Welcome back to spotlight Hustle, where we celebrate Black women who build movements through their voices, vision and vulnerability
Today we’re spotlighting Stacy-Ann Buchanan — filmmaker, storyteller, mental-health advocate, and founder of The Blind Stigma. Her work sits at the intersection of storytelling and healing, reminding us that rest isn’t laziness — it’s legacy.
Through every season of her life, Stacy-Ann has taught one truth: you don’t have to burn out to shine.
The Girl from Clarendon
Stacy-Ann Buchanan grew up in Clarendon, Jamaica — a place where love was abundant and humility was the norm.
Her childhood was full of warmth, laughter, and lessons about making magic from whatever you have. “We didn’t have much,” she says, “but what we had was love, community, and faith.”
Raised by her grandmother, mother, and aunts — the matriarchs who carried faith in one hand and strength in the other — she learned early that womanhood could be soft and fierce at once.
“Some of those women had the mouth of a sailor,” she laughs, “and that’s where I learned what a bad gyal really is — a woman who holds her own, unapologetically.”
Those early lessons planted the seed for the work she does now: helping others own their voices and tell their truths without shame or fear.
The Hustle Begins
Stacy-Ann’s first job was as an usher in a theater — the kind of humble beginning that would one day come full circle when she stepped onto that same stage as an actress.
Her acting career wasn’t easy. Rejection came often, and uncertainty was constant. But each setback shaped her resilience.
“Every role, no matter how small, is preparation for where you’re meant to be,” she says.
That mindset became her compass. And when life led her from performance to purpose, she followed without hesitation.
The Power of Storytelling
Stacy-Ann’s defining moment came when she saw firsthand how storytelling could heal.
That revelation became her mission. She founded The Blind Stigma, a groundbreaking documentary that broke silence around mental health in the Black community.
“As a Black woman, I grew up in a culture where strength was expected, even while we were breaking,” she shares. “I wanted to tell stories that say, ‘You’re allowed to heal. You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to be.’”
Her work today bridges storytelling, branding, and mental health — a unique blend of art and advocacy that empowers others to own their narrative.
When the Light Dimmed
Behind the success, Stacy-Ann faced her own shadows.
“Depression nearly broke me,” she admits. “But I learned that strength isn’t about pushing through — it’s about slowing down and choosing yourself.”
Healing became her revolution. And from that pain, she built purpose.
When fear whispered that she wasn’t enough, purpose whispered louder. “That’s what keeps me going,” she says. “Purpose calls my name louder than fear ever could.”
Rooted in Rest
For Stacy-Ann, rest isn’t optional — it’s sacred.
Her days start with morning meditation and prayer, followed by creative work, school drop-offs, and walks to reset her mind. She journals, reads her Bible, and honors her boundaries fiercely.
“I don’t chase balance,” she says. “I practice boundaries and live harmoniously. Rest is part of my business plan.”
Her daughter is her biggest “why” — the heartbeat behind everything she creates. “I want her to see that healing is power. That our stories aren’t barriers; they’re bridges.”
Redefining Representation
In mental-health advocacy, Stacy-Ann often found herself breaking silence that had lingered for generations.
“As a Black woman in this space, I’ve had to face stigma and silence — but that became my strength,” she says. “Representation in healing isn’t just necessary. It’s revolutionary.”
With The Blind Stigma, she didn’t just start a conversation. She sparked a movement — one that told the world that vulnerability, not invincibility, is the real badge of strength.
Why We Love Stacy-Ann’s Story
Because she makes healing look like power.
Because she reminds us that softness and strategy can coexist.
Because she’s teaching a generation of women that rest is a revenue strategy — not a reward.
Wisdom Corner
To her younger self:
There’s no such thing as a missed opportunity. What’s meant for you will never miss you.
Biggest myth she’s busting:
Burnout is not a prerequisite for success.
Core belief:
Softness and strength can sit at the same table.
Looking Ahead
Stacy-Ann’s next chapter is about expansion — taking her message to more stages and more hearts.
She’s currently growing her movement “Rest Is a Revenue Strategy” into a full-scale speaking tour and sharing her book, Good For You, which dives even deeper into the connection between healing and success.
And if you ask her how the WIDB community can support her, her answer is simple:
“Share the message — that rest, healing, and success can sit at the same table.”
Rapid Fire Round (Fun + Real)
- Coffee or tea? Tea — after acid reflux taught me coffee isn’t always self-care.
- Morning person or night owl? Morning — that’s when the magic lands.
- One word for this season: Rest.
- Book you love right now: Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey.
- Mantra: “Rest. My ancestors have done enough.”
- Favorite activity: Naps — the most revolutionary act of all.
- Discipline hack: Block. Mute. Delete. Because peace is productivity.
Join the Movement
The conversations didn’t end at the Summit. They’re shaping the future, and you’re part of it.
Watch the replay of the Summit.
Also, follow womenindigitalbusiness — where we celebrate the stories, pivots, and possibilities of Black women who are building brands that shine from the inside out.
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