Meet the fashionable husband and wife filmmaking team behind the local company Light Strike Productions, Shanna and Jeremy Hawa, photographed by Studio Ink contributor Meg Baertl Brown amongst the unique decor at Soggy Bottom Saloon in Beaumont.
Jeremy Hawa
1) Where are you from?
Beaumont Texas / Ft. Worth Texas
2) Tell me about your education/career?
I received my BFA in Graphic Design from Lamar University in 1995. I received my Masters of Communication in Directing and Screenwriting from Regent University in 1999. I work as a director & screenwriter for Light Strike Productions. I also am a professor of film production at Lamar University.
3) What is one thing that no one knows about you?
One thing that most people don’t know about me is that I use to be terrified to speak in public… Now I could care less, and after seven years of teaching I actually like a crowd. My favorite class is teaching Film Appreciation with seventy students.
4) Tell us one Beaumont Hidden Gem that you recommend.
One of the best hidden gems in Beaumont, is Kampus Korner at Lamar University… The best Gyros in town hands down!
5) What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Don’t compare yourself to others… It’s never a fair comparison, because you always compare your worst to their best.
6) How would you describe your style?
Fairly eclectic with a classic masculine edge… Sometimes
Dressy, sometimes casual… When I dress for black tie or afterfive I prefer a classic look with retro hints. When its casual, usually a nice button up with jeans and boots. (I like to look trendy but I always try and work in my Texas roots.)
7) Who are some of your style icons?
Cary Grant , Steve McQueen, and “The man in black,”
Johnny Cash!
8) What has been your most memorable wardrobe pieces over the years?
Probably wearing my tweed wool vest, black tie and my
pocket watch, along with my jeans and boots.
9) What would you recommend to someone who wants to find their own style?
Be honest with yourself about what you like… Dress to
make yourself feel special, not to meet the expectation of others.
10) What are your beauty must haves?
My beard… It hides a multitude of sins.
Shanna Hawa
1) Where are you from?
Beaumont, TX
2) Tell me about your education/career?
Light Strike Productions specializes in film, television and commercial production. Light Strike Productions was created In 2011, by my husband, Jeremy. In 2021, we became a female owned production company.
I jumped into the film industry in 2011, and began working for Light Strike Productions as a producer. My previous experience in Human Resources Management was easily adapted to my new role as line producer and production manager on various television commercials for our clients.
To date, I continue as lead producer and have helped garner several prestigious awards including Cornerstone Pinnacle Awards (2015, 2016, 2018), 2016 American Advertising Award (“ADDY” Award), 2016 CUNA Diamond Award, 2018 TACVB Award, and more.
Currently, we are in production for a short film.
3) What is one thing that no one knows about you?
Very few people know I have Tourette Syndrome.
4) Tell us one Beaumont Hidden Gem that you recommend.
Soggy Bottom Saloon – it is brilliantly decorated with a swamp theme. You’ll find special
treasures around every corner. The patrons are friendly, country-folk, who loved to strike up
conversations.
5) What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I once read that we should all strive to love everyone as God loves them. When I began to
view people this way, it humbled me. Now, I look for the beauty within everyone and show
more compassion and tolerance towards others.
6) How would you describe your style?
Streamline, but edgy.
7) Who are some of your style icons?
Those who take great fashion risks.
8) What has been your most memorable wardrobe pieces over the years?
Surprisingly, my most memorable pieces were from second-hand shops. When money was tight, I bought all my clothes from thrift shops, such as Treasure House and Goodwill. It was an exciting experience for me, because at any moment, you could find a super special piece.
It forced me to be creative when shopping for outfits.
9) What would you recommend to someone who wants to find their own style?
Wear what makes YOU feel amazing; don’t worry what others may think.
10) What are your beauty must haves?
Red lipstick – I never go without it.
