Forging Your Own Path with Sika Stanton

Leap Like Me

Sika Stanton describes herself as a photographer turned filmmaker. ⁠ ⁠ That’s the super simple version of this reinvention story. ⁠ ⁠ On the podcast this week, we dig into complexity behind that her two leaps: ⁠ ⁠ What it took for Sika to leave a 9-to-5 to make her way as a freelancer.

And then, now, to pursue a MFA in cinematography at the incredibly competitive The American Film Institute, in Los Angeles, California. ⁠ A tiny percentage of professional DPs (directors of photography) and camera operators in the industry are Black women, and Sika is determined to join their numbers.

In this episode, you’ll learn...

• How Sika and I connected and where she’s at in her career journey [2:28]
• How Sika has reinvented herself and pivoted her career over the years [4:17]
• Making the leap from employee to freelancer [6:19]
• Sika’s first steps into the world of freelancing and how her work has changed since then [9:47]
• Why Sika made the decision to pursue a graduate degree [13:27]
• Using creative problem solving as you make your career leap [18:04]
• How Sika forged her path in an industry with little representation for Black women [20:42]
• Why it’s vital to have a vision for where you want to go in your career [26:38]
• The personal growth Sika has experienced in her career leap [28:24]
• What Sika wishes she’d known before she took her leap [31:05]
• How to find support and take the first courageous step in your own career leap [34:14]

If you’re waiting for a sign to take your career leap, be sure to tune into this episode.

Get full show notes and the episode transcript: https://www.lisahoashi.com/leaplikeme/episode23

Connect with Sika

Visit Sika’s website

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Sika’s Bio:

Sika Stanton is an African-American filmmaker from Portland, Oregon. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Cinematography at the American Film Institute Conservatory and holds a BA in Studio Art from Stanford University.