Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keon Mitchell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Keon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My mother, Debra Ann Mitchell, is a pioneer. She is the stronger fighter I know as a single parent beating al of the odds and catering to my education, moral foundation and my will. My mother had breast cancer in 1989. I was born in 1991 and the cancer returned in 1996 when I was five years old. I was able to witness her strength at a very early age. She stored that strength in me and showed me how to survive at all costs. She instilled such an amazing work ethic in my life and taught me the importance of obligations and priorities. I began working as a lifeguard when I was 14 years old and ended at the age of 22 to transition into my corporate IT lifestyle. My mom didn’t really play about me keeping good grades and staying active. I was always involved in something from academic organizations to organizations that centered around performance and entertainment. This contributes to my ability to balance a corporate lifestyle while continuously pursuing my goals as a rising actor in the filming industry.
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 been afforded the opportunity to pursue careers in both technology and entertainment. I received a computer science degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in 2014. Through the college career fair hosted by A&T, I received an offer to join MetLife’s MTU (MetLife Technical University). This training program was intended to train recent grads for the respective roles in the field for 6 months. I was training for the role of a Junior Business Systems Analyst. Now, I have progressed up the ladder to become an Advance Analytics Product Owner for a major industrial metalworking company. As a product owner, I am responsible for driving the technical roadmap for the data engineering and business intelligence teams in my organization by working closely with the product manager and SME’s, or subject matter experts. The ultimate responsibility is to consume business requirements, transform them to technical requirements and work with the development teams to flush out solutions through a roadmap I create to support key partners, such as data analytics, applied analytics and others.
In parallel to beginning my corporate life, I started pursuing the craft of acting. In 2014, while training for my role as a Junior Business Systems Analyst, I attempted to start training sessions at the Raleigh Little Theatre in Raleigh, NC. However, I was casted in a play called “Mirandy and Brother Wind” playing the role of Brother Wind. This was my “ah-ha” moment for acting after taking “Acting for Non-Acting Majors” at A&T. This lead to me being signed to Carolina Talent in Charlotte, NC. Through Carolina Talent, I was afforded the opportunity to film an ESPN commercial followed by “Almost Christmas”, directed by David E. Talbert out of Morgan State University. Ultimately, these opportunities kicked off my acting career and has lead to many more opportunities since.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I grew up learning that a man expressing his emotions is frowned upon. Our social constructs taught me, at one point, to compress my emotions. It