, especially when I’m eager to explore characters that aren’t defined by the color of my skin or the language I speak. Some of my favorite roles have been the ones where I get to just be a human being.
Another challenge has been the lack of mentors who share my cultural background. That absence made me realize I might not find the guidance I was looking for externally—I might have to become that for someone else. That’s part of why I started Materials Makeover, a space for motivated actors who need career advice, real talk, or just someone who’s been in their shoes. I don’t believe in the “I struggled, so you should too” mentality. If I can share what I’ve learned to help ease someone else’s path, I will—because we rise faster when we lift each other up.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I create my own opportunities. I’m constantly moving, experimenting with new creative mediums, and finding ways to express myself outside of traditional industry boxes. Whether it’s acting, producing, or launching a side project, I thrive on staying curious and hands-on.
In addition to my work in film and television, I’m also a self-taught cake decorator. I make what I call edible art—realistic, sculpted cakes that let me channel my creativity in a totally different way. It’s become one of my favorite ways to unwind and reconnect with my artistic side.
Lately, I’m incredibly proud of a new endeavor called Flores Greetings. As a passionate environmentalist, I’ve seen firsthand the amount of waste generated on film sets—stacks of paper, plastic water bottles, and single-use items that pile up quickly. I started Flores Greetings as an eco-friendly greeting card company using recycled paper from the industry itself—old call sheets, schedules, and audition sides that would have otherwise been tossed or poorly recycled. I repurpose them into handmade cards, each infused with flower seeds so they can be planted after being gifted. I even use eco-friendly algae ink for the designs, which I handcraft at home.
When I’m not on set, baking a cake or crafting a card is my way of resetting. These projects fuel me just as much as the big productions do—and they keep me connected to my values. I’m most proud of the fact that everything I create, whether on screen or off, comes from a place of intention. I believe in doing meaningful work, not just for myself, but for the people and the planet around me.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Right now, I’m honestly living by my own sticky-note mantra: W.M.E. – White Man Energy. It’s my way of reminding myself to move through the world with the kind of confidence and entitlement that’s often stereotypically reserved for rich white men. If I’m going to rise to their level—or higher—I have to play the game the way they do. No shrinking, no second-guessing.
I’m big on financial literacy these days. A few books that have helped shift my mindset are Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap, Your Rich BFF by Vivian Tu, and Secrets of Six-Figure Women by Barbara Stanny. I’m focused on building generational wealth and unlearning the scarcity mindset so many of us grew up with when it comes to money and work.
I’ve also stopped watching the news—it started to feel like the world was ending every single day, and that kind of energy isn’t helpful. Instead, I try to put my focus into building my own empire, brick by brick, one day at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joannadelane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannadelane/
Image Credits
Evan Mulling
Steven Lee Busby
