Today we’d like to introduce you to Deshonna.
Hi Deshonna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My creative journey began long before I understood the power art could have in someone’s life. As a child and young adult, creativity was simply a part of who I was. But at 17, after experiencing a traumatic event, I lost that part of myself. For years, I created less and spent much of my life simply trying to survive.
In 2020, I was finally introduced to the reality of the trauma I had experienced and began learning the tools that would help me heal. As I worked through my own healing journey, I rediscovered my voice and my creativity. I picked up a camera and realized it helped me process the world around me. Through that process, I discovered that art could be more than something beautiful—it could be a pathway to healing, truth-telling, and change.
That realization led me to create Sunflower Soul Studios, where I use photography, film, writing, spoken word, and other forms of storytelling to explore trauma, resilience, identity, and community. My work has grown beyond telling my own story to creating spaces where others feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through visual art, film, exhibitions, performances, or community collaborations, I hope to inspire healing, preserve stories that deserve to be remembered, and use my voice to advocate for meaningful change. Today, I’m no longer just surviving—I’m surviving with intention.
Today, I see creativity as more than self-expression—it is a tool for restoration. Every project I create is rooted in the belief that storytelling has the power to heal individuals, strengthen communities, and help shape a more compassionate and just future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building a business while healing has come with its own challenges. There have been seasons of self-doubt, financial uncertainty, and learning how to navigate entrepreneurship while continuing my own personal growth. I’ve also had to learn that healing isn’t linear, and neither is building a business rooted in purpose.
Another challenge has been creating work that addresses difficult topics like trauma, injustice, and identity. Those conversations can be uncomfortable, but I’ve learned that discomfort is often where growth begins. Instead of avoiding those stories, I’ve chosen to approach them with honesty, compassion, and hope.
Looking back, I realize those obstacles didn’t stop my journey—they shaped it. They taught me resilience, strengthened my faith, and reminded me that some of our greatest purpose can grow from the places where we’ve experienced the deepest pain.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Stay Soulful LLC | Sunflower Soul Studios?
Sunflower Soul Studios is a trauma-informed creative production company and storytelling platform operating under Stay Soulful LLC. We specialize in film, documentaries, photography, writing, spoken word, podcasts, and multimedia storytelling that inspires healing, preserves history, and creates meaningful social impact.
Our productions explore themes of trauma, resilience, identity, culture, and community, with a commitment to telling authentic stories that encourage reflection, spark conversation, and amplify voices that are often overlooked. Whether we’re producing original films, documenting community initiatives, curating exhibitions, or collaborating with nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations, every project is rooted in purpose, empathy, and intentional storytelling.
While Sunflower Soul Studios focuses on producing creative works, Stay Soulful LLC is the umbrella company through which I provide public speaking, educational presentations, workshops, and community engagement. Together, these two entities allow us to extend our work beyond the screen and gallery by facilitating meaningful conversations, fostering collaboration, and partnering with organizations on healing-centered and community-focused initiatives.
What sets our work apart is that it is deeply rooted in lived experience. We don’t simply tell stories—we create spaces where people can see themselves, reflect on difficult conversations, and imagine new possibilities for healing and change. Whether through a film, a photograph, a presentation, or a community collaboration, our goal is always the same: to use storytelling as a tool for restoration, connection, and lasting impact.
What I’m most proud of is that both Sunflower Soul Studios and Stay Soulful LLC are built on purpose. Together, they create an ecosystem where storytelling, education, and community engagement work hand in hand. Whether someone encounters our work through a film, a photograph, a presentation, or a community collaboration, I hope they leave feeling seen, inspired, and empowered to be part of meaningful change. As we continue to grow, our vision is to create opportunities for artists, strengthen communities through collaboration, and produce stories that leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that might surprise people is that I’ve always been incredibly curious. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been the person asking, “Why?” If I didn’t understand something, I wanted to research it, learn about it, and understand it from every angle.
Looking back, I realize that curiosity has shaped every part of who I am. It influences how I approach filmmaking, photography, writing, and community work. Before I tell a story, I want to understand the people, the history, the systems, and the “why” behind it all. I don’t just want to create something that looks beautiful—I want it to be thoughtful, truthful, and meaningful.
One of the most beautiful things has been seeing that same curiosity in my son. Watching him ask questions, explore the world, and seek understanding reminds me so much of myself as a child. It has deepened my appreciation for curiosity as a gift, and it’s something I hope I never lose. I believe some of the most meaningful stories begin with a simple question: “Why?”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunflowersoulstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflowersoulstudios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1N6S28dYjG/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunflowersoulstudios
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@missunderstood904
