Before social media… before influencers… before reality TV… there was an era of hip hop culture that changed music, fashion and entertainment forever. I was there. As a former inner-city teen mom from Kansas City who moved to Miami with nothing but a dream, I helped build one of the most recognized urban modeling brands during the rise of hip hop culture. Long before diversity became trendy, I was opening doors for women who looked like us and creating opportunities in an industry that often misunderstood, judged and exploited us. The world saw the glamour, the videos, the models and the lifestyle… but very few people know what was really happening behind the scenes. The sacrifices. The struggles. The survival. The pressure. The truth.

Now, after more than 25 years in the entertainment industry as a world-renowned casting director working with major brands, films and television projects, I’m finally ready to tell the untold story. Not just my story… but the story of an entire era and the women who helped shape the culture. This documentary is about redemption, resilience, survival, empowerment and legacy. It’s about showing young women that your past does not define your future.

Your support will help fund production, archival footage, travel, interviews, editing and bringing this important story to life the right way. If you believe in preserving culture, supporting independent storytelling and helping untold voices finally be heard, I would truly appreciate your support. Thank you for believing in me, the vision and the legacy. — LaShawnna Stanley