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

Hi Josette, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my company wasn’t a conventional business decision. It was survival, purpose, and truth colliding at the same time.

I am the daughter of pieces of stories I will never be able to know the full truth about. From my mother’s side, it seems that I am the product of abuse and rape. From my father’s side, it appears I may be the product of coercion, manipulation, and prostitution. In between those fragments are the voices of other family members, and the painful understanding that the truth may very well include all of those realities at once.

I was born in Miami, Florida, with a maternal lineage connected to the Back Foot tribe that I have never been able to fully trace. At three years old, I was adopted by my paternal grandparents in the south of France. Between the ages of nine and thirteen I was placed in foster care with an aunt and her family, before returning to live with my grandparents because I struggled to adapt.

As a child I was labeled “at risk” and placed in special aid programs. I failed two grades and eventually dropped out of high school at sixteen. Soon after, I moved alone to the United States without speaking the language, without a formal education, and without the safety net that most young people take for granted. What followed were years marked by uncertainty, harassment, and vulnerability tied to my age, gender, lack of parental presence, and financial instability—all while navigating serious mental and emotional health challenges.

Yet the story did not stop there.

Over time, and often while enduring homelessness, rape, an undiagnosed relapsing demyelinating disease, and worsening mental health struggles, I slowly climbed the educational ladder. I earned scholarships and awards. I completed certifications in multiple fields. Eventually, I earned my PhD. I published books and articles in various magazines and was invited onto podcasts and live events as a guest public speaker.

Even now, while continuing to navigate advocating for access to healthcare and justice, I am still awaiting justice for certain events in my life and living with housing instability, without a car, and without a stable income.
But through all of this, my purpose never left me.

For a while, I tried to find producers who might be willing to help bring my story to life through film. I wanted to create both a movie and a documentary that could shine light on the realities so many people experience but that are rarely seen as deeply multilayered. Without funding, visibility, or the ability to afford an entertainment agent, I faced rejection after rejection.

So, I did what survival had already taught me to do: I adapted and welcomed the added challenge as an opportunity.
I studied the industry. I learned about production. I wrote my own screenplays. I kept moving forward, turning each “no” into a lesson and each closed door into another step forward.

At some point, I realized something both simple and powerful: no one was going to tell this story unless I did.
And suddenly I understood the deeper power of something that had guided me for years—never taking “no” as an ending but always seeing it as a Next and better Opportunity.

That realization led to the creation of JosetteXMP Productions LLC.

Today I am the scriptwriter, producer, voiceover narrator, and main actress in my own true story. My first projects—The Prostitute’s Daughter and the documentary Homeless with a PhD—emerge directly from lived experience and from my current reality as the first disabled female unhoused producer bringing these stories to life.

Through these films, I aim to expose systemic failures across multiple areas of our society—from the medical system to mental health care, housing instability, and food insecurity—while also showing the human resilience that often grows in the spaces where systems fall short.

Starting the company was my way of refusing to disappear.

It was my way of saying that even from the margins, creation is not only possible—it can be transformative.

Sometimes the most powerful stories are not born in studios or boardrooms, but in the quiet determination of someone who refuses to let their voice be erased.

And in my case, building this company became more than a professional decision.

It became an act of survival, an act of resistance, and ultimately an act of faith that I will gain my justice by becoming all that I can become.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My work lives at the intersection of storytelling, justice, and human transformation. But what truly sets this journey apart is not only what I am building—it is how I am building it.

I founded JosetteXMP Productions with a vision that storytelling could become a bridge between lived experience and social change. Through film, writing, and public conversation, my work explores themes that millions of people live with every day but that too often remain hidden behind stigma or silence: identity, homelessness, disability, trauma, education, systemic barriers, and the human search for meaning and purpose.

My productions are deeply personal—but they are not simply about me.

They are about the countless people navigating systems that were never designed with them in mind. People with extraordinary intelligence, creativity, and resilience whose voices are often dismissed because of labels placed upon them.

And what makes this story particularly unusual is that I am building this entire body of work while being unhoused, without a car, without stable income, and currently living on food stamps.

Most businesses begin with capital, infrastructure, networks, and stability.

Mine began with none of those things.

What I had instead was relentless passion and an unshakable sense of purpose.

