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

Keisha , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

In 2014, I released my bestselling nonfiction book Deceived, a personal testimony about overcoming deception and turning pain into purpose. Writing that book opened my eyes to the power of storytelling—not just for healing myself, but for helping others feel seen and less alone in their struggles.

After the book’s release, a coworker told me, “I don’t like to read, but I’ll buy your book to support you.” That comment stayed with me. It made me realize that while my story resonated, not everyone connects through books. I prayed and asked God to show me another way to reach people—especially those who wouldn’t typically pick up a book. That’s when I felt the call to expand my creative path beyond writing, to find new ways to deliver the same message: there is hope before the grave. You don’t have to fall apart—your pain can have purpose, and you can live to be a blessing to someone else. That’s when I started to pursue performing stage plays which has been a blessing to others.

Keisha , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Minister Keisha Mayo is a woman chosen by God, anointed for such a time as this. Raised in the Bronx, New York to Evangelist Barbara Mayo and the late Carl Mayo Sr., Keisha’s foundation in Christ was deeply influenced by the strong legacy of her grandmother, the late Evangelist Susie Goldson, and her mother, a powerhouse in ministry who continues to be a source of strength, guidance, and inspiration. From an early age, Keisha was surrounded by prayer, worship, and the Word of God—those seeds would blossom into a powerful calling. Keisha often says, “I had no choice but to accept the call because the anointing flowed down to me.”

Keisha graduated from Herbert H. Lehman College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics/Business Management. She faithfully served the city of New York as a Correction Officer, standing strong even in the face of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and spiritual warfare before retiring. During her career, Keisha faced intense spiritual warfare, being blackballed in her workplace. Yet through every trial, she clung to her faith. What was meant to break her, God used to build her. Instead of growing bitter, she became better—refined by the fire, not consumed by it. Her story is not one of defeat, but divine victory. Her courage and integrity made her a light in dark places, and her commitment to Christ never wavered. While active, Keisha was a faithful member of Correction Officers for Christ. She is a woman who understands spiritual warfare and walks in victory. She was blessed to use one of her God-given talents, singing the National Anthem at her graduation and other ceremonies. She was also acknowledged as the top female shooter of her class. Her life is a testament that no weapon formed against you shall prosper and that when God is for you, no one can truly stand against you.

On May 17, 2025, Keisha was officially licensed and ordained—a sacred milestone that confirmed what Heaven had long declared. For years, she had walked in the quiet weight of her calling: preaching truth in churches, singing under the anointing, counseling the wounded, and creating spaces where God could move through worship and the arts. She is known for ministering the Word with power and compassion, whether in the pulpit, in prayer, or through the creative arts. Long before the laying on of hands, she had already surrendered her life to be a vessel—pouring out love, healing, and the Word with both power and tenderness. Her ordination was not a pursuit of recognition, but an act of alignment—a public yes to the God she had been saying yes to in private for years. Her ministry was never about position, it was about obedience. Whether preaching, counseling, or creating, Keisha continues to carry the presence of God with authenticity, grace, and unwavering devotion.

Keisha has completed a General Bible One course with the New York South East Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Religious Training Institute.

A woman of many talents, Minister Keisha Mayo uses every gift God has given her for His glory. She is the author of the best-selling, non-fiction book Deceived. Deceived is a powerful testimony of pain, perseverance, and purpose. “It’s an experience that no one should have to go through, but if it happens, just know, you will not be the first and you will not be the last,” says Keisha. She goes on to say, “Deceived was written to let you know that you don’t have to fall apart, but you can stand up and be strong. Just know that whatever you go through, it is not the end of life. It was only to make you strong.”

The book has touched countless lives, been featured twice on a Times Square billboard, and has been the inspiration for a stage play and a feature film—both written, directed, and produced by Keisha herself. Keisha has been in Barnes & Noble over 54 times on a book tour. Her creative works are not just entertainment—they are evangelism tools designed to lead souls to Christ. She received a Victory Thru Faith Honor in recognition of her faithfulness to God at her darkest hour.

Keisha has done interviews with News 12 Connecticut with the award-winning producer Gwen Edwards, OPEN with Dr. Bob Lee of WBLS, Toya Beasley of 94.7 FM “The Block,” Lenny Green from WBLS, and Dr. Liz Black from WBLS, The Marty Heiser Show, The Ushar Kumar Show, The Chris Pante Show, “A Great God” with Evang. Barbara Mayo, “God Has a Plan” with Rev. Robert Goldson, “Don’t Give Up and Win” with Jacquie Holland, “When the Blue Comes Off” with DeShanda Carter, and “Christian Access” with the late Ricky Bethune. In spite of the many trials and disappointments life presented, Keisha never lost sight of her purpose, remaining strong in both faith and character. She made the decision to use her strength and beliefs to help others overcome deception.

