6 minute read
Mom, Model, Dancer, Actress & First Responder
Francis
Mitchell, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, experienced the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Along with her family, Francis was compelled to relocate and settled in Dallas, Texas. From a young age, Francis had dreams of becoming an entertainer—a singer, a dancer, and an overall performer. Her involvement in school activities such as the dance team, drill team, and cheerleading further fueled her passion for entertainment. Inspired by the entertainers she watched on television, Francis aimed to emulate their talent and charisma. Today, she proudly identifies as a single mother and works as a model. Drawing from her personal experiences, Francis strongly advocates for those facing domestic abuse, encouraging them to seek help through support hotline numbers. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one’s safety and well-being and that of their children.
During an interview, Francis was asked about the influences behind her decision to pursue a career in modeling. She attributed her family as the initial source of inspiration, as they often commented on her slim figure and suggested she should consider modeling. However, Francis also shared that her ex-husband played a significant role, albeit negatively. Dealing with mental abuse, especially toward the end of their relationship, her ex-husband aimed to undermine her self-confidence and discourage her aspirations. Francis embarked on her modeling journey to prove him wrong and reaffirm her worth. Her breakthrough came when she attended a networking event and caught the attention of a company called Slaya, which led to her participation in a modeling show the following day. This experience served as a powerful reminder that people may try to bring others down, but it’s possible to defy their negativity and achieve personal goals.
Balancing motherhood and a demanding career is undoubtedly a challenge for Francis, particularly as a single mother. With her children currently engaged in homeschooling, she faces the additional task of coordinating their education alongside her own educational courses, modeling assignments, acting gigs, and other commitments. Francis acknowledges the difficulty but remains determined to make it work. To maintain balance, she separates her schedule into dedicated days for her day job, modeling, acting, and performing, ensuring she can devote the necessary time and attention to each aspect while prioritizing her children’s well-being.
Reflecting on her journey in modeling, singing, and dancing, Francis revealed that she started at the age of 29. It all began in late 2022 when she began attending various networking events. Her singing experience traces back to her time at W.T. White High School in Dallas, where she joined the choir under the guidance of an exceptional teacher, Dr. Parker. Through his teaching, Francis not only learned about music but also gained valuable life lessons. She transitioned from being an alto to a soprano and particularly cherished the “Showstopper Spring Shows” organized by Mr. Parker. These shows combined acting with singing, providing her with a platform to overcome her shyness and perform confidently in front of large audiences. Francis also started dancing during her early years in New Orleans, parading and later continuing at E.D. Walker Middle School in Dallas. At the age of 29, she finally had the opportunity to dance in real events, including a modeling show earlier this year and securing extra roles in movies. These achievements mark significant milestones in her burgeoning career.
When asked about her message to individuals experiencing domestic violence—whether physical, mental, or verbal—Francis emphasized the importance of recognizing the different forms of abuse. Drawing from her personal encounters with all three types, she encouraged those affected to understand that they don’t have to endure such treatment. Seeking help and breaking free from the abuser is essential for their safety and overall well-being. Francis acknowledged the fear and hesitation that can accompany acting but highlighted the importance of prioritizing one’s mental and physical health. She shared her own experience of initially being reluctant to speak out due to concerns about potential judgment from family and friends. However, upon finding the courage to share her situation, she received an outpouring of genuine support. Francis emphasized the transformation that occurs when individuals realize their self-worth and the need for self-love, leading to positive changes in their lives. By learning from their experiences, they can avoid
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In terms of future projects, Francis mentioned her plans to venture into the field of massage therapy. She is currently taking courses to become a licensed massage therapist and intends to establish her own traveling massage and therapy company. The courses cover a range of techniques, including sports massages and luxurious massages, aligning with her existing knowledge and background in the medical field. Once her business is up and running, she intends to promote her services and share information about her new venture.
To connect with Francis Mitchell and follow her journey, she can be found on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Her Facebook profile can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/francis.sherri , her Instagram handle is http://instagram.com/imt_withri , and her YouTube channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ francissherri.
AMPS: How old were you when you realized that you had a talent for art?
Content: I’m left handed and I was told all my life that left handed people have a talent for art. I could never draw, but I am extremely creative in art. Now, when it comes down to digital, I’m fairly new to it and I’ve been doing it for about a year.
AMPS: Is this a hobby for you or is this how you make a living?
Content: It started out as a hobby but about eighteen years ago, I learned web designing. I’ve become really good at it, so a lot of my creative does come out in web designing and now into digital art. I am also a creative writer and a digital artist. Believe it or not, it’s quickly moving into a career.
AMPS: Why are you so passionate about this and how does it make you feel to help others? Especially, the youth?
Content: When I first started doing this, I couldn’t find my niche, but I kept getting these little nudges along the way. It was like this overwhelming feeling that came over me to reach out to the youth and to reach out to people who may have a troubled past. Over the last year, I felt like I was being directed by God and the satisfaction that I’m getting from it is worth more to me than anything. I have people that really count on me and I have people reaching out to me all the time telling me that I’m the reason that they kept going. People tell me that I got them up when they were in a really dark place and I believe that I’ve been directed by God to do this. I’ve always known that I have a purpose that was much bigger than I could ever understand. In my opinion, some people will go their whole lifetime without knowing their purpose. I feel like everything that’s been happening in my life has been leading up to this very moment. I feel like God has been preparing me to lead others. It makes me feel really good knowing that I’m helping someone else. It makes me feel like I’m doing something for society.
AMPS: What message do you want to send to people? Especially, the youth and what do you want them to get out of it?
Content: I want them to realize and know that this is not the end of the line. This is just the human experience and we all have our own purpose in life.
AMPS: What are your goals in life?
Content: My goals are to eventually be able to buy my own home that will be in my name. Furthermore, pay all of my debts off and continue to do what I’m doing, which is to inspire others and to keep spreading the word of God to anyone that needs a hand, because sometimes, people need a hand. I have another goal and that’s to travel the world doing photography and videoing. I also want to reach other cultures and interview them and ask about their spiritual beliefs. I want to dissect and respect and learn everything. That’s what I want to do in life.
AMPS: What would you like people to get out of your story?
Content: Blessing others with kind gestures with no intention other than being a kind person. To be blessed is to bless others with kind gestures with clear intentions.
AMPS: What would you tell someone who wants to do their own thing?
Content: To empower people, to inspire people, and to inform them that no one else’s opinion matters other than their own.
AMPS: How long have you been doing photography and videos, and why did you choose those two?
Content: For about ten years now. I think it was my love for capturing the moment. My dream is to one day travel the world and take photos and video.
AMPS: If you had to pick just one out of the two which one would you pick and why?
Content: I would pick video, because I’m an expert editor.
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