National Feature: Deborah Correa

In this edition of our magazine, we sit down with Deborah Correa, a visionary filmmaker whose journey from aspiring director to established entrepreneur encapsulates the spirit of perseverance, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Correa’s story is not just about navigating the complex world of film and business; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of embracing failure, and the indomitable will to create impactful stories.

Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your journey into the business world?

A: My journey began at Emerson College, where I studied film before working at PBS. The desire to direct led me to Los Angeles, where I faced numerous challenges, including the closure of a Disney digital studio I worked for and the struggle to find work after a prestigious directing workshop. However, these setbacks only fueled my determination, eventually leading me back to LA, where I have since worked on various projects, including two short films and a feature film. LA has truly become my home.

Q: What inspired you to start or join your business?

A: My inspiration to become a director was planted during a challenging childhood in Colombia amid the narco-wars. Stories became our escape and salvation, igniting a passion for storytelling that I’ve pursued relentlessly.

Q: Describe one of your earliest challenges and how you overcame it?

A: The sting of rejection and isolation was a significant challenge. To navigate the industry’s cruelty, I focused on bringing warmth and inclusivity to my sets, striving to change the narrative around how artists are treated.

Q: Can you highlight a key turning point in your entrepreneurial journey?

A: A profound personal crisis taught me the importance of resilience and perspective. The near loss of my son helped me prioritize life’s true values, enhancing my capacity to handle stress and focus on what truly matters.

Q: Describe a setback or failure you’ve faced in your business journey. How did it shape you?

A: Failure has been my greatest teacher. The early struggles and perceived failures in my career taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of listening to my inner voice, and the necessity of embracing every setback as a step closer to achieving my dreams.

Q: What resources, books, or mentors significantly influenced your business perspective during challenging times?

A: Works like Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and the Netflix documentary This Changes Everything have been instrumental in shaping my perspective, along with the teachings of Sarah Jenks and the wisdom of Baha’i teachings on equality and empowerment.

Q: What has been your most proud achievement in your business journey so far?

A: Directing The War Between, my first feature film, has been my proudest achievement. It’s a story that challenges conventional narratives and showcases a significant, yet overlooked, part of history, brought to life with an incredible team and at historically significant locations.

Q: How do you measure success in your business?

A: Success for me is being able to sustain my life through my work while telling stories that resonate, bring people together, and highlight our shared humanity.

Q: Share a moment where you felt that all the hard work and sacrifice was worth it.

A: The moments my son expressed a desire to follow in my footsteps and seeing the impact of my films on audiences are my most rewarding experiences. They affirm the power of storytelling to heal and unite.

Q: How do you prioritize tasks and manage time effectively?

A: My day begins with a combination of coffee, meditation or prayer, and exercise, setting a foundation for productivity and focus. This routine enables me to tackle the most critical tasks first, ensuring that I make the most of each day.

Q: Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?

A: I envision directing full-time, contributing to a production company dedicated to creating enduring stories, and mentoring young filmmakers through their journeys.

Q: If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice when you were first starting out, what would it be?

A: I would advise my younger self to enjoy the journey, embrace every experience, and silence negative self-talk. Understanding that rejection and failure are merely steps toward achieving one’s dreams is crucial.

Q: What advice would you offer to young women aspiring to venture into the business world?

A: Know yourself, be your own advocate, and listen to your inner voice. Embrace your power and stand firm in your values and vision.

Q: How has being a woman shaped your business experience, and what can industries do better to support women in business?

A: The underrepresentation of women directors highlights the industry’s challenges in valuing and marketing female perspectives. Industries must recognize and embrace the unique insights women bring to storytelling.

Q: Are there any charities, organizations, or initiatives that you’re involved in or support?

A: Supporting veterans through The Heroes Journey and other organizations is close to my heart, helping to bridge the gap between defenders and civilians through storytelling.

Q: How do you give back to the community or support other aspiring entrepreneurs?

A: My involvement in my alma mater’s alumni association and volunteering at my son’s school are ways I contribute to nurturing future storytellers and filmmakers.

Q: What’s one message or quote that you live by and would like to share with our readers?

A: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” This quote reminds us of the importance of valuing our unique paths and experiences, fostering a mindset of gratitude and self-appreciation.

Deborah Correa’s journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience required to overcome adversity and the transformative power of storytelling. Her experiences offer invaluable insights for anyone looking to make their mark in the business world or any field driven by passion, creativity, and a desire to impact the world positively.