Meet Destiny Jackson | Writer, Actor & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Destiny Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Destiny, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I used to struggle with making time for myself while working as an assistant. It wasn’t until I started my day off with doing something that poured into myself that things became more manageable. Sometimes, this looks like going to the gym or writing after I spend some time reading a Bible plan. Putting myself first has allowed me to show up for my dreams and creativity while working a demanding job. I feel fulfilled because I’m not pouring from an empty cup. I’m my best self when my mind, body, and spirit have been fed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been a storyteller ever since I could remember. I’m an only child. So, my imagination was always actively trying to keep me entertained. It was in these moments that I developed my love for creating stories and worlds by playing with my Bratz dolls. Fast forward to today, writing, and acting are still my passions. I’ve been working in the entertainment business for quite some time. While in college at USC, I interned at BET, NBCUniversal, and for actor, and filmmaker, Allen Maldonado. It was through these experiences that I saw the ambition, grit and dedication for storytelling in action. It wasn’t until 2021 when I decided that I would take a risk and create my own project. At the time, I felt stuck in my career and was craving to create while were still in the pandemic. That summer, I decided to write my first short film, Swipe, a romantic comedy that follows two friends who make a dating pact and quickly find out that things have to go left for them to go right. From there, I tapped into my network to create the team. Shoutout to TyKecia Hayes, who was my co-EP, Tailiah Breon, the director, and Fetle Negash, who was also a producer. Without these ladies, the project wouldn’t have been what it is! We worked together to crowdfund. I didn’t realize how much of a challenge this would be. When we didn’t reach our goal, I had to rewrite the script to fit a new, slender budget and find additional funding. This was a new experience, but I was determined to see this through because I had faith that God didn’t put the vision in my heart without providing a way for it manifest. As a result, we completed filming in 12 hours and used one location to look like multiple. It was a long journey and I loved every minute of wearing the hat of an actor, writer, and producer. Despite the strikes the following year, Swipe did well and received multiple awards, including the Audience Award from the BronzeLens Film Festival in 2023. The biggest reward for me was when a young woman came up to me after a screening and told me how she loved seeing a woman that looked like her being loved onscreen. My goal is to always make sure that Black women see themselves being loved and valued on screen. I’m excited to start the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC in the fall and get closer to making this dream a reality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a lowkey breakfast/ brunch, I always recommend Home Restaurant in Los Feliz. The staff is always kind and the food & drinks are good!

For coffee/quick bite/ work session, I love Hilltop on La Brea. The playlists is always top tier and the staff is always kind.

For nightlife, I don’t go out too much, but I recently went to The Continental Club for their IRL night and had a blast! Would definitely recommend for a girls night or a date night.

If I’m feeling a lil bougie, I recommend TAO. The drinks are great, the DJ on Friday nights, and the food is bomb. Plus, I like to dress up and get cute from time to time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to Victor “Vic” McElhaney. In the short time that he was in my life before his passing, he inspired me to enjoy life, love people boldly, and walk in my purpose/passion everyday.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/destiny.created/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/TqhYQd2EX9w

Image Credits
Michael Roud Photography