Beauty Refresher: Varina Shaughnessy, Storyteller

I adore watching my beloved “D-Group” girls change the world. Varina Hart Shaughnessy is one of them. She tells powerful stories through film, photography, written and spoken words. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, where she is creative producer, filmmaker, community builder, and an ultra-long-long-long distance runner. She founded BHAM Film Camp, a youth filmmaking program in Birmingham, Alabama, that expands access to creative tools, mentorship, and community for the next generation of storytellers.

Rachael Porter, assistant director, helped Varina run BHAM Film Camp. 

I asked Varina this question.

What do you want to give to the world?

I believe that story is one of the most powerful ways we learn to see one another, but many people don’t realize that their story is something worth sharing, or they don’t know how to tell it. I want to give the world spaces where people feel seen, equipped, and brave enough to share their stories, to give us their unique perspective and in doing so, helping others to feel seen as well. No one’s story is too small.

Varina currently works as a Creative Producer at FUJIFILM North America, where she collaborates with artists, filmmakers, and photographers to develop meaningful brand stories and campaigns. When she’s not working on stories, you’ll find her hosting a community pizza night or running for long hours on trails in the Pacific Northwest

You can find out more by visiting her website and Instagram. Please watch the video recap of the BHAM Film Camp! It’s amazing. BHM Film Camp 2027 will be June 7-12, and is open to rising ninth graders to graduated seniors. Check their website for more information.