Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keith Harris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Keith, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My most meaningful project took form in 2023. From providing opportunities and resources that weren’t available for me, to being the big brother that not everyone has, I have always been driven to help establish a sense of direction and appreciation for those who may feel lost, as I have grown to understand that we all need someone, but, it wasn’t until I had to close my storefront “NOWHERE” in Hyde Park where I saw my potential for a larger impact.
I wanted to create a dynamic and inclusive community that supported artists and fostered collaborative creative expression of self. Ultimately, showing the value in teamwork and authenticity. I believe that creativity is a powerful tool for personal growth and social change.
Our mission is to provide a safe and inspiring environment where artists can showcase their talents, and where young minds can explore and nurture their artistic abilities. In a world where streaming is reaching new heights, the best thing you can market to the world is YOU. That’s what all of this is about. Revealing to others their true capabilities through community, creative expression, and the discovery of self. Not ignoring the flaws and misfortunes of others, but instead finding the silver lining behind it all, showing grace, and embracing the things that make us all different, all while using it to mold us into better individuals.
“Cre8ive Sessions” is a multimedia entertainment group that merely started as an idea to reflect my widespread list of talents and interests in workshop/event form, but has quickly grown into much more of an activation hub for creatives to express themselves freely across different mediums of art. Thanks to my mentors Brooklyn, and Travis, I learned the importance of trusting myself but most of all, the value of community and using our creativity to collaborate and grow with one another. Now, reflecting on my college days, I can say that I have successfully grown to establish myself as a creative visionary, mentor, and community influencer.
Cre8ive Sessions is just the beginning of causing a positive shift in our/my hometown, as I intend to expand across cities. I’m just glad that people are able to feel something from it, and it’s not just talked about or seen online. Whether through CS, or my own individual efforts there’s two things that have helped mold me into the person that I am today. I will always encourage others to find belonging in creativity, and community. Not for ME… but for YOU.
“The journey from NOWHERE has to lead somewhere” – Kehari
Keith, 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?
Cre8ively, my name is Kehari, and I’m a Multi-Hyphenated entrepreneur out of Chicago, IL. From content creation, to brand building and selling a physical product; my portfolio extends across multiple mediums. However, being creative and stepping outside of the box has been my way of life since I was a kid. Growing up on the Southside of Chicago, my sense of individuality was something that I took pride in. I’ve always looked to stand out amongst my peers and to offer inspiration to those who might have felt like your creativity should be put into a box.
Now, I often find myself consulting those around me about their own “individuality” solely off me being myself to them. From always putting together odd colors/patterns to wear, providing high energy around my peers, or going out to seek knowledge to pass down to the next. I always leaned towards a less traditional take on life that I knew one day would help me stand out as inspiration for someone else.
After going away to college in 2012, I learned to plan out fashion shows, curate social/entertainment events, creatively compete, run social media campaigns, and design my own clothes. All deemed useful over time, I used my newly attained skills to help manage numerous companies, launch my own apparel and lifestyle brands, and now maintain community within Cre8ive Sessions for other individuals like myself.
If you were to fast forward from my time graduating from Kenwood Academy, to dropping out of college with nothing but a dollar and a dream to prove my naysayers wrong, many would say that they expected it. However, there were a number of others who counted me out. At that point however, people began to gravitate more towards me for the passion that I began to exhibit in my self awareness and willingness and grow and share as I went. You could say I became an “influencer/mentor” by accident. But now, having my hand in everything that has to do with creative expression, and self trust, I work to keep all of our imaginations alive while building a community for everyone to thrive in.
In conclusion, I am always looking to expand my knowledge not only for myself, but for my peers just like me. I use my creativity as an outlet to be myself, but I look at branding as a the gateway to showcase my capabilities while creating personable connections along the way. Being able to produce an idea/product for someone and to see their face at the results is priceless; I love being apart of that. Not only that, but the discoveries that others are able to find within themselves is worth more than the talent itself as it stays with them through all walks of life. Not just their creative expression, but how they love and empathize with those around them. I don’t seek perfection in my crafts, I seek deeper understanding of my purpose to be able to guide the next generation in finding theirs.
