Greenlight Guru: Storyteller Dawn J. Fraser of Barbershop Stories

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Greenlight Guru is an interview series that highlights artists across disciplines who have created projects and businesses around their art. This month I welcome humorist, writer and storyteller Dawn J. Fraser of Barbershop Stories!

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"Instead of thinking of your project as 'ready, aim, fire' 

think of it as 'ready, fire, aim!'" ~ Dawn J. Fraser

GY: What is your current passion project and how did it come about?

DJF: I have two passion projects, one which is more “fun” and one which is more “business”, but both support my interest in building a platform as a writer and performer. The first is Barbershop Stories, a storytelling show that I host and produce that features poets, musicians and performers sharing true tales in New York City salons. Then I chop off their hair!

My second project is a series of speeches, workshops and educational programs. My academic background is in public policy and leadership, and as a storytelling instructor, I started seeing the ways in which a well told story could be inspiring and engaging. I’ve since made it my goal to not only entertain when I speak, but to also leave audiences with practical life skills and a memorable message.

What was your reason for starting Barbershop Stories and your speaking series?

I was at a storytelling show one night, and after the show I met a professor in the audience. He mentioned that he taught a communications course at a business school, and how he wished that he could show his class how to apply some of the techniques of storytelling to his group of rigid, unengaged presenters. I told him I would develop a workshop for his class, free of charge, in exchange for them video taping the event. 

I put together a workshop that got students working on their feet. The professor was so pleased that he agreed to bring me back for another session and to find some funds so I could get paid. I went back a few months later, did a great job with the workshop, and that led to two more booked workshops. That's when I really started to take notice that there could be a way to use my expertise as a performer and a storyteller to make some side money or possibly even a career.

What has been the best thing about your experience?

It may sound crazy, but I love the unexpected twists, turns and lessons that come when bringing a creative idea to life. Although I started Barbershop Stories as a fun way to showcase some of the city's best performers, it allowed me to explore a creative skill where I didn’t have as much experience: as an MC and host. I’ve since grown to love the art of hosting and might even look into ways to promote myself in this way after I’ve successfully completed my current passion projects. For storytelling and speaking, the best part has been realizing that I can do something that I love and truly make a living!

Greenlight Guru: Ingrid Graham of Collaboration Movement

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Greenlight Guru is an interview series that highlights artists across disciplines who have created projects and businesses around their art. I'm delighted to have the lovely and talented Ingrid Graham of Collaboration Movement launch this series!

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Ingrid Graham. Photographed by Martha Benedict for the Los Angeles Women in Theatre Festival.

"The minute you embark on your passion project, your perspective changes. You are inspired and you thrive." Ingrid Graham

GY: Ingrid, please tell us about your passion project.

IG: My current passion project is my dance company Collaboration Movement which involves choreography, performing, teaching and films. I started the company because I wanted a vehicle for my choreography and I wanted to dance again. Dance is a huge part of my essence. I love performing work that I have choreographed and it's exciting for me to see my choreography interpreted by dancers as well.

What has been the best part of your venture?

The best part has been watching my dream flourish. There have been so many outlets for my work. I have seen opportunities present themselves through the formation of my company that I am so grateful for. For example, my dance films have screened and received honors all over the US and internationally. I have also had the privilege of working with outstanding artists in all genres of the arts.

What has been your greatest lesson?

My greatest lesson has been to follow my heart. I encountered a lot of opposition in the creation of my dance company. Friends, colleagues and acquaintances tried to dissuade me from pursuing this endeavor. I am thrilled that I never listened to them. In the end, we all know what we want to do with our lives. Don't let fear paralyze you. Ask for help if you need it. If you are following a dream and working hard to achieve it, I believe you will make it. It takes persistence, vision and optimism.

If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently, if anything?

Since I started the company I have been focusing more on solo work. I'm now working on a solo show and I have to say I absolutely love it! In my first year, the focus of my work was ensemble pieces. I think this experience helped me realize that I needed to be dancing more.

Why do you think passion projects are important?

I think passion projects are a necessity. So many people I meet are just trying to "survive." The minute you embark on a passion project your perspective changes. You are inspired and you thrive. I think everyone should experience this feeling at some point in their life.

Welcome!

Hello!! My name is Patranila Jefferson and I'm super excited to launch Greenlight Yourself: The Lifestyle Manual for Creative Entrepreneurs!!

I know what you're thinking. All entrepreneurs are creative, they have to be. And you're absolutely right! Being an entrepreneur requires tremendous creativity, flexibility, resourcefulness and many, many other things! What I mean by 'creative entrepreneurs' in this context is those artsy folks. You know, your actors, your singers, dancers, painters, sculptors...the folks that create and craft things out of thin air and then perform or display them for your enjoyment! And for the record, I count myself among that group for sure. More about my stuff here but for now, back to the mission at hand!

I started Greenlight Yourself because when I was a young actor just starting out, I made an alarming amount of god-awful mistakes with regard to my career decisions. Looking back, I wished I'd had someone who could have given me a tiny bit of real-world advice. Sure there were books on how to make it as an actor but the thing about books is, by the time one is in the 'book writing phase of life' one is usually quite removed from the actual day-to-day hustle. There weren't any resources by people who were in the trenches, sweating it out everyday. That's what I hope Greenlight Yourself will be. An honest, inspiring guide for navigating the often treacherous waters of life in the arts. It is designed to help you create the career you crave.

Each week I'll share resources and tips on career visioning, planning and marketing as well as the latest in entrepreneur style and tech savvy goodness that makes a busy life easier and a little more fun. I'll also profile artists/entrepreneurs whose stories I hope will inspire and encourage you! We'll talk all about the dos and don'ts for career building and focus specifically on how you can take your career into your own hands and Greenlight Yourself!

So, welcome aboard and let's get to it!

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