Ellen Pepper
Ellen Pepper is a multi-talented author, actor, and creative professional whose work bridges faith, storytelling, and performance. Her acting experience spans TV series roles, commercial work, and films including Gray Shadows, a Christian sci-fi project exploring themes of self-forgiveness, and a film featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Alongside acting, Ellen has developed a robust writing career, beginning with poetry in high school and evolving into the authorship of multiple books that explore faith, conviction, and mental health, often drawing inspiration from figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi, and Mother Teresa.
Ellen’s literary achievements include her first book, Faith Versus Conviction: Why Am I Falling Apart?, which examines the intersections of belief and personal growth, as well as her most recent children’s book, Baby Jesus and the Christmas Tree, celebrated for its ability to make profound spiritual truths accessible to young readers. Her work has been recognized with accolades such as the Silver Impact Award, and she contributes to Christian-based podcasts, including Prayer: The Beginning, with plans to potentially launch her own podcast in the near future.
Beyond writing and acting, Ellen brings a keen eye for storytelling and continuity as a director and script editor. Her deep interest in genealogy, history, and biblical archaeology informs her projects, and her experience as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher reflects her commitment to faith and education. Transitioning from a traditional 9-to-5 career due to health concerns, Ellen now dedicates herself fully to creative pursuits, crafting works that inspire, entertain, and uplift audiences across mediums.
• Food Bank in Zanesville, OH
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, the guidance of trusted mentors, the support of my family, and trusting His calling even during times when I doubted myself.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to follow the calling placed on my life, even when it feels uncertain, and to trust that purpose can unfold after seasons of doubt or hardship.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay persistent even when progress feels slow, ask questions, be cautious of scams, and trust that unexpected opportunities may arrive later than expected—but can still be life-changing.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are marketing independent work effectively and navigating fraudulent publishing or production companies. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities in faith-based storytelling, independent publishing, podcasting, and connecting authentically with audiences seeking meaningful, purpose-driven content.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, authenticity, perseverance, forgiveness, service to others, and using creativity to inspire healing, hope, and personal reflection.