Today we’d like to introduce you to Keelah Jackson.
Hi Keelah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Wow! I’ve had such an amazing journey so far! I am a teacher by trade but a creative at heart. Earlier in my professional career, I taught for some years and served in administrative capacities until I realized that there was more to my life than what I was accepting. I decided to leave my life as I knew it at the time to pursue a larger “God Calling”–the calling to make the world a better place using all of my gifts. I then intentionally retooled my life to place my creative gifts and service to others as the focus of my life. It was very fulfilling and took me down some interesting paths which included: writing as a columnist for a magazine and other online publications, being an MiLB mascot, becoming a city-acclaimed muralist and owning a successful art gallery among other things. I eventually found my way back into the classroom and administration, and it produced the same result as my first-time impression! LOL! I was blessed to teach and mentor many amazing young people, yet God called me to live a fuller life as an empowerment coach/creative with the world as my classroom. Currently, I am encouraging/motivating others full-time, and I am loving every single minute of it!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Lord, no! It has been a very bumpy, pot-holey, twisted road with many detours and highs/lows–BUT GOD! I have had to learn that not all obstacles are always setbacks; they are sometimes set-ups for the greatest blessings. I encountered (and still experience) the fact that building and traveling alone is discouraging if you don’t stay focused on the big picture. My purpose and mission is singular–to make the world a better place in everything that I am. When I lack support, finances or community, I remember that my goal is much larger than myself; God has always been with me on this unpredictable road of my journey to equip me with exactly what I need exactly when I need it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an award-winning writer, educator, singer/songwriter, mixed-media artist, model, actress, voice-over talent and motivational speaker established (and documented) in over eight fields of mastery. While I am widely known for my visual artistic expression, my voice (singing, speaking and perspective) is my most cherished area of gifting. I have been singing for well over forty years, and I love encouraging others through my social media content sharing my voice and viewpoints. I am most proud of my book, I AM THE GOSPEL OF ME, where I establish and celebrate the voice of who I am while inviting everyone to embrace his/her/their voice and essence as well.
Within the book, I stand on the fact that I am unique in who I am. I have many gifts and talents that have been weaponized against me for the majority of my life to keep me in a box, but I no longer suppress the fullness of who I am. I shine brightly for myself and God because I am not ashamed of me! I love me! The light that God shines through me (in being exactly who I was created to be) empowers everyone else to do the same. Our authenticity (coupled with empathy and unconditional love) is our greatest superpower in making the world a better place.
Ultimately, I am truly grateful for the privilege to encourage/empower others to become their best selves! Thank you for this interview and opportunity to connect with a larger audience. I invite anyone to support and engage with my content through my website (keelahjackson.com) and socials (IG and YT).
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite book is THE ALCHEMIST. I always recommend it to any and every person in pursuit of his/her/their dreams. I reread it occasionally to encourage myself. A RETURN TO LOVE by Marianne Williamson and THE FIVE AGREEMENTS by Don Miguel Ruiz are two books that I often recommend, too.
I enjoy a variety of podcasts; some of my favorites are: A Really Good Cry with Radhi Devlukia, The Anatomy of a Dream and The Diary of a CEO.
I attend a monthly prayer call led by my friends and business peers, Kanika W. Jones and Tunde Dike. Also, I have been encouraged by Creatives of Faith prayer/faith initiative.
I absolutely love researching everything on “YouTube University”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keelahjackson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastercreativekj/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keelah-jackson-02507010b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keelahjackson9248
