Building Legacy Through Story: The Goldstrand Media Movement

Goldstrand Media was born from purpose, passion, and partnership. When Jonathan Williams and I decided to merge our individual creative worlds, it wasn’t just a business move, it was a mission. We wanted to build something that stood for more than content; something that stood for culture, representation, and opportunity. Goldstrand Media is where storytelling meets strategy, where authenticity fuels artistry, and where we create space for the voices that deserve to be heard. Together, we’ve built a brand that doesn’t just produce, it inspires, uplifts, and transforms.

FEMI: Starting a Legacy Together – What inspired you and your business partner to launch GoldStrand Media, and how did you balance both vision and execution during the early start-up phase?

LENA Jenkins-Smith: When Jonathan Williams and I decided to join forces under Goldstrand Media, it was about more than just pooling our talents — it was about aligning our values. We both had built individual brands, but we realized we could create something far more impactful together. Our shared vision was to build a media company that uplifts authentic stories and creates real opportunities for talent who often go unseen.

The transition phase definitely had its challenges. We were essentially merging two entrepreneurial worlds — each with its own culture and systems — into one unified powerhouse. We balanced vision and execution by leaning on our strengths and we did well. Jonathan brought a masterful, technical, creative eye, and focused on operational structure and strategy, while I focused on creating exciting stories, collaborations and talent management. We both focused on production and creative storytelling. That yin-and-yang approach helped us keep the vision bold while executing it with precision.

FEMI: Fueling the Mission – GoldStrand Media is more than a company, it’s a movement. What personal motivations or experiences pushed you to create a brand with such depth and purpose?

LENA: Goldstrand Media has always been about purpose. Both Jonathan and I know what it’s like to work hard for a seat at the table in this industry. That personal experience fueled our determination to create a mission that not only tells meaningful and impactful stories but also builds pathways for others.

We wanted to merge our brands because we saw the potential for something bigger than ourselves — a movement. It’s about breaking barriers for underrepresented talent, inspiring the next generation, fostering youth, and creating content that resonates across cultures. Our motivation comes from knowing that what we build today can influence how people think, dream, and create tomorrow.

FEMI: Standing Out in the Crowd – In a saturated media landscape, what do you feel makes GoldStrand Media unique and impossible to ignore?

LENA: What makes Goldstrand Media stand out is our balance of heart and strategy. We don’t chase every trend; we build stories that matter — stories that stay with people long after the credits roll.

We’ve also continue to create an ecosystem, not just a company.

We mentor, we develop talent, and we create opportunities for growth both in front of and behind the camera. That combination of storytelling excellence and community-driven impact makes us more than just another production house — it makes us a movement that’s hard to ignore.

FEMI: Dreaming Bigger – Every brand has a “bucket list moment.” What dream collaborations or partnerships would you love to see GoldStrand Media take on in the future?

LENA: Our bucket-list dreams include collaborating with visionary storytellers and platforms that share our passion for impact. I’d love to see Goldstrand Media partner with industry trailblazers like Ava DuVernay, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, Blair Underwood, Debra Martin Chase or Malcolm D. Lee to tell stories that shift culture.

We’re also eager to build partnerships with tech innovators to expand our educational content like The Learning Lighthouse into immersive experiences — imagine blending entertainment with cutting-edge learning tools to reach children worldwide. That’s the kind of collaboration that excites us.

FEMI: What’s Next for GoldStrand – Can you give us a sneak peek into any exciting upcoming projects or initiatives your audience can look forward to?

LENA: We have such an exciting slate ahead. We’re gearing up to premiere new seasons of our scripted series like LUX, Lip Service and Wake Up. Our team is also expanding The Learning Lighthouse brand — not just as a show, but as a full learning initiative for children and families with live experiences, merchandise, and exclusive membership privileges.

On the film side, we’re working on powerful faith-based projects and music-driven films that will speak to diverse audiences. And we’re continuing to invest in mentorship programs to nurture the next wave of storytellers, producers, and directors.

FEMI: Inspiring the Next Generation – For those looking up to you and your journey, what’s the one lesson or piece of advice you’d share about building a brand that truly lasts?

LENA: The biggest lesson I’d share is that building a lasting brand takes both vision and consistency. Dream big, but don’t underestimate the power of small, steady, consistent steps.

Surround yourself with people who believe in the mission as much as you do, and stay grounded in purpose — not just profit. Never be ok with being the smartest person in the room – be a learner, one that thirsts for knowledge. When you focus on creating real value and meaningful impact, success becomes more than a moment – it becomes a legacy.

As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: to leave an undeniable imprint on the industry and the world. Every film, every series, every project we touch is a piece of our legacy in motion—a reflection of purpose-driven creation and community elevation. Goldstrand Media isn’t just telling stories; we’re shaping the future of storytelling itself. This is only the beginning of a movement that will echo for generations.