We recently connected with Kayla-Malika Walker and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla-Malika , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is to be successful in everything I do, whether it be photography, entrepreneurship, acting, modeling, dancing, teaching, singing, or producing! I want to be an inspiration to others, to motivate them, and to be able to do anything they put their minds to do. I started producing small skits with my cousins during Christmas gatherings as a child. I would write songs and choreograph dances for us to perform in front of our family. While these moves were in their early stages, I kept working hard to perfect my craft. Now that I am older, I am happy to say I have released my first children’s show, Keekah and Friends, on my own YouTube channel.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Kayla-Malika Walker, and I am a multi-hyphenate in the performing arts industry. I am an actress, photographer, dancer, singer and producer. Producing Keekah and Friends has been one of my most significant accomplishments. When I got my start in performing arts, I was shy. I started my acting career in 2017 during musical theatre. I got cast as “Lil Inez” in Hairspray The Musical. Since then, I fell in love with theatre. I overcame my shyness and continued to audition for more musicals. While my passion for musical theatre grew, I always had a curiosity for acting in TV and film, and I did more research about embarking on that area of acting. I came in contact with my current manager Ereka Scales and we instantly connected. (“MBI”) is an extension of life to help people like me who are new to the industry. We build close relationships and support one another. We are one big family at MBI. Once I was connected with MBI, I began booking roles. After a few months, I finally landed my first opportunity with Tamara’s Models and Talent Agency. Once I joined the agency, I began to receive additional options. I love being on camera and showcasing my talents.
One of my other passions also lies in working with children. I have been teaching preschool for five years and decided to merge my love for children and entertainment. I started my first children’s show Keekah and Friends, in 2022. Keekah and Friends is a fun, active YouTube show where children can learn and educate themselves, all while dancing and keeping their bodies moving. I play the central character, Keekah, in the series. Alongside Keekah is her sidekick, Bella ( played by Isabella Ballard), and they both go on fun adventures together. While Keekah and Bella go on different adventures, Lyric, an animated and magical yet mysterious music box ( played by the voice of Ariella Rivera), assists them. Lyric belts out amazing tunes and helps Keekah and her friends when they stumble across a problem. Lyric also plays songs whenever Keekah and her friends are ready to jam! Our show’s lead choreographer is 12-year-old Aaliyah Rivera, along with assistant choreographer Kaprice Walker. They incorporate creative moves for the children to dance to. To in the show and the kids love it! Finally, we have Londyn Roberts, our show’s fashion designer. Altogether, Keekah’s team runs a fantastic show.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding for Keekah and Friends was not easy. We coordinated several fundraisers to help fund the show, which experienced its challenges. However, we did not let that discourage us. Instead, we allowed our talents to shine through our actions and secured funding to get Keekah and Friends off the ground from the result of our side jobs and using our savings.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I launched Keekah and Friends in 2022, production stopped due to limited funding resources. We worked hard all year scheduling and writing episodes for the anticipated 2023-2024 year. Although the idea seemed great in 2022, we still needed to consider the right time to launch. Now that 2024 is approaching, we are so happy with our decision to wait an extra year so that Keekah and Friends can reach its best potential.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552484755065
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Keekah?si=CIRryRTXrefQ7xaW

Image Credits
Lulu’s Vision Media Jon Taylor Photo Kay’s Klick Productions