Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauryn McCollum.
Lauryn, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a star. I would sing and act out monologues on my grandma’s porch and have my family record me. My love for acting started very early, my dad would put me in his short films and eventually, my parents put me in a local theatre program. Watching my dad work behind the scenes on his projects and at news stations over the years has fueled my passion for media. Learning the ins and outs from him and watching his ideas on paper turn into a visual reality was so inspiring to me. My main focus most of my life was theatre. I moved to Irving, TX my sophomore year of high school and immediately got involved in the theatre program. I went on to star in most of the plays each year and became the Theatre president my senior year. I would participate in the Texas UIL Thespian Conventions and UIL play competitions where I won awards such as best actress, honorable mention, national qualifier, etc. As I prepared for college, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in media. I knew that I wanted to learn more about television and film production to be able to create my own films. I wanted to learn all of the different forms of media. With the guidance of my dad, I decided to go for Media Arts. When I first got to college, I wasn’t as involved in the media world on campus as I had wanted to be. Aside from theatre in high school, I also ran track which led me to running for the University of North Texas.
My freshman year, I wanted to primarily focus on getting myself grounded with my track routine as well as classes. I knew that I eventually would become more involved on campus. The next couple of years, I became heavily involved on campus, holding executive positions in campus orgs such as Black Content Creators Association and Black Film Club. I began to work a lot at the campus television station in roles such as promotions team, news editor, sports news anchor, actress, and digital content editor. I’ve been active in the film community in Denton starring in short films and working behind the scenes on set. Outside of school, I began interning at different companies as a video production intern, media intern, and currently a digital content and social media intern for CW33 television station. Now I have my own YouTube channel that showcases my love for media, athletics, and natural hair. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from my family and the opportunities presented to me by those that believed in my talents.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely not been all peaches and cream. I am a perfectionist, so the biggest challenge for me has been allowing myself to make mistakes and take risks. I always feel that I can go harder or do more so I have had to work on being content with my work and realizing how great my work and contribution really is. Gaining opportunities has not been an issue, but I would say weeding out the best opportunities and being okay with not pursuing each one has been something to take into consideration.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in many forms of media. Television and film production, broadcasting, acting, social media marketing, editing, YouTube, and videography. My work is unique because it is genuine and original. I make sure that whatever I am creating, it is because I am truly passionate about it or know that it will affect or inspire others.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I wouldn’t do anything differently. I believe in the idea that everything happens for a reason and that everyone has their time to grow and shine. I wouldn’t rewrite my story, everything that I have been through has had its purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurynmccollum.wixsite.com/mysite-2
- Phone: (501) 420- 5904
- Email: laurynmccollum@gmail.com
- Instagram: lauryn_taylorrr
- Twitter: lauryn_taylorrr
- YouTube: LaurynTaylor UCbXerLAoVqvREaj9
CImv9zA - Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauryn-m-84b968131/
Image Credit:
@queen_incendi
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