We recently connected with Keia Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Keia , appreciate you joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

I’ve been able to earn a full time living do what I love, music & the arts. It started when I came back from “American Idol” the first time (yes, I went to Hollywood twice). I realized there were more ways than just becoming a Superstar to be able to make a living performing in. I few years after that, I ended up being in a Cast on Steamboats and that work was challenging but it expanded my musical vocabulary in ways I never knew. Then I started doing musicals on land and I really fell in love with the theater. After that, I took a leap and auditions for big ships on the ocean and ended up doing about 4 contracts. After returning home in 2018, I realized all of those lessons and experiences awakened the passion in me to help other perfect their crafts and I officially launched my business; KJ Management (a talent agency). Under my business, I have been able to curate shows, right musicals, Vocal Coach, help companies with social media entertainment strategies and yes; all of that has allowed me to work full time in the arts. It wasn’t a straight road that led me here, but all these things together.

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?

I have always sung and for as long as I can remember, I always wanted to make a living doing what I loved. I went to school and obtained a degree in Radio/Television Broadcasting because my dream was to be in on-air Radio personality. I love political science (my minor is in it) and felt I could fuse music and social justice thru the radio. But that didn’t quite happen, I ended up getting into Marketing and just singing on the weekends. I am the product of a Military family so I moved around a lot and didn’t have roots in Memphis, but once I got here after college, I was like a sponge. I was everywhere learning and listening to as much music as I could. This city gave me my sauce, for sure.

I believe in hard work, in paying your dues and truly learning your craft. I believe in being professional and a great team player. I believe that your name is the only thing you have in this world and if your character isn’t above reproach, you won’t have a long career in the Music Industry. I believe in the business of the music industry and making sure you educate yourself so you won’t have to be the victim of bad business decisions. I am a Creative at heart, but I do it with a clear goal and effectiveness. KJ Management is my passion and the house of all things Entertainment related. If you need a band for a reception, we can do it. If you need to commission us to write a musical for a Theatre, we can do it. If you need consultation for your business on Marketing practices and how to use entertainment to attract an audience, we can do it. If you want Voice Lessons, we can provide them. If you need a producer to out a show together from top to bottom, including a stylist, band leader and sound engineer; we can do it.

On a personal note as an Artist, I feel most proud of being able to perform on the Orpheum Stage. That may seem small but it was a dream of mine from the time I first saw a show on the Orpheum Memphis stage. It is the perfect mixture of theater and legendary Artists. I see it like the Apollo in New York. Not everyone has the opportunity to perform there so I considered it a huge win to be able to do so.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is seeing growth. Rather it’s growth in a student that has taken lessons with me for 3 years or 6 weeks, I love the process. I love this with a client as well. I really enjoy sitting at a table with a client and them giving me the vision for their wedding or party or show; and me letting them know what’s possible and available to make their event memorable. I then love the process of working to make it all happen and then see the client experience their vision. That’s why my website is Experience Entertainment (xpereincentertainment.com), because we get to create experiences and that is probably the most rewarding part of my job.

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

When I first returned from American Idol, I thought the only option was to be an Artist. But I learned very quickly how expensive that was. I was paying so much money for Producers and Videos and Mixing and Mastering, etc. The return, however, never matched the expenses. I’ve never made back the money I’ve spent. I realized though, I love the Arts! There are so many other ways to be involved and have fufillment that isn’t reduced to just being on stage singing. That’s when I discovered Acting, Writing & Directing, I realized God gave me more than just the talent to sing, I have the ability to tell stories and that’s when I pivoted or as I like to think about it, opened up. I opened up to new possibilities and I haven’t looked back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xperiencentertainment.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kj_management/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contactkeia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keia-johnson-2581b26/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/contactkeia
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQAuufcU5hAOFzjuTDsy2Yw