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

Hi Keisha, thanks for joining 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?

In 2020, I was hired as the operations manager for my city’s local arts council, which I considered a dream job. A few years earlier, I had worked for them as an intern and camp coordinator for a program called “Arts in the Park,” where neighborhood kids could experience visual and performing arts led by teaching artists. At the time, I was a burnt-out actress, losing my passion for performing, but I felt compelled to give back to my community and utilize my creative skills to help young people pursue their dreams. I knew the arts council was the right place for me. After three years in my “dream job,” my mental health was declining—I was stressed, frustrated, sad, and unfulfilled. My attitude was affecting my relationships both at work and at home.

I tried therapy, getting back into theatre, taking on more projects, then fewer projects, until the only option left was to quit. I was lost without a backup plan, but I was financially stable enough to take a year off from work. My partner and I agreed he would handle the household while I traveled and rediscovered myself as an artist. I soon realized I was burnt out as an actress because I was meant to embrace multiple passions. I found myself acting again, directing, modeling, curating art exhibitions, teaching, writing, and exploring the visual arts—all while getting paid for it. I wasn’t making much money, but I knew I wasn’t meant to sit at a desk or handle facility needs.

Then, life fell apart. My partner lost his job, and my savings were running out. We became depressed, bitter, and stubborn, quickly finding ourselves in poverty. Having started working at a young age and being accustomed to being a caretaker and provider, I knew how to hustle and overcome, but this time I struggled. I had worked hard to build my “dream” life as an adult, and starting over wasn’t part of the plan. Still, I decided to continue my journey of doing what I wanted to do, choosing what was best for me. This led me to move out of my 8-year apartment, break up with my 6-year partner, end some stunted friendships, and move back home. Life felt like a nightmare, but I clung to a new dream: starting a business called Liberated Creatives, rooted in healing, artistic expression, and community—collaborating with artists to curate unique art experiences. Within three months of launching, we were selling out artist-led workshops, curating immersive events for businesses, and planning thought-provoking seminars led by community leaders. We’re creating art and building a platform that encourages people to explore creativity as a path to liberation.

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?

In 2018, I graduated with a BA in theatre and arts administration. Post graduation, I took a hiatus from performing to focus on community and civic engagement in the arts. In 2020, in response to the death of George Floyd, local artists of color (AOC) from my city founded an arts committee called The Artists Empowerment Collective to amplify AOC and celebrate their work. I had the honor of serving as the Chair of the committee for three years. In that time, we curated an annual exhibition called “Show Your Colors,” showcasing visual artists, filmmakers, and performing artists. Our work of bringing various artists together to create a project would later inspire a collaborative work ethic for my business. In addition to the Artists Empowerment Collective, I joined the board of a nonprofit called Plotline, teaching people how to make movies. I currently reside as the Board President and an instructor. I serve as Board Secretary for a nonprofit called Ujima Language & Literacy. As an artist, I’ve done work as an actor, director, curator, model, writer, and collage/mixed-media artist. For my work, I received a resolution from the state of Missouri and a Black Excellence Award from my city’s chapter of the NAACP.

I founded a business called Liberated Creatives. We work with artists to create unique art experiences that encourage self-expression, healing, and community. Our services support individuals, communities, and organizations that want to use the arts as a tool for liberation and change. These services include artist-led workshops, thought-provoking seminars, and special events like art exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings. What makes us different is that we facilitate visions and customize the art experiences to fit our clients’ interests and needs. Community members and volunteers have rediscovered their passion for creating, while artists and businesses have found unique ways to showcase their work. It’s a liberating feeling to see healing and transformation happen through art.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Vulnerability and authenticity are essential to me. When I first started showing up on social media, I was open about my fear of being perceived, shared the different strategies I planned to use to face my fears, and kept my audience updated on what seemed to be working for me while allowing myself to adjust and try new approaches. I take my audience along with me through different phases of my journey. I celebrate wins—both personal and professional—as an artist; I also share tips, tricks, and lessons I’ve learned. You don’t need to have years of experience to share what you know. Just share what’s true to your heart; you never know who might feel inspired.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to encourage people to create or immerse themselves in the arts. When people allow themselves to open their minds, tap into imagination, and play, they often find that the arts can offer emotional, mental, and physical healing.

For those who consider themselves to be artists, don’t let others confine you to a box. Create what you want to create, not what’s expected of you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.liberatedcreatives.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liberated.creatives/

Image Credits
IMG 1.: Artists featured: Misty Lane from Mercurial Girl Studios, Springfield Tenants Unite (STUN), and Jo Breeding
IMG 3.: Springfield NAACP, President Kai Sutton