Keisha is the Drama Guild Director at her church, Morning Star Full Gospel Assembly, on Tremont Avenue in the Bronx under the leadership of Bishop Rubin S. Thompson. She is also the creative force behind several hit stage plays. This journey has truly been God-ordained. Keisha has been honored to serve as Executive Producer, Producer, Writer, Director, Actor, and Musical Director in her stage plays. From her earlier plays Deceived and Trouble Don’t Last Always—which were SOLD OUT and standing room only—to Love Conquers All being brought back by popular demand THREE TIMES, every show has been a complete SELL OUT, including her most recent performance in a 500-seat theater! Love Conquers All—a powerful story God gave her during the pandemic—was in honor of her grandmother’s legacy, which touched countless lives with messages of faith, forgiveness, and hope. Each performance carries a message of hope, deliverance, and the unshakeable power of God’s love. Her work in theater is not just artistic—it is anointed ministry.

Keisha is a trained actress, singer, songwriter, and director. She studied acting through the Meisner Technique with David P. Wilson in the Academy of Film, Stage, Television and Performing Arts, Inc. and other professional courses, yet she remains humble, always using her platform to point people to Jesus.

Her extensive theater career includes performances in several notable Off-Broadway productions, including Vy Higginson’s Mama, I Want to Sing, Dana Hubbard’s Every Dog Has His Day, and Floyd Cromwell’s Black Metropolis, and Martin Luther King, which was at the Beacon Theater featuring the late Rev. James Moore. While she enjoys acting, Keisha finds her true passion in directing. Still, her passion remains in directing, where she can shepherd stories that point people to the truth of Jesus Christ.

Beyond theater, Keisha is an anointed worshipper and gospel recording artist. She has sung with various choirs and music groups, contributing background vocals for multiple celebrity artists and singing in her play Deceived. Keisha has ministered vocally in countless churches. Keisha sang background vocals on a 2X Grammy Award-winning rock group Matchbox 20 album. A project that earned Multi-Platinum status—further marking her impact in the music industry. Keisha has sung in venues such as Madison Square Garden and the World Trade Center alongside gospel greats like Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, and Ne-Yo. Her original gospel single, “I Believe God,” continues to inspire listeners and is available on iTunes. Whether performing or preaching, Keisha’s heart is always to win souls and bring healing through the love of Christ.

She is also a songwriter who has written and produced several songs that were used in her plays: “Perfect Peace,” “Weeping May Endure,” “Because He Can,” and “If It Had Not Been.” Keisha’s desire is to complete an entire CD.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Keisha is the host of The Keiwear Show, which airs across The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. She has interviewed people such as the Mayor of Newburgh, Torrence Harvey; Gospel Artist Melvin Crispell; Gospel Artist Micah E. Clarke; Comedian Gerald Kelly; and legendary radio personalities Toya Beasley, Dr. Liz Black, and Sean Cort—just to name a few. With the help of Evang. Barbara Mayo and artist Petawane, they collaborated and wrote the theme lyrics to the show. Keisha sang all background vocals for her theme music. Through this platform, she shares testimonies, promotes gospel artistry, and uplifts her community, all while keeping Christ at the center.

In addition to her ministry through media and the arts, Keisha is the visionary behind Keiwear Fashions, a Christian fashion line built on the motto, “Fashions Made from a String.” With creativity gifted by God, she designs beautiful garments as another avenue of expressing faith. You can see Keisha’s creations in the opening of her talk show, The Keiwear Show. She believes every gift and skill she possesses is to be used for the glory of God and the edification of His people.

In every role—minister, author, actress, singer, director, songwriter, host, or designer—Keisha remains a humble servant. Her life is rooted in Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” She understands that her gift is not for applause, but for assignment. God has given her much: wisdom, talent, vision, and resilience. In return, she gives everything back to Him.

Keisha’s journey is a testament to her strength, perseverance, and unwavering faith. She has remained dedicated to uplifting others, proving that no matter the setbacks, love, hope, and faith can conquer all.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is knowing that your work is making a real difference in someone’s life. When someone says, “If it wasn’t for your testimony, I don’t know where I’d be,” it reminds me that my journey—my pain, growth, and healing—wasn’t just for me. It’s a blessing to know that by sharing my story, I’ve helped others overcome their own obstacles.

There’s something deeply humbling and fulfilling about watching someone find hope, healing, or purpose because of something you created. It shows me that creativity isn’t just about expression—it’s about impact. Knowing that my life and my art can be a light in someone else’s darkness—that’s the greatest reward of all.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To truly support artists and creatives, society needs to recognize the power of storytelling, art, and testimony as essential tools for healing, connection, and transformation. That means creating more spaces—both physical and digital—where diverse voices can be heard and valued, especially from those who turn personal pain into purpose.

Support doesn’t always have to be financial, though funding is important. Support also looks like access—access to platforms, mentorship, education, and audiences. It means shifting the mindset that creativity is a luxury, and instead seeing it as vital to our emotional and spiritual well-being. When society values the message as much as the medium, and the heart as much as the hustle, we create a culture where artists can thrive—not just survive.

Most importantly, we need to encourage people to engage with art, even if it’s outside their comfort zone. Just like someone once told me, “I don’t like to read, but I’ll support you,” those small acts of openness can spark big change. Supporting creatives means believing in the impact of their message—because sometimes, that message is what saves someone’s life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://keishamayo.com
• Instagram: therealkeishamayo
• Facebook: therealkeishamayo
• Twitter: therealkeisha1
• Youtube: Keisha Mayo

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