We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keisha M. Tarver. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keisha M. below.

Alright, Keisha M. thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Before I created Hype Off Life, I was an underground Hip Hop blogger (WestCoast Keish) for several years. During that time, I met so many amazing artists who weren’t getting the recognition they deserved from larger platforms. The main sentiment among all the artists was they should be highlighted and their music shared, just like big-name artists because their music was of the same caliber, which was true in many cases.

After hearing their music over the years, it stuck with me. In the months following up to the ideation, creation, and launch of Hype Off Life, I was inspired to start something new. I just didn’t know what that new thing was. At the time I was in my senior year of college pursuing a Bachelor’s in Marketing. Then one day in class, it struck me – I should finally take that leap and start the magazine I always had in the back of my mind.

I already had the URL, “Hype Off Life”, thanks to a random thought that popped up in my head a few years before that. So, at that point, it was just a matter of building the website, marketing, and mapping out my strategy. I was actually so excited to get started that I worked on Hype Off Life at the library on my graduation day. After I celebrated, of course.

That was in 2017. Since then, Hype Off Life has gone on to be recognized as a media platform giving artists their big break to mainstream media and the #1 Hip Hop magazine in Los Angeles. So, I’d say the idea was a solid one.

Keisha M., love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m an LA native, author, photographer, and mother of 5, aside from being the CEO/Editor-In-Chief of Hype Off Life, LLC. I’ve always loved music as an art form and outlet. It’s everything to me. During my youth, I was known as the music girl, putting my classmates up on all the latest releases. At one point I had over 700 CDs (remember those)? So, I’ve just carried my love for it to what I’m doing with Hype Off Life.

One thing that sets me apart from others in the space is my unique perspective. I’m an avid reader, curious to know more about life and the world. This allows me to see things very differently than someone who has tunnel vision and only pays attention to a singular topic. I have experience with e-commerce, social media marketing, graphic and web design, plus marketing and creative writing. When you put all these together, they allow me to run Hype Off Life smoothly and keep it at the forefront of the culture.

I’m most proud of my tenacity and work ethic, especially during this current season that I’m in. On top of everything I already do with Hype Off Life, my family, and other creative endeavors, I also work a full-time job. It’s taxing most days, and sometimes I want to take a break from it all, but I continue to show up for myself and those that depend on me everyday. It’s not easy, but I still get it done. So, I’m most proud of that.

As far as Hype Off Life goes, it’s a media company focused on highlighting the best in urban music and culture. We bridge the gap between underground and mainstream artists, as well as emerging and legacy artists. This is all based on my belief that good music is good music, irrespective of where an artist is from, their age, current social status, etc.

So far, Hype Off Life has released 6 issues of our magazine, many which are available as limited print editions. Our last issue was “The LA Issue”, featuring GRAMMY-nominated singer/songwriter, Kenyon Dixon. Before that, we released a special “Pride Issue” that highlighted the diversity of the LGBTQ community. All of our magazine issues have received much praise and accolades. So, shoutout to our supporters!

I’d love for everyone reading this to know that Hype Off Life is the future of media. I know so many people who are tired of gossip blogs and toxic, fear-based reporting. Hype Off Life is not that. It is founded on the belief that if you don’t have something good to say, don’t say anything at all. The things we give our attention to grow in our lives. I’ve designed Hype Off Life to highlight higher vibrations in urban music and culture. So, your interaction with it will leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and “Hype Off Life”. Get it?

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

I like to say I started Hype Off Life with “a dollar and a dream” because I really did! Like I was previously saying, I already owned Hype Off Life’s URL, plus I know how to design websites and market well. So, that easily saved me a couple of thousand dollars. After that, I just reinvested any money I’d make from the business back into the business.

Ever since I became and business owner in 2005, I’ve stood on the belief of investing in myself. So, I don’t have any outside investors or lenders. Everything is self-funded and independently operated, which I love.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The caliber and character of artists I highlight on Hype Off Life has definitely helped build my reputation. Over the years, I’ve learned how to move strategically and only align myself with people with the same values. Values like professionalism, honesty, and authenticity. It’s a plus if they see the vision too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hypeofflife.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lowkeyinlosangeles/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hypeofflife
• Other: My book – Squares In My Circle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS91RQKW