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

Keeya , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

You have to bet on yourself and your dreams! If you can dream it, it is possible. I was able to get to the point I am at in my career by trusting the vision that was given to me. Sometimes that isn’t always pretty because people will share their opinions, project their hesitations or insecurities unto you and sometimes attempt to discredit your abilities.

I used to dream of operating in what I call my “Lanes of LOVE.” These lanes of love include creating, inspiring, celebrating and knowing who you are. When you are aware of who you are you then can express it freely. When I would share my vision with others they wouldn’t understand how I would be able to offer multiple services to my clients through my gifts. I understood how it could sound like a lot or I could seem extremely dreamy eyed about them. However, I continued to listen to what GOD had given me, and began to work it. I aligned myself with people who were placed in my life to assist in helping me along my journey. I have worked proven methods of Self-LOVE that have changed my life and the lives of others through the ‘Power Hour,’ and professing our ‘I AMs’ daily.

Everyday I commit to my dreams and goals. I am self aware of what I desire and of my purpose in life. I choose to be the change I wish to see, and an example of who I needed when I was younger. I build intergenerational relationships of legacy with my family, network, village and community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Keeya Allen, and I am a Creator. I am a multi-gifted woman whose purpose in life is to change peoples lives. I have the honor of doing that through impacting others at every opportunity by showing LOVE as an action. I created The LOVE Initiative Group as an outlet to provide workshops and coaching sessions to inspire others in particular the next generation through youth development. I have been an Image & Creative Director (as a Stylist, Boutique Owner, and Coach). My current title is Self-LOVE & Leadership Expert. I have been a constant presence in my community through mentoring and influence. In addition to The LOVE Initiative Group, I’ve also made an impact being a part of Project DIVA International, working in schools (in Behavioral managing), being a Community Program Director, and through kingdom building within the church community. I love assisting others in finding their passions, purpose and expressing them. I love inspirational speaking to encourage people to take the next step to bet on themselves. I am extremely passionate about working with youth to discover their Self-LOVE & Leadership journey through the “how.” As in how will they get there? They usually know the what (what they want to be or what they dream), and it’s the how (how will you get there) that will leave you stuck. People reach to me for multiple things that include my services, my products, and resources.

I have recently relocated to Dallas, TX, and I am elated at the opportunity to expand my territory and continue to change lives. I have been blessed to still work with the Minneapolis, MN community as well as surrounding areas. In addition to being the Founder & CEO of the LOVE Initiative Group, I am the Self-LOVE Facilitator & Marketing Director for Project DIVA International (PDI). I have been identified as a Change Maker and my leadership has been recognized on national platforms which allows me to meet people from all over the world. Which also ignites relationship building in other communities and cultures. I partner with schools with a hybrid model I designed to impact their students through PDI and The LOVE Initiative Group. With me being born and raised in Minneapolis (which is a melting pot of diversity) I look forward to more plans for impact in the state of MN as well as TX. I believe in my people. I will continue to use my voice and my hands for what is needed. I have the ability and experience to do this as an individual or a part of a team. I am most proud of that. If you can dream it you can live it. Literally the career I’ve created is one that started as just a thought in my mind.

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

My mother, Cynthia, passed away when I was 12 years old. Through the hurt, devastation and depression that took over my life for those first handful of years truly impacted my journey and the way I looked at life. No longer having my mother who was not only my first teacher and guide in life, but also my closest confidant was gut wrenching. However, she had prepared me for her not being there forever. She instilled in me love, self sufficiency, confidence that I could do anything and to trust myself. In my rebellion as a teen I didn’t want others mothering me. I would learn to honor the mothering of my Grandmother, Aunts, and Godmothers in the years to come. I did learn to accept their guidance. They stood in the gap for me. I am the woman I am today because of it.

I made the decision to live despite going through that heartbreaking time. When the world would count me out, GOD counted me in. I understand how others could turn to drugs, alcohol, and more. I understand how you can get stuck in the “why me.” However, I never wanted my mother’s life to be in vain. She chose to have children even though she was told she shouldn’t or couldn’t. I was born premature with complications and they told her I would struggle in development. I didn’t though. I was a gifted child with zero complications, a love for life and excelled at anything she put her mind to. I committed to giving the love out loud and not be stuck in my grief. It is still all these years later a choice that I sometimes tussle with because I am human and emotions are real. I am committed to my healing journey. I still miss and wish for my mother over 25 years later. I just know that my purpose is greater, and her sacrifice for my life is beyond the greatest reason to continue on. She was a lover of life and would want me to live!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I always say, “People will never forget when you loved them.” LOVE is compassion, kindness, and patient. The struggles that people face as humans both young and older usually know what their struggles are. You don’t have to rub it in or keep bringing it up. You also don’t have to agree with it, but love them anyhow. None of us are perfect. Sometimes love is bright with the sun shining and sometimes it’s tough with a roller coaster of emotions. However, it is action. They may choose to not acknowledge it or work through it. That’s when we show up for each other. I want them to know that they are deserving of it. We stand in the gap with grace and unconditional love. We all have a story that when it is shared or when the healing work of self is done, can inspire so many others.

Contact Info:

• Website: lovesavedme.com, throwblackmemories.com, projectdiva.org
• Instagram: thelovelykeeya
• Linkedin: Keeya Allen
• Youtube: Project DIVA International