In fact, in many ways my lack of traditional resources forced me to become something I never expected: a polymath entrepreneur. When doors closed, I didn’t stop—I learned the skills behind the doors.

When I couldn’t afford to hire people, I became the people.

To avoid paying an entertainment agent and facing yet another layer of gatekeeping, I became:

• my own scriptwriter
• my own producer
• my own voiceover artist
• my own actress, telling my own true story
• my own documentary creator
• my own publicist and storyteller

And along the way, I also became things I never imagined I would be:

• a model
• an artist
• and a published author

All of it built piece by piece through determination, learning, and necessity.

Ironically, the fact that I began as “no one” in the eyes of traditional systems became the very thing that allowed me to become someone.

Every rejection letter, every closed door, every moment of being underestimated became an education. When opportunities were denied to me, I simply learned how to build them myself.

Without intending to, I became what may very well be the first polymath disabled unhoused female entrepreneur running her own creative production company through an LLC while simultaneously producing her own life story and social impact work.

Not because it was glamorous.

But because I had no other choice if I wanted to succeed against all odds.

Yet what makes this journey sustainable is not individual resilience alone.

It is community.

This project is powered by people who believe in the mission. Volunteers who donate their time. Photographers who donate their talent. Therapists, drivers, supporters, advocates, and readers who amplify the message. Professionals across the United States—and internationally—who reach out on LinkedIn simply to say, “Keep going.”

Their belief is fuel.

Their generosity is infrastructure.

Their encouragement is momentum.

And because of that collective energy, JosetteXMP Productions is not meant to stop at filmmaking.

One of my long-term visions is to build a non-clinical mental health platform centered on neuroplasticity, exploring how people can rewire patterns of thought, resilience, and healing outside of traditional systems that are often financially or structurally inaccessible.

I am also working toward an innovative educational model that challenges rigid academic hierarchies—the divisions between subjects, between age groups, between formal and informal knowledge. Instead, it would emphasize collaboration, curiosity, interdisciplinary thinking, and lifelong learning.

Because intelligence does not live neatly inside institutional boxes.

And neither does human potential.

At its heart, all of my work asks a simple but powerful question:

What becomes possible when we stop defining people by their limitations and instead begin designing systems that allow them to evolve?

The road to building this business has absolutely not been easy.

Living with a relapsing demyelinating disease means there are days when simply standing upright is an accomplishment. Being unhoused means constantly navigating uncertainty—where to sleep, how to move across a city without transportation, how to maintain productivity without the stability most entrepreneurs take for granted.

But those challenges have also revealed something profound.

Human capability is far greater than the systems that attempt to measure it.

And meaning is often forged precisely in the places where comfort does not exist.

If there is one lesson I have learned along the way, it is this:

Purpose is stronger than circumstance.

The world may see homelessness and assume failure.

But what they often fail to see is the innovation, intelligence, and resilience that survive inside those conditions.

I want the world to know that my brand—and my story—are not about overcoming adversity in a tidy inspirational narrative.

They are about exposing the hidden brilliance that exists in people society too quickly overlooks.

My journey has never followed a straight line.

I have been a dropout, researcher, teacher, advocate, artist, writer, and filmmaker—often all at once.

And today I am doing something very unusual:

I am telling my own story while still living inside it.

The documentary is not about a past victory.

It is about a success story still being written in real time.

And if there is one message, I hope people take away from all of this, it is this:

Your circumstances may shape your path.

But they do not define your worth, your intelligence, or your future.

Because sometimes the most powerful stories do not emerge from privilege or stability.

They emerge from the places society least expects.

And from a woman who started with nothing—but refused to stop building anyway.

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.
If my best friend were coming to visit me in El Paso for a week, I wouldn’t try to impress them with luxury or packed tourist schedules. What I would want to show them is something much deeper: the soul of this region. El Paso is not just a destination—it’s a place you experience through its people, landscapes, cultures, and quiet acts of kindness.

I would probably begin the week early in the morning, taking them somewhere that has protected and grounded me many times: Franklin Mountains State Park. As the sun rises over the desert, the light spreads slowly across the mountains, and the entire borderland region begins to glow. From up there, you can see how the geography itself tells a story—Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico all meeting within the same horizon. Hiking those trails has often been a place of reflection and healing for me, especially while navigating health challenges, and I would want my friend to feel the same quiet strength that the desert offers.

