We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ke Banks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ke , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. It started with poems and short stories, then grew into raps and more structured creative writing. About two years ago, when I moved to the South, something in me reignited. I felt a strong pull to pick my pen back up in a more intentional way.

I began having these vivid mental images throughout the day of two characters set in the 1950s. They wouldn’t leave me alone. The more I sat with it, the more their world started to unfold. I began writing what was initially a short story, and for weeks I just let it breathe. I fell in love with the tone, the pacing, and the depth of the characters. It felt different… like something I wasn’t meant to keep to myself.

That’s when I knew I had to expand it beyond the page. I reached out to a friend of mine, Jona X, who I had previously co-hosted a podcast with, and asked if he had any experience in filmmaking. He was new to it… but so was I. From there, I fully committed to building the world. I developed the characters, curated their names, mapped out wardrobe and aesthetic, and translated the story into a script. I sent it over to Jona, and he immediately connected with it. We refined the details together, set a production date, and brought it to life.

That project became our first production: Manor: Tales of the Veiled — The Inheritance

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Nykea Briggs, but I was reborn creatively as Ke Banks—an actress, writer, and all-around storyteller. That evolution represents more than just a name change; it marks a commitment to fully stepping into my purpose and owning my voice in this industry.

I got my start in film when I booked a background role on a Tyler Perry production, Beauty in Black Season 2. To this day, I laugh because I submitted the most unprofessional photos, but that moment reminded me that what’s meant for you will find you. Walking onto that set changed everything for me. I fell in love with the entire process- the language of film, the energy, the precision, the movement behind the scenes. It confirmed that I was exactly where I needed to be. After that experience, I went full force applying for acting roles but nothing was landing. That season was humbling. The high I felt from being on set quickly faded, and I found myself discouraged. But in that stillness, I felt a clear pull back to what I’ve always done… WRITE.

That’s when everything clicked. Acting is my passion, but writing and filmmaking are my foundation. It’s where I have full creative control to build worlds, develop characters, and bring stories to life from the inside out. Through my work, I create character-driven stories and cinematic experiences that are intentional, layered, and emotionally grounded. Whether I’m acting or producing, I understand that challenges will always arise, on any set, at any level however, the ability to adapt, make decisive choices under pressure, and pivot with intention while still protecting the vision is what keeps the train rolling.

What truly sets me apart is my authenticity and rawness I bring to everything I write. I don’t just write stories- I translate real emotion, life lessons, lived experiences, advocacy, and pieces of who I am.

I’m most proud of my growth. Every “no,” every delay, every quiet season has refined me. I truly believe there is value in the valley. It teaches you discipline and resilience.

I want my audience and supporters to know that I am always working, always creating, and always evolving. With me, expect the unexpected. I’m a wildcard in the best way, and there’s always something unfolding behind the scenes.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining examples of my resilience comes from a deeply personal chapter of my life. I was in a domestic violence situation for nearly nine years. Making the decision to walk away was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. It meant choosing my well-being over familiarity, history, and what I thought was love.

After leaving, I went through a very dark period. There was a lot to process emotionally and mentally. But over time, I made a conscious decision not to let that experience define me in a negative way. Instead of allowing it to break me, I chose to rebuild myself intentionally. I relocated, created a new environment for myself, and leaned into my faith for guidance and clarity. That season became a turning point. I started channeling my pain into creativity by writing, developing stories, and giving voice to experiences that are often silenced.

What I once went through is now a source of purpose. It shaped my perspective, strengthened my voice, and deepened the authenticity in my work. I don’t see myself as a victim of my past. I see myself as someone who transformed it into something meaningful.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create work that makes people feel seen, heard, and understood. Through the series and films I write, I aim to tell stories with intention. Stories that resonate with real experiences and offer guidance, reflection, or even just a moment of clarity when it’s needed the most.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kethedonnnn
• Youtube: KetheDonnnn – Ke Banks