Tanisha Cardwell

Introduction and DMV Roots

Taryell Simmons: Welcome back to another episode of Rise Urban Nation podcast. I am your host Taryell Simmons, and as always, we are here to spotlight Black and Pan-African innovators shaping the world with their brilliance. Today, we are diving into the captivating world of filmmaking and storytelling. Our guest Tanisha Cardwell is in the building. Tanisha is an accomplished writer, director, and independent filmmaker with over seven years of experience in the film industry. She is a master at using storytelling to connect audiences to missions and create meaningful impact. Tanisha's journey from event coordination to directing and producing films is inspiring. Who connected us, Tanisha?

Tanisha Cardwell: We have to thank Hayes. She is an amazing woman with so much drive and passion for her industry as a stylist and designer. I highly respect her work.

Taryell Simmons: What did you work on with Hayes recently?

Tanisha Cardwell: We worked with FFE Magazine on their fall edition for a photo shoot where she styled me. I also filmed her speech at a college inspiring young fashion designers.

Taryell Simmons: Tell us about your background and what led you into filmmaking.

Tanisha Cardwell: I graduated from the University of Maryland with a finance degree. As I was graduating, I was approached to do modeling, which parlayed into filmmaking. I always had a passion for storytelling and writing journals. After exploring casting sites, I dove directly into the film industry.

Taryell Simmons: Shout out to the University of Maryland. I grew up in Northwest DC. Where in the DMV are you from?

Tanisha Cardwell: I grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Taryell Simmons: You know about the Go-Go and the Mambo sauce. And now you live in San Diego, California?

Tanisha Cardwell: Yes, I live in Linda Vista in San Diego now.

Balancing Event Coordination and Filmmaking

Taryell Simmons: How do you blend marketing, event coordination, and filmmaking?

Tanisha Cardwell: Marketing and event coordinating served as a stable path alongside filmmaking. It started with brand ambassador gigs, which allowed me to gain experience while producing films.

Taryell Simmons: Coming from an African household, creative paths often face skepticism from parents who favor traditional careers. Did you experience that?

Tanisha Cardwell: My mom was supportive from the beginning, but my dad questioned why I was not pursuing finance jobs with my degree.

Overcoming Indie Filmmaking Challenges

Taryell Simmons: What challenges have you faced as an independent filmmaker?

Tanisha Cardwell: Funding and building a creative network are constant hurdles. Coming from a finance background without film school, I lacked connections with directors of photography and storytellers. Seeing directors like Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, and Martin Scorsese collaborate showed me how vital a supportive creative circle is.

Taryell Simmons: Creators like Issa Rae started low-budget on YouTube before expanding. How do you navigate limited resources?

Tanisha Cardwell: You have to use available resources and stay organized. When I moved to San Diego without connections, I reached out to people on Instagram with a solid plan, shoot dates, and locations. Showing high organization makes collaborators feel confident jumping on board.

The Spectrum Reality Show

Taryell Simmons: Tell us about your reality show concept and the merchandise you are wearing.

Tanisha Cardwell: Moving from the East Coast—where I earned a lead role in a BET-distributed film without a manager—to San Diego was difficult because the market was harder to break into. I created The Spectrum Reality Show to highlight creators and local businesses. We cast models and challenged them to develop marketing tools, such as short reels, for featured small businesses within tight timeframes.

Taryell Simmons: That bridges creative talent with practical business marketing. How can major streaming platforms benefit from this approach?

Tanisha Cardwell: Platforms like Netflix are leaning into female-focused narratives with women in authority positions. Our first season featured an all-female cast, crew, and small business lineup. It demonstrates the behind-the-scenes creative process, giving viewers actionable inspiration.

The Power of Storytelling

Taryell Simmons: How do you leverage storytelling to connect with audiences?

Tanisha Cardwell: People connect deeply with stories rather than direct sales pitches. When meeting people, I listen closely and connect their personal experiences to the project. Emotional narratives, like impactful brand commercials, stick in people's minds.

Taryell Simmons: That reminds me of the Uncle Nearest whiskey story, honoring the enslaved master distiller Nearest Green who taught Jack Daniel, which was revived into a massive success through powerful storytelling.

Tanisha Cardwell: Storytelling creates an immediate cultural connection and bridge between people before a deeper relationship is established over time.

Advice on Networking and Consistency

Taryell Simmons: What advice do you have for aspiring Black and Pan-African creators?

Tanisha Cardwell: Never isolate yourself. Showing up to networking events and initiating conversations is essential because opportunities come through personal connections.

Taryell Simmons: Having your network advocate for you in rooms you have not entered is the ultimate advantage.

Tanisha Cardwell: Character and consistency speak volumes. Being reliable, professional, and consistent ensures people feel confident recommending your name.

Closing and Social Handles

Taryell Simmons: Where can listeners follow your work and support your project?

Tanisha Cardwell: Follow me on Instagram at https://instagram.com/heretoasto_nish and follow the show at https://instagram.com/thespectrum_realityshow.

Taryell Simmons: Thank you Tanisha for sharing your journey. Subscribe to the Rise Urban Nation podcast, share this episode, and let us keep rising together.