The Story…

From showrunner Abena Akyaa . Entrepreneurs is an 8 episode web series about two estranged cousins, fresh out of undergrad, reconnecting to open up a new, black owned cafe on Long Island. Along the way, they’ll struggle with adjusting to post grad life, finding a new normal as young adults despite all their internal self doubt, while also working through their strained relationship.

The Journey…

From the white sand beaches to the wine tasting vineyards, the true suburbia lovers live on the island… by choice. In this category is MARIAH PIERCE-LAMORRE – a recent Interior Design college grad who decides to stay home after her eccentric UNCLE DESMOND gifts her a rundown store in Patchogue Village as a graduation present. Let’s just say, optimism is her primary personality trait. In a separate category, those who would’ve preferred to run far away from Long Island (never to return), is HALLE SIMMONS, a recent Marketing/Business Administration college grad who is the semi-antithesis of her cousin, Mariah. Lost and confused is what both of these post grad young women are, and after being estranged from each other for the past couple of years, Halle is shocked to hear from Mariah. The shock quickly turns to confusion once Mariah reveals why she reached out: she wants Halle to open up the cafe with her.

Meet the Showrunner…

Abena Akyaa is a first generation Ghanaian-American screenwriter/performer, and one of the founders of MakeMischief Productions. Born and raised on Long Island, she grew up exposed to the arts through the church choir, school musicals, dance classes and, most importantly, dragging her parents to the movies. All of these fostered her love for creativity and storytelling. During her time at Johns Hopkins, she zoned into her love for television and film, always gravitating towards psychological thrillers and coming-of-age stories. Noticing the lack of positive black representation in mainstream media, she made it her goal to create stories that are a reflection of herself, and those who don’t get to see themselves often on the little and big screen. She begins her creative journey with her first official project, “Entrepreneurs”, an 8 episode web-series that expresses the all-too-relatable jolting transition from college to adulthood. She’s excited to bring this story to life, and hopes others can relate to it, too!

When she isn’t writing, she loves photography and traveling (despite having NO money), and recently started learning to ice skate!

Why We Need Your Help!

Just like our main characters, we know how adulting at 20 somethings is hard! Especially when you are trying to make ends meet while following your passion. So we are asking for your help to help us make sure we pay our amazing team of writers, cast, and crew. While also helping bring the world of Entrepreneurs alive through securing filming locations, set decorations and other creative costs (hair/makeup, wardrobe, props). 

We will be starting production on Labor Day Weekend and we need to ensure that we hit our goal for a successful 4 day shoot!

Once the film is complete, we also plan to submit to festivals!

The Impact

By supporting this story you are supporting Black creatives! 

“As a black woman, I don’t get to see many stories centered on us as individuals just getting through life. I needed and wanted more positive POC stories. Instead of waiting for it, I’ve decided to make my own. Television and film have always been a safe space for me, and I wanted to create a story that could be a safe space for others.” – Abena Akyaa

Other Ways You Can Help

If you can’t donate, we ask that you share our campaign with people who want to see more black/POC stories in mainstream media. You can do that by sharing our campaign directly through texts, email, or social media.

Follow our journey:

@entrepreneurs_webseries

@makemischiefprod

THANK YOU!!