MISSION

Unabashed Productions is an arts and entertainment company that supports people who not only think outside the box, but live there. Refusing to be bound by the confines of society, we have been a source for a wide array of creative content since 2008.

FOUNDER

Charise Sowells has always lived on the fringe and never fit into a box. It occurred to her early on that diversity and representation were lacking in the media because she grew up not seeing herself or her story anywhere. As a creative teen with an activist streak, Sowells' personal identity struggles inspired her to begin writing poetry and monologues reflecting her own life and the lives of other underrepresented demographics around her. 

Her intention was to expand minds and change the status quo while also making marginalized people feel seen, heard, valued, understood, and less alone. Before long, Sowells was turning the poems into songs and the monologues into plays. Through both mediums she explored experiences typically left untold. After many years of art school and freelancing in the industry, she went to Sundance Film Festival and decided to create a company reflective of her own artistic vision and values. 

Sowells holds a BFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts where she graduated with honors and won two awards for her scripts. She also studied Vocal Performance and Pan African Studies during her undergraduate years. Following graduation, no matter what she tried her hand at professionally, her unique perspective, storytelling skills, and entrepreneurial spirit came into play. As a compassionate creator and curator, Sowells loves helping people break through barriers and push the envelope with their message, their work, and their existence.