After a hike like that, there is only one proper way to start the day: breakfast somewhere deeply local. I would take them to Lucy’s Restaurant, a beloved family-run restaurant that has been part of the community for decades. The food is wonderful—traditional Mexican dishes like machaca or caldo—but what really makes Lucy’s special is the spirit behind it. It’s the kind of place where people are greeted like family. Restaurants like this represent the heart of El Paso: humble, generous, and rooted in community. Places where a meal is not just food, but connection.

From there we would wander through downtown, stopping at places like San Jacinto Plaza, where you see musicians, families, artists, and everyday life unfolding. It’s the kind of plaza where you can simply sit and watch the rhythm of the city. Nearby, we might spend time inside the El Paso International Museum of Art, which holds both international works and art reflecting the unique cultural dialogue of the borderlands. Art in this region often feels personal—it reflects histories, migrations, identities, and resilience.

One of the most fascinating things about El Paso is that it lives in constant conversation with the city just across the border: Ciudad Juárez. If possible, I would take my friend across to experience that culture as well—the markets, the food, the warmth of the people. This border region is not simply divided by a line on a map; it is deeply interconnected. That connection is something I personally carry gratitude for, because crossing into Juárez at a critical moment helped me obtain medical answers and access treatment when the system had failed me elsewhere. It reminds you that compassion and care transcend borders.

During the week we would probably drive the scenic route across the mountains along the Transmountain Road, cutting through the Franklin Mountains. The views from up there are breathtaking—you see the entire desert valley stretching endlessly, the cities blending together, the mountains rising like guardians around the region. Sunset there is unforgettable, with the sky turning shades of gold, pink, and deep violet.

But some of the best moments would be quieter ones. We might sit with coffee at Coffee Box, a creative space made from repurposed shipping containers that attracts students, artists, and entrepreneurs. It’s the kind of place where conversations flow easily and ideas seem to circulate in the air.

And somewhere during the week we would visit the El Paso International Museum of History, because understanding El Paso means understanding the long story of the borderlands—its cultures, its struggles, its resilience, and the remarkable blending of identities that make the region unique.

But if I am honest, the places themselves are only part of the story.

What truly makes El Paso extraordinary are its people.

The restaurant owners who treat strangers like family.
The artists and musicians sharing their creativity.
The small business owners who care about their community.
The neighbors who step in to help when someone needs it.

Those human moments are what make the city unforgettable.

By the end of the week, as we watched one final sunset over the desert mountains, I would probably tell my friend something simple but true:

El Paso might not always appear on glamorous travel lists, but it is one of the most genuine and generous places I have ever known.

Because when you spend time here, you realize you didn’t just visit a city.

You experienced a community that knows how to care for one another.

My favorite places are actually very simple ones.

I’m drawn to environments where people gather to think, create, and exchange ideas—libraries, independent cafés, parks, and small creative spaces where conversations unfold naturally. Those are the places where ideas quietly take shape and where unexpected collaborations are born.

If a friend came to visit, I would want to walk. A lot.

Walking creates space for conversation. It slows the pace of the world just enough for people to talk about the deeper things—life, purpose, dreams, struggles, and the strange and beautiful ways our stories unfold over time.
I would also want them to meet people.

Artists. Activists. Filmmakers. Volunteers. Thinkers. People who care deeply about building something meaningful together.

Because the most inspiring “places” in my world are not always physical locations—they are communities of individuals who share the belief that creativity and compassion can still shape the future.

In many ways, the real story behind JosetteXMP Productions isn’t simply about one person overcoming the odds.
It is about what happens when people begin to believe that every story is worth telling.

And sometimes when the odds seem impossibly stacked against us, it is not necessarily a sign to stop. Often it means there are lessons waiting to be uncovered and strengths within us that we have not yet had the chance to recognize.
I did not originally set out to become my own producer.

But after enough rejections, I was faced with two choices: give up, or create the opportunity myself. So, I chose to create it.

And in doing so, I discovered something powerful—that the stories we fight the hardest to tell often become the ones capable of changing not only our own lives, but the lives of others who recognize themselves within them.
Because sometimes the most extraordinary journeys begin with a simple decision:
to keep going, even when no one believes in your, even when it seems unrealistic, and even when the world expects you to stop.

