Meet Timneisha Greene Kim | Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Timneisha Greene Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Timneisha, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up, I was an introverted child, but I discovered a creative outlet through writing. From an early age, I began freely expressing myself through the form of poetry, which later led me into creative writing and storytelling. During grade school, I won the best essay award by my school’s staff in the English department. The topic was to share an embarrassing moment and the staff was impressed by the way I could tell a story at such a young age. Later, I would find myself being rewarded with another award for best writing when I joined a youth fraternity. These two moments during my childhood stirred a deeply rooted passion in me to continue to write. People fell in love with my words and I realized just how powerful a story can be and what it could do for others.

As I embark on this journey of adulthood and experience so much, I am passionate to share stories and represent African-Americans and all of those who are marginalized through my gift of words.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My book, Athena’s Quest: A Lesbian’s Quest for Normality, was self-published and can be found on Amazon. I also just wrapped up my short film, Dear God, which has recently won an Audience Award at the California Women’s Film Festival this January 2022. I am proud and always excited for the amazing feedback that I’ve been receiving. I am currently working on another film surrounding the topic of grief, which comes after losing my father unexpectedly in 2020.

I am most proud of my art because it takes a lot of courage, dedication, and vulnerability to use my gift of writing to reach others – these are the direct causes for how far I’ve come creatively and professionally. What sets me apart from others is that the stories I create are all from my own personal experiences. I am connected to all of my stories in some way, which allows the audience to connect and feel the authenticity of my words and my emotions. I am at the intersections of being African-American, lesbian, and a woman, which also makes me relatable; I am the representation for/of many.

Finding the time to write can be challenging, especially when having other roles to take on. I have to show up as a wife, daughter, sister, family member, friend, etc. Finding balance and having good time-management does come into play when you are an artist.

The lesson I’ve learned along the way is to remain true to myself and to my art. My gift is my superpower that cannot be taken away from me. My words are mine. I have also learned that it takes a lot of believing in myself first and being my own #1 fan. I’ve also learned that taking risks can make room for lots and lots of opportunities, so brushing off fear and taking a leap of faith means a big deal and is vital for success.

Being able to write stories from my personal experiences to liberate those confined, to speak for those muted, to receive those excluded, and to awaken the souls of the untutored are the objectives of my brand and what my story stands for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to do in Los Angeles County! I honestly wouldn’t know where to begin when it comes to an itinerary because I am such a “go with the flow” kind of person. Of course, we would have to hit the beach, whether that’s Venice Beach or somewhere in Long Beach. I would probably insist on brunch at Orange Hills Restaurant in Orange County, (approx: 25 miles radius from LA) and later dine at a seafood restaurant for dinner because seafood is my favorite! I would also drag my friend with me to a botanical garden, there’s plenty to choose from. Let’s not forget Hollywood Blvd, because who doesn’t want to feel like they are connected to the stars?!

Again, there’s so much to do in the city, so much that I cannot think of just one thing and name it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to thank the Lord for He is the reason for my blessings and overall success. His favor over my life is overflowing and I must shout Him out for all that He has done, is doing, and will do in my life. I must also shout out my support system, my wife, mother, family, friends, and those who genuinely support and believe in all that I do. A very special shout out to my father in Heaven, Timothy Greene Sr.

Lastly, thank you to those who have come before me, those who paved the way for marginalized communities, those who continue to be an inspiration to me through art.

Website: www.Timneisha.com

Instagram: @filmdeargod

Other: https://linktr.ee/timneisha

Image Credits
Jayia Kim