“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.” —George Bernard Shaw

When I was 9, I wanted my hair in micro braids for the summer and my parents couldn't afford it. I asked them to buy the hair I needed and spent two weeks teaching myself how to braid through trial and error. I got compliments on my braids all summer and, going forward, had braids whenever I wanted.

Growing up as a Black girl on the south side of Chicago was a lesson in the many values and skills I would need to be successful in life, chief among them determination and perseverance. I make plans, and I see them through.

Now, I put that determination and perseverance to work as a freelance creative professional. I’m a producing director with an interest in storytelling as an agent for change and collaboration as a building block for mentorship. For over 10 years, I’ve honed my skills producing and directing independently as well as working in scripted production in Hollywood for studios such as Sony, FOX, NBC, HBO, Lionsgate, ABC/Disney, Paramount and Warner Brothers among others.

When I’m not on the job, I love reading until my eyes hurt, testing out chocolate chip cookie recipes, and spending time with my brothers and sister.

My work has also been featured on PBS, in Emmy magazine, The Los Angeles Times, and Elle UK.

If you’d like to learn more about how my services can help your company, please reach out via email (eliyannahamirah@gmail.com).

Skills: Managing crews, budgets & schedules, creative problem-solving, project management (software), strong verbal and written communication, screenwriting, directing actors, copywriting, digital showrunner, negotiation and deal making, branding and identity