Hello
Welcome to My own Happy Place!
My name is Laverne Hunt, I live in London. I'm a creative workshop facilitator, passionate about empowering individuals through creative expression.
Early Years
From Country Life to Brixton
I am of mixed race: my father is Jamaican, and my mother is half Scottish and half Italian. I was born in Bedfordshire. On the day of my birth, the doctor who delivered me placed a silver sixpence in my hand for good fortune. My mum married my dad at 16, having been raised in a convent. She often said she had never seen so many people cry at a wedding because she was marrying a black man. Despite many hardships and racism, they fought against all the odds. Their life was far from perfect, but I am supremely proud of my parents’ resilience. We moved to South London when I was 10, and attended the local Roman Catholic Secondary School, Sacred Heart. The grammar stream served me well, but I had no idea how bright I was. I was awarded the D of E Venture Trophy at the age of 15, and had a courageous streak from a young age. Brixton was a huge departure from the kite-flying, mobile libraries, and harvest festivals of sleepy Bedfordshire. As a child, my favourite toy shop Frank’s Corner on Brixton Road closed down following the blaze of the Brixton riots. It had a huge effect on me. I still recall those times with great sadness.
Education and Inspiration
Learning and loving
I've always been excited by creative media, especially photography and film. I was lucky to get a place studying Media & Communications at Goldsmiths University, London, where I was strongly influenced by revolutionary artist Ouseman Sembene, known as the Father of African Cinema, and was inspired to hone my skills in indigenized filmmaking practices. After completing my degree, I engaged with the EVC Summer School and Hollywood Film Institute, furthering a passion for storytelling and artistic expression.
Outside my professional realm, I love running and sailing, embodying a spirit of perseverance and determination. I'm committed to guiding young minds, instilling a “can do” attitude from my experiences, and encouraging everyone to embrace their passions fearlessly.
I have been recognised with prestigious awards like the Tiete International Bronze Film Award, Inspirational Woman of the Year, and more, but most importantly I'm happy.