Through the ups and downs, good and bad, trials and tribulations, I am proud of myself for finding purpose and being patient enough to allow my talents to make enough room for me to exercise said purpose through them.
“The more you learn… the more likely you are to come across someone you can help” – Kehari
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
We have to show more empathy for our artists who don’t have it figured out yet. True creativity comes from within, and without an understanding of self, you will experience lack in your expression. That’s where community support holds true value. We can’t continue to judge others for what we do not understand, and we can’t continue to dictate the direction that others take in their life. As I’ve mentioned for years before this interview and again in the section above, we’re living in a world where streaming is growing more by the day, and the best thing you can do is be yourself. But, in order for that level of comfortability to spread across the creative ecosystem, we have to show more empathy for our artists.
Dear Society: Criticism doesn’t always help, it can become a hindrance. It not only hinders personal growth, (empathy is a positive character trait to have), but it can very much hinder the self development of some one else who is TRYING. Some people can do the work and ignore the chatter, some will take that criticism and compromise their entire self, and some will use it as fuel to be more self sufficient. I truly believe that some people seek purpose and understanding through creating.
Dear Artists: Yes! Art is subjective to the viewer/listener, but in order for one to create freely, you have to live freely. Release yourself from the restrictions of not knowing who and what you are. Trust in your journey, and believe in your process because I was once the creative who created for the sake of others opinion. Although looking back I was already walking in my purpose, I wasn’t able to recognize it as clearly as I’m able to now.
“I was already ahead of my time, now I know too much” – Kehari
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Being a “visionary”, often times you begin to notice that you see almost everything differently. When I pivoted into my 3rd brand “LostCaus’”, I knew immediately that it could confuse an audience that didn’t know me yet, given the negative connotation behind the term. But by this time, I had sought out a different approach; while still remaining intentional to my “complementary nature” of branding. Let’s dive in.
5 years ago, I found myself at a crossroads after overcoming challenges that should have broken me years prior. However, rather than allowing my circumstances and the ridicule from others define me, I made the decision to pivot. After a few unsuccessful “setbacks”, a lot of people labeled ME a “lost cause”, so I was determined to reclaim that term as my own, still as badge of individuality but also one of resilience…. all that was missing was a logo.
LostCaus’ then became my identity, and I wore it as my crown. A crown that carries magnetic energy as we learn that we are or at one point have been deemed such. “LostCaus” is a personal affirmation that even when the world assumes that you’re defeated, you can still build something powerful. You can still keep going. You can still be yourself… even in a room full of posers. Therefore, through every trial and tribulation, I choose to stick it out. Why? because I am my brand, and my brand is me. There’s a direct complement, as it’s a living part of my forever expanding story of self. But, I am also the walking embodiment of ten + years spent fighting against the odds, owning my story, and creating art that reflects the grit it takes to survive and thrive in a world that often labels people like me a “lost cause”.
No, I didn’t finish college. No, I don’t drive a fast car. No, I don’t live in a fancy house. I do however, have an abundant amount of self awareness that allows me to see the light in my people. My journey is a story of resilience for someone who’s been counted out more times than one, but never gave up or lost sight of who/what they are. It’s a symbol of how I turned struggle into style, transforming my challenges into creativity that empowers others to own their journeys too.
“A dimmed light shines bright in the darkest room” – Kehari
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @itskehari, @cre8ivesessions
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@itskehari?si=1sVkx_TNLLVSwldH
- Other: Music is available on all streaming platforms under “Kehari”.
I am currently over an initiative to help save a black owned bowling alley called “Skyway Bowl” on the Southside of Chicago titled “Operation: Save our lanes”. I host a weekly $2 bowl on Mondays, with more opportunities to support coming really soon. Their address is 9915 S Torrence.
Image Credits
@Ragerspeace
@imagerybychioma
@iamthepictureguy
@unodos_tre