Welcome to My Oyster Knife
Writer-Producer-Historian, Sheila Jackson
Ten months ago, I made the huge decision to end Eves Lime Productions and start Oyster Knife. It's been a slow build. Now I'm ready to tell the world.
Eve’s Lime was this exciting experiment, and beautiful part of my journey. It was founded as a commercial production company. I innovated my own collaborative business model that made my sets a playground for people to bring their best ideas and artistry; I created environments that were a pleasure to work in; I deepened my expertise in marketing, brand storytelling and strategy; and I also shined as a producer of cause campaigns, as a writer and activist. I won top industry awards for my work, and was celebrated with a mayoral commendation.
I also developed the first sustainable/green production model, as a gift from Eve’s Lime to Women in Film. One of my most important achievements is creating opportunities for women behind the camera, with productions crewed, up to 100%, by women.
Letting Go
I did not do the volume of work I aspired to, nor did I break the glass ceiling in the lily white advertising industry. I love commercials and advertising. But it was not my heart’s true desire. So I declined to continue to fight a fight that wasn’t in alignment with my ultimate goals.
It’s was time, to start fresh with an intention that represents my “Plan A.” Eve’s Lime, although inspired in its own right was “Plan B.”
Oyster Knife, of course, is fueled with my love for history and the Zora Neale Hurston quote:
I am not tragically colored. There is no great sorrow dammed up in my soul, nor lurking behind my eyes. I do not mind at all. I do not belong to the sobbing school of Negrohood who hold that nature somehow has given them a lowdown dirty deal and whose feelings are all hurt about it. Even in the helter-skelter skirmish that is my life, I have seen that the world is to the strong regardless of a little pigmentation more or less. No, I do not weep at the world—I am too busy sharpening my oyster knife.
Sharpening My Oyster Knife
This next act in my journey is about me being the fullest expression of my creative self. Oyster Knife is focused on the art of storytelling - developing compelling stories with a rich historical backdrop, directing, writing and revealing lost truths. Oyster Knife is a history consultancy for filmmakers as well as its own production and publishing entity. I am excited to flow creatively, not asking permission ever again - simply doing, being, giving, living, exploring, and celebrating our history and culture.
I feel sad - a little - to let go of something that did not work out as I intended. But wow, did it reveal so much more to me about all I can do and be - my strengths, talents, and ability to grow, innovate and to lead.
It’s important to recognize and understand when it’s time for a thing to end. The ego is fierce and loves to hold on. I have held on to Eve’s Lime like my favorite, yet tattered, off-the-shoulder top.
Change always requires letting go of things that no longer serve. It’s time to soar, to vibrate at a new frequency, to give even more fully of the gifts I was born to share.
Welcome to Oyster Knife | History Studio. I have an exciting announcement to make in the coming weeks. Don’t miss out. Subscribe to receive monthly updates on my projects and progress. Stay connected to the history. Join the family.
Comments