Entertainment Issue

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Tell everyone who you are and what you do? Award winning international director and producer of film and stage, I am clear that my calling in life is to heal through the arts. With dozens of films, series, and theatrical projects under her belt, I have made “creating” my career. With over 3 million YouTube views, with almost 100k social media followers across my platforms, I know the power of creating your own lane. No stranger to struggle, I use my life experience to inform my art. I am passionate about telling stories, representation, and providing opportunities to emerging artists through her nonprofit M. Power Arts. Currently contracted with Jupiter Entertainment, I had the pleasure of producing and working on shows such as For My Man, Snapped, and Fatal Attraction which can be seen on Oxygen and TV One. I am also super excited to be named Vice President of Productions and Content at iElevate+ TV, a new platform that highlights the LGBTIQ+ and Same Gender Loving community of color. With iElevate I have already produced several docu series, talk shows, and more. I am proud of all that has been done and aware there is so much more in store for me. I am excited about my continued journey to heal the world through the arts, blur the lines that divide us, and create work that has true impact. Let’s talk a little bit about your journey and how you got to where you are today. It took a lot of hard work, a lot of tears but most of all a lot of Faith. I always knew I wanted to have a career in the arts. For many years I thought it would be on stage or in front of the camera. Acting brings me such joy. I found out through the years that producing, directing, and hosting is truly where

my passion lies. I spent a decade in the theater world in New Jersey. I had a successful performing arts school where over 300 students came through my program, and I mounted dozens and dozens of plays. I woke up one day and decided I wanted to try my hand in film, specifically documentaries. I closed up shop, packed up everything I had and moved to Atlanta, GA and started film school. Atlanta was such a budding film industry and I found myself on many sets and learning more on indie projects than I could ever learn in school. I caught the BUG - the film bug - and soon film became my life. Fast forward years later, I have several awards under my belt, had the opportunity to direct a web series in Paris, France, I have several films on streaming platforms, and produced for some of the top true crime series on several major television networks. That performing arts school I closed back in New Jersey, has reopened with branches in the North, South, & West Coast. I am most proud of the launch of my Talk Show “Faith It” The one thing that has been constant in my journey is God. I aim to show creatives that the notion of “The Starving Artist” is dead - you can truly make a living doing what you love and the key is to keep God in the center of it all. Faith It is a talk show that features successful artists who have had to lean on their faith throughout their journey to success. What are your goals you want to accomplish for 2023? My goals this year are to continue to produce films that make a difference. I want to grow my platform to include a coaching program for creatives who want to make a living and an impact doing what they love. I recently opened another office in Atlanta, GA and I want to continue to expand my brand and business. Let’s talk about “Faith It” and the motivation behind the show. Well, I am crazy about Faith, truly. When you come to my home or office, I have a jar of mustard seeds. I give them out to remind people that you can have the Faith the size of a mustard seed and still watch the miracles happen in your life. I wanted to show people that those who believe are successful have had their

own journeys. I wanted to not just talk about Faith but to also give real tools and examples of Faith in action that others could relate to. What has been one of your most memorable moments in your career? There are so many, but what comes to mind is the day we signed a multifilm distribution deal. My best friend and business partner and I have been working so hard to get a footing in the industry, when we got the news it felt like we were finally seeing the fruit of our labor. It inspired us. We hopped in the car, blasted music, drove around and celebrated. I cried; lol I am a big cry baby. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Honestly, I would go anywhere where my loved ones are. I have grown to realize that being with family (blood or chosen) is what brings me joy. What do you do in your spare time? In my spare time I love to bake, I love going to church and watching sermons online, I love shopping. Are you working on any new projects or upcoming events? I have several things in the works. I cannot wait to get the ok to announce them all. What is one message you would like to give your fans? It is ok to FEAR IT (whatever it is) but you must FACE IT (allow yourself to feel it and face that fear) the FAITH IT (the lean on your Faith and push through). Where can the readers follow you? I am @onyxkeesha on all social media platforms.

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