Building a Legacy Through Faith and Creativity
The Johnson family’s story is more than just a testament to resilience; it’s a powerful example of how faith, family, and determination can fuel extraordinary achievements. From overcoming homelessness to pursuing creative dreams in the entertainment industry, Aaron, Takela, Dasha, Caleb, and Dontrell have turned challenges into stepping stones. Now, with their documentary Embracing the Dream set to premiere, the Johnsons invite the world to witness their journey of hope, hard work, and unwavering belief in God’s plan.
ITCM: The title Embracing the Dream carries so much weight. What does “the dream” symbolize for your family, and how do you hope it resonates with viewers of the documentary?
Aaron: The “dream” symbolizes my creative gift and my mission to inspire, uplift, educate, and entertain others. Sharing my work with the world, as so many others have done before me, is how I aim to make an impact.
Takela: For me, the dream represents maximizing every ounce of our creative potential while building a legacy in the arts without compromising our faith. By doing so, we show that God is the ultimate creator, and we hope to inspire others who share a strong faith and love for the creative arts to embrace both without fear.
Caleb: The dream means hope, hard work, and believing that anything is possible with faith and family. It’s about overcoming challenges and achieving goals together. We hope viewers see that they, too, can chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
ITCM: Aaron, your accomplishments at such a young age are remarkable. What drove you to pursue such big dreams despite the challenges you and your family faced growing up?
Aaron: I’ve learned that tough times don’t last forever and that better days always come. I’ve never allowed my circumstances to limit my dreams. Since I was young, I’ve lived by the principle of “walking by faith, not by sight.” Many before me have faced even greater challenges and still achieved extraordinary things. I believe God doesn’t favor anyone more than another—it’s all about perseverance and timing.
ITCM: Dasha and Takela, how did your faith and leadership at Fresh Oil Apostolic Center help guide your family through adversity and toward the incredible success we see today?
Takela: I always say, “Pastoring people is the hardest job ever.” We started very young—at 26 and 30—as senior pastors. Leading a young, dynamic congregation taught us resilience and prepared us for the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. There were moments of silence—no calls, no emails—but we kept praying and speaking life over our family. Fresh Oil gave us the spiritual stamina to persevere.
Dasha: Leadership at Fresh Oil shaped our work ethic and determination. It taught us that adversity is just one of the many stops on the road to success.
ITCM: Aaron, from working with Grammy-nominated artists to being honored internationally, how do you stay grounded, and what role has your family played in keeping you focused?
Aaron: Staying grounded comes naturally when you see yourself as a servant first. Growing up in the church taught me the importance of humility and serving others. I don’t let accolades define me; my focus is on remaining true to my purpose and giving back.
ITCM: Dontrell and Caleb have also achieved great success in their fields. How did the family dynamic and mutual support contribute to each of you thriving in your unique talents?
Caleb: Our family’s unwavering support and encouragement created a foundation where we could thrive. By celebrating each other’s strengths and staying involved in one another’s journeys, we’ve all grown together.
Dontrell: Our family dynamic is rooted in love and teamwork. Knowing I can count on Caleb and Aaron makes all the difference. We see each other’s goals as shared goals, and we work together to make them happen.
ITCM: Your story is a powerful testament to resilience and faith. What was the most challenging moment you faced as a family, and how did you overcome it together?
Aaron: There have been so many challenges—homelessness, strained relationships, and public ridicule, to name a few. Watching my parents endure criticism while still leading a ministry was especially tough. But I’ve learned that adversity means you’re on the right path. You can’t live for others’ approval—only for God and yourself. Surrounding yourself with people who uplift you is key.
Takela: One of the hardest moments was when my husband cared for his father while we faced public humiliation from relatives. Some felt entitled; others opposed our support for our sons in the arts. But through it all, we leaned on God and our family bond. As scripture says, “All things work together for the good of those who love God.”
Dasha: The most challenging times were when we were so close to the finish line, only to see everything fall apart. Those moments taught us to regroup, realign, and push forward with even greater determination.
Caleb: Homelessness was one of our biggest tests of faith. It strengthened our unity and taught us to trust God’s plan, even when it wasn’t clear.
Dontrell: Facing adversity is never easy, especially when those you help turn against you. But as a family, we’ve stood together through it all, coming out stronger every time.
ITCM: Your book, A Family Guide in Faith & Entertainment, provides insights into balancing ambition and spirituality. What key message do you want families to take away from the book?
Aaron: Keep God at the center. The industry can be overwhelming, but seeking God and wise counsel can help you stay grounded. Success is a journey, and appreciating the lessons along the way makes it even more meaningful.
Takela: Keeping God first isn’t just about attending services—it’s about living by His principles. In our book, we share how to balance faith and creativity, showing that God embraces the arts. Families should feel empowered to pursue their passions without losing sight of their values.
Dasha: Always stand firm in your faith and bet on Jesus—and yourself.
Caleb: The key message is that families can balance faith and ambition by staying united and keeping God at the center.
Dontrell: Together, families can overcome anything. Your strength lies in your unity.
ITCM: With Embracing the Dream set to premiere, what do you hope the world learns about the Johnson family, and what’s next for you all as you continue to inspire others?
Aaron: I hope people see us as an ordinary family doing extraordinary things through God’s grace. For me, the future includes more films, events, and hopefully a TV show.
Takela: I want parents to see the importance of supporting their children’s dreams. Our family is our first ministry. My next step is releasing the second volume of my book series Diaries from the Heart of a Woman.
Dasha: It’s all about family and faith. For the Johnsons, the future is bright—we’re just getting started.
Caleb: We hope our story inspires people to see what faith, love, and unity can accomplish. Next, we’ll continue giving back and sharing stories of hope.
Dontrell: I want the world to see our strength, love, and unwavering commitment to one another. For us, the journey continues with more music, films, and unforgettable moments.
For the Johnsons, “the dream” is not just about personal success—it’s about inspiring others to pursue their own creative potential while remaining rooted in faith. Through their collective talents, they are showing the world that faith and ambition are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, a powerful combination.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/1044375277
Private showing in Kentucky: https://vimeo.com/820367321
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