Meet Jeanette Johnson-Greenwood | CEO & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeanette Johnson-Greenwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeanette, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

As a child, I always enjoyed writing poems, singing, and dancing. I’d create neighborhood talent shows, inviting our neighborhood out to watch. I never would have believed I would be a business owner and founder of a nonprofit organization that hosts a community of individuals willing to give back.

I pursued an artistic career to fulfill a passion of mine and assist those that may not have the support they need to create. We have a tribe of creators that is excited about giving back to the entertainment community.

As a filmmaker that happens to be female and black, it is very hard to be accepted in a white male-driven industry.  As a black female artist, I noticed when I ventured into acting, writing, and film, I didn’t get the warmth that other genders and races received. I sought mentorship from other organizations that made me feel I didn’t belong.  It was at that point in my career I decided that I either gave up or fight back. I decided to fight back.  This is how Ladies in Film & Television was birth.  From my pain of not being accepted I birth an organization with an acronym of LIFT. I vowed that I would never allow another human being to feel the pain and voids I felt when I was out seeking mentorship and support.  I vowed that as an organization we will LIFT each other not tear each other down.

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?

I have a few businesses, Write My Life Jeanette Productions, JG Studios Company, and a nonprofit, Ladies in Film & Television.  All of them are dear to me and all pertain to Art. Write My Life Jeanette Productions is where I do my editing, screenplay writing, stage plays, and teaching others the art of writing.  JG Studios Company is my business where I teach coach, manage and train actors. Ladies in Film & Television formerly Headline Mentors & Performing Arts is our 13 year old nonprofit that was recently rebranded.  We are a full house exclusive nonprofit that has every outlet in-house to make films. We have 21 committees ran by industry professional members from all across the world.  We have international members! I think that is so cool!

Founding a grassroots nonprofit isn’t as easy as it seems. It takes hard work and dedication along with a team of people that believe in you.  This is a true story…in 2018, I wanted to shut the doors due to a lack of public funding.  Our team had worked hard in the community, often coming out of our pockets to cover what we wanted to give. Yeah, I applied for grants, but for some reason, we just didn’t get the results we needed to sustain.

However, my friends who are now President & Vice President talked about creating a safe space for female artists of color. We did and we are here. Thirteen years later, we are better and stronger. I learned sometimes you have to change to move forward. We rebranded and it’s a whole new VIBE!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I would first take her to a restaurant I’ve never gone to but heard great things and it’s Pretty!! We’d go to XO’s in Dallas. Then we’d go shopping of course. Then we’d go downtown Fort Worth just to see what’s happening on Sundance Square.

The next day we would drive to New Braunfels, TX they have nice cottages there with beautiful deers that show up from out of nowhere! We would cook, talk, drink wine and find all the shopping places in San Marcos.

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 first want to thank God for allowing me the opportunities to be before his people and share the talents and gifts he has blessed me with. I  have to shout out to my husband Johnnie Greenwood Jr. who has helped me get through the crying years of these businesses. Our children and grandchildren, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes. My father and mother, Walter & Mattie Johnson, allowed me to be me. Growing up I was always this weird kid. However, they never changed me. They allowed me to be me. I was involved in choir, show choir, UIL, talent shows, church, and more…not once did they complain…they just showed up and still show up.

I also have to thank Denice Ford & Vincent Price former owners of Agape Promotions, an organization I joined at 16 years old that promoted young artists…do you see the mentorship that happened? They inspired me to pay it forward.

I have to thank Annie Lands, Davina Perry, Freddie Watkins & Lucretia Johnson the pioneers of my organization who has been with me from day one and are still here.  I want to thank the FULL board of directors  & Committee Leaders of Ladies in Film & Television, and a special shout-out to Dr. Micaela Dartson (President) &  Dr. Catrina Pullum (Vice-President) for being amazing sisters from another mother.

Lastly, the people that dealt with all the LOUD singing, dancing, storytelling, and all my crazy ideas. My siblings Tonza Simon, Donna King, Gwen Jones (The Boss Hair), Kimberly Mitchell, Howard Johnson.  We all grew up in an era where, what we created was what we had to enjoy our day, so I made sure to create! I want to thank my younger brothers Quinn & Leonard Johnson… who are always are quick to support me and help with my productions.

I want to pay a shout-out to two people that are no longer with us but played an integral part in my career.  First, my grandmother Lillian Chiles, who contracted Covid-19 in 2020 and later passed at the age of 95, from its complications. She always told me I was talented and was one day going to be someone FAMOUS IN THE INDUSTRY! She use to get on her phone and tell people I was this BIG PLAYWRIGHT! I would sit and wonder…who is she talking about?

Secondly, my best friend who was one of my biggest supporters in Headline Mentors & Performing Arts…Camille Reece-Dancer. She always told me, “Jennie, you are going to make it.” It hurts my heart that she is not here to see the fruits of her labor, but I know she is smiling from HEAVEN saying, “GO JENNIE GO!”

Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story.  This has truly been a joyful moment to connect with a different audience. Make sure you guys follow me!

Website: www.ladiesinfilm.com

Instagram: @ladiesinfilmandtelevision

Twitter: @ladiesinfilmtv

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladiesinfilmandtelevision

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC9RaZG2T-7oG0s-qE3jiOhA