Hyphens Haven

There is a space every artist enters that no one prepares you for—the space between what you know is possible and what your life can currently prove.

In this episode of Hyphens Haven, I’m speaking from inside that space.

The world feels heavy. The political climate is loud. Grief and optimism are living side by side. And still—the desire to work, to create, to build something aligned refuses to leave.

Between the Vision and the Evidence is a meditation on what it means to keep going when the evidence hasn’t caught up to the calling yet. We talk about the quiet grief of unmet timelines, the discipline of creating without proof, and why alignment—not clarity—is often the truest compass.

This is for the artists who are still showing up with tears in their eyes.
 For those who feel early, not finished.
 For anyone learning how to create honestly in the middle of uncertainty.

I also share why I created The Artist Alchemy—a community born from the belief that artists were never meant to do this alone. There truly isn’t another space like it in the world: one where ambition and tenderness coexist, where artists gather not to compete but to alchemize, especially in moments like this.

Because when artists come together with intention, we don’t just create work—we create what our souls need to keep moving forward.

If you’re between the vision and the evidence, this episode is for you.

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

In the face of tragedy and chaos, finding the motivation to create can feel impossible. This episode explores 10 practical techniques for overcoming creative blocks, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Concerning the American Airlines jet and Blackhawk helicopter collision, we offer our sincerest condolences to the families and friends who are journeying through unimaginable pain. For anyone managing grief, we hope you are enveloped with peace and comfort.

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

Living through a second Trump presidency - or any politically turbulent period - presents unique challenges for artists. However, it also offers opportunities to create, connect, and contribute in meaningful ways. By prioritizing our mental health, leveraging our community, and using our art as a tool for expression and resistance, we can navigate this time with resilience and purpose. Here are some strategies for navigating this period while staying grounded and flourishing as an artist.

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

For many artists, the creative process is the easy part—it’s the business side of the industry that feels overwhelming. Contracts, negotiations, and the often-intimidating process of demanding fair pay can be a daunting challenge. Yet, these skills are crucial for anyone in the creative field who wants to sustain a career and thrive financially. Let’s explore how artists can confidently navigate the business of creativity, ensure they’re fairly compensated, and safeguard their rights.

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

2025 has arrived! It's time for a refreshed mindset and to thrive! This episode is about equipping you…us… with questions to answer as we gather practical strategies to set realistic and achievable goals for our artistic journey in 2025. Questions include:

1. What projects were the most fulfilling?
2. Which skills did you improve upon to get through 2024? 
3. In what ways were you too ambitious?
4. What areas of improvement can you acknowledge?
5. What is your why?
6. What are your top three to five priorities for the year?
7. What do your monthly checkpoints look like as you approach your why?
8. What are your plans to invest in your professional development?
9. What self care methods will you schedule this year?
10. How do you intend to celebrate your success?

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

Bronzelens Film Festival is held annually in August, my birth month and what an experience it is. In addition to sharing my thoughts on this event,  I offer 5 criteria you should consider before submitting to film festivals.

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

Being a multi-hyphenated Black woman working as a writer, director, actor, and producer can be traced as far back to the 1910s. Here's an introduction to 10 Black women and an invitation to research them more.

Madame E. Touissant Welcome
Pearl Webb
Drusilla Dunjee Houston
Birdie Gilmore
Tressie Souders
Maria P. Williams
Alice B. Russell
Zora Neale Hurston
Eloyce King Patrick Gist
Eslanda Cardozo Goode Robeson

Info on "The Delilah Factor" can be found at https://www.dreamofdrea.com/tdf/

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

Haven Brady, Jr. is a rising star in the sport of boxing fighting in the super featherweight division. He has performed in arenas across the United States like MGM Grand in Vegas, State Farm Arena in Atlanta, to Madison Square Garden in New York City. He is from Albany, GA and is building an impressive resume.

Follow him on Instagram and Facebook

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

Connect to Jay Allen on Instagram
Connect to Jay Allen on Facebook
Swirl Films Website

As Co-Head of Development at Swirl Films, Jay Allen is a results-driven professional who is committed to bringing compelling content to audiences worldwide. He oversees the entire content production process, from conception to post-production, serving as the main liaison and point of contact for the projects he leads. Jay's most significant accomplishment to date was taking the popular TV One television series, UNCENSORED, from ideation to a fully-formed show that has consistently dominated Ad-Supported Cable among African-American viewers in its time slot. Additionally, Jay played a pivotal role in co-creating and producing the highly acclaimed "Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told" documentary for Hulu, which chronicles the history and cultural significance of the annual spring break event in Atlanta.

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Jay is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where he majored in Communication and Media Studies and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He is also an Instagram influencer with over 16,000 followers, using the platform to showcase his passion for storytelling.

Before joining Swirl Films, Jay honed his skills in Enterprise Sales at the Atlanta startup Airwatch, which sold to VMware for $2 billion in 2014.

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts

It's the first episode of 2024! Oscar nominations have been announced and there are stats to discuss as it relates to women working behind the camera.

24 women-led production companies are spotlighted as well! Let's get to know them!

Articles to connect to:
Center for the Study of Women In Television and Film
The 1st Woman to Own a Film Production Company

Now is a great time to act on your dreams! If this episode helped you, please share to a friend!

https://www.instagram.com/HyphensHaven/
http://www.dreamofdrea.com/

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DreamofDreaLLC/podcasts