After gaining experience in various roles within the media industry, I established Reel2Real Productions in 2006, a full-service video production company located in Tampa, FL. Over the years, my team and I have produced a wide range of content, including marketing videos, TV commercials, live events and more, for clients both domestically and internationally. In 2010, we relocated our operations to Columbia, SC, where my interest in creating a documentary was sparked.

In 2013, while working at my office in downtown Columbia, I stumbled upon an article in the newspaper discussing the City Council’s approach to tackling homelessness, which included considering jail as a potential solution. Given my daily interactions with the unsheltered community, I was appalled. As an empath, I couldn’t fathom the idea of someone being jailed simply because they lacked a home. Feeling compelled to take action, I decided to create a documentary series entitled, No Address: Columbia, SC and No Address: Atlanta, GA. These films explore the difficulties experienced by those without homes, examines the underlying systems involved and offers practical solutions to combat this growing epidemic. They are now available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, YouTube, Docsville and more.

I partnered with the National Coalition for the Homeless to document their “Local Power Tour” across the country, aiming to raise awareness, acquire knowledge and mobilize the community. All of these endeavors were transformative, leading me to establish the No Address Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the housing crisis. Through the foundation, we aim to secure land and construct sustainable communities for the unsheltered population. The rest of my story is still pending.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an advocate for the homeless comes with its own set of challenges, especially when faced with political systems that seem resistant to change. One of the biggest challenges is the deeply ingrained stigma and misconceptions surrounding homelessness. Despite efforts to educate the public, there are still pervasive attitudes that blame individuals for their situation, rather than recognizing the systemic issues at play.

Another significant challenge is the lack of political will to address homelessness effectively. While there are often promises and policies put forth, the actual implementation and allocation of resources can fall short. This can be incredibly frustrating. This delicate balance requires strategic thinking and persistence. By continuing to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes and hold policymakers accountable, we can be the change we want to see.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the founder of Reel2Real Productions, a full-service video production company with nearly twenty years of expertise, our primary commitment has been to produce high-quality marketing videos, TV commercials, reels, documentaries, as well as feature and indie films. We manage all stages of production from directing and producing to filming and editing, ensuring exceptional results for our clients.

What sets us apart is our unique approach to storytelling, building lasting relationships with our clients and our track record of delivering exceptional results within budget and on schedule.

I take great pride in being an entrepreneur and having the flexibility to shape my own reality.