I don’t believe success is reserved for people who start with resources.

Sometimes it begins with someone who simply refuses to stop creating, learning, and connecting—even when everything seems impossible.

My story is not solely about overcoming odds.

It is about proving that even from the margins, a masterpiece can still be created.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I reflect on this journey, it becomes very clear that nothing I have accomplished has been done alone. My story is deeply intertwined with the generosity, courage, and humanity of so many people. So my shoutout is not to just one person—it is to an entire community of believers who chose compassion in action.

First and foremost, my gratitude goes to the El Paso community. There were moments in this journey when I was navigating life while living with a severe demyelinating disease relapse, mental health concerns, and experiencing housing insecurity which I still confront today. Those realities can be daunting. Yet time and time again, people in El Paso stepped forward with extraordinary kindness. Some opened their homes and gave me a place to sleep. Others shared meals with me when nourishment was more than just food—it was hope. Many drove me to appointments and therapies, sometimes rearranging their own schedules simply to make sure I could continue healing and working toward my mission.

There were volunteers who gave their time to help me access varied therapies, who showed up simply because they believed in the work I am trying to do in the world. That kind of generosity changes a person. It changes what you believe is possible.

I also want to recognize the many local photographers who generously donated their time and talent to help bring visibility to my work and my story. Photography has the power to capture dignity and narrative in a single frame, and I am deeply grateful to all who contributed.

I would especially like to highlight two of the many volunteers who gifted their artistry and time:

• Kenneth Steward, whose work in Photographic Storytelling helped bring powerful life to my visual narrative of “The Prostitute’s Daughter.” Our projects, including “The Story of ‘The Prostitute’s Daughter’ with Josette Pelatan” and “Leica M11 Monochrome: The quiet story of ‘The Prostitute’s Daughter’,” demonstrate how photography can quietly hold truth and resilience. His generosity and creative eye helped me translate lived experience into visual storytelling. Through his platform at Grumpy Vet Photography, he amplified a story that deserved to be seen.

• And Mario De Alba (Sun City Photography), and Mike Catalan (Independent Photographer), for some of this current issue, who once again donated their time and talent to help ensure that the work and the message reach further. That kind of creative solidarity means more than people realize.

Beyond the local community, I have also been profoundly moved by the national and international support that continues to arrive through LinkedIn and beyond. People from across the United States and around the world have reached out—sometimes strangers—to offer guidance, encouragement, mentorship, and simply a few words that say, “keep going.” Those messages matter. They remind me that purpose travels far beyond geography.

I am also incredibly thankful to the podcasts and magazines that have chosen to share my story and my work. Their platforms have helped amplify conversations about resilience, mental health, disability, social justice, and human dignity. Every interview, every feature, every conversation helps expand the impact of the mission.

Equally important are the individuals who recommended me for awards and scholarships that allowed me to stay afloat and remain purposeful in difficult seasons. Being nominated and supported through recognitions such as the Bold Spirit of Achievement by the Hogg Foundation —and other scholarship opportunities—meant that people believed enough in the vision to advocate for it. That kind of advocacy is powerful.

I also want to thank the many human rights organizations and advocacy groups working in disability rights, mental health, and social justice that continue to support this journey. Many of them follow my LinkedIn newsletter, amplify the work, and have even invited me to serve as a keynote speaker. Their support reinforces that this work is not just personal—it is part of a broader movement toward dignity and equity.

When you live with a relapsing neurological disease, and when stability—like housing— feels uncertain, there are moments where the path ahead could feel fragile. But when I look around and see the sheer number of people helping in wildly different ways, it becomes impossible not to believe in the purpose of this journey.

People often measure success in financial terms.

I might not yet be a millionaire.

But thanks to the compassion, generosity, and courage of all these individuals and communities, I am unquestionably a FULLFILLIONAIRE.

And for that, I remain endlessly grateful.

Website: https://gravatar.com/josettexmp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josettepelatan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josette-pelatan-651a98261/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josettepelatan/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@josettepelatan

Other: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/josettexmp7.bsky.social

Image Credits
Sun City Photography – (Mario De Alba) — Only the Pictures with Sun City Photography Logo

&

Mike Catalan (Only picture with black top and jeans)

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