Leaving a legacy Haircoustics’ Sherisse Rogers talks to Keely Augustus about performing, business and of course, hair
P
oet, James Russell Lowell once said that “creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found”. Keely Augustus is a (not so literal) finder of things. However, in this case, the thing found is people’s talent, or as she would put it, their “creative potential”.
19 | June 2013
|
I meet up with Keely one rainy, cold April day at a trendy coffee shop in Soho. Despite the miserable weather, Keely’s disposition is sunny and cheerful. Founder and creative director of Keely&Co (an Artiste management and professional event production company founded in 2012), Keely’s roots are grounded in theatre. After discovering
www.haircoustics.com
her love of performing in secondary school, she went on to complete an MDrama degree in Drama and Theatre Studies at Canterbury University. Of her time here she says “what interested me the most about directing, was the relationships you could form with actresses and actors you worked with.” In 2007 Keely formed her first arts company, Formidable Fusion, with then business partner Natasha Penumuchi. Of the venture Keely sites their motivation as a wish “to be a source of inspiration to others, and guide them with a performance platform.” Formidable Fusion’s work with charities and organisations sought to promote and fundraise through the arts. Keely notes that one of their most memorable shows was in association with The National Literacy Trust. “We had the honour of personally interviewing Kwame Kwei-Armah and he shared his views about literacy in the UK. The preceding showcase explored different performance traits on the theme of literacy.” By 2011, Keely had decided she needed more and undertook another masters at Birkbeck University in Creative Producing for Theatre and Live Events. She notes that the course “re-opened my eyes to the importance of learning throughout your life. I enjoyed working with artists within plays and music performances but I now found myself wishing to aid them more on their journey.” And so Keely&Co was born in 2012. Keely speaks of the company with subtle pride. Gathering her most respected business contacts, her aim is to develop a service to nurture and instruct aspiring performance artists. In addition to this, the company also offers professional event production. She says: “Keely&Co is about leaving a legacy, and offering support for anyone who needs it.” Keely’s accomplishments span both mainstream and lower profile events. “In terms of personal accomplishment, the event that has inspired me the most to date was the C is for Cure event I co-produced at the Roundhouse Studios. This was a fundraiser for someone who is bravely battling cancer. It reminded me how music can bring communities together, and how talent can be used to raise money and awareness to the benefit of others,” Keely said. It’s fair to say that Keely carries
strong but innovative head on young shoulders. So let’s talk hair. SR: How would you describe your hair currently? KA: I’d describe my hair as transitional, fiery, identity-seeking, quirky and versatile. I feel that I have evolved as a person since turning 30 years old. My hair is mirroring this transition, finding a way to adjust and follow its own path.
‘If you have an artistic gift, don’t be afraid of showing the world what you can do’ SR: Has the way you described it changed from when it was relaxed? KA: I began relaxing my hair at the age of 14. Looking back, I’m not too sure what led me to make that decision. In the years to follow, I kept the same pattern of having my hair regularly relaxed and I went through a brief stage at university where I tried straight extensions. During these phases I tended to wear my hair immaculately, ensuring everything was neat and in control. I think I based a lot of effort in my appearance under the preconception that I had to look a certain way to be accepted. India Arie sings the famous line “I am not my hair,” and with age and experience
www.haircoustics.com
| June 2013
|
20
James Photography and Wesley Taylor Photography
Photos courtesy of Helen Boast Photography,Sherisse Rogers for NuRC, Dawson
I grew to realise that if people were to accept me in and am left with curly hair. This makes it less prone life and work environments, then my own personal to heat damage from blow-drying. voice needed to shine through. SR: Any hair care tips you swear by? KA: I always plait my hair in overnight. When it was SR: What lead to your choice to wear your hair in relaxed I used to wrap it. I believe that this protects its current style? What is your hair journey? KA: When I turned 30 I felt a need to reconnect your hair while you sleep. with who I am, on a spiritual, emotional and physical level. I was also slightly concerned about SR: What’s next for you? KA: There are quite a few exciting projects in the the possible damage I was doing to my hair and body with the chemicals I was submitting myself to. pipeline. This year I will be building on my business, finding external opportunities to aid my team I now texturise my hair twice a year. It allows me and the musicians I work with, and I will also be to gradually transition between the relaxed to natural state. My hair has grown during this time expanding the agency side. I have collaborated with a professional jazz band too as it hasn’t been subjected to the vast array of chemicals. called Slo Burn (who have performed alongside Kele le Roc and Omar) and we are launching the first of many live band nights to widen SR: What is your preferred hair care regime? opportunities for performers. Our first one is on KA: I use the brand Organic Root Stimulator Olive Friday 19 July at The Richmix and feature Neosoul Oil shampoo and conditioner. I then use Always Castor Oil conditioning hair dress and plait my hair covers and original material by a range of up and while still damp. When it has dried I undo the plaits coming artists.
One of Keely&Co’s stars Michael
SR: Best advice you could share with readers? KA: Always be true to yourself, and if you have a dream, don’t give up on it. Too often people work so hard and hit a brick wall and wish to stop. That’s when you have to keep going, as you are often so close to realising your dreams. Keely&Co was devised to alleviate career fear. If you have an artistic gift, don’t be afraid of showing the world what you can do, and if you need guidance please seek it. Don’t allow fear of lack of knowledge to stop you from achieving your potential. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. For more information about Keely&Co, visit www.keelyandco.com Keely can be contacted at: keelya@ keelyandco.com
19 | June 2013
|
www.haircoustics.com
www.haircoustics.com
| June 2013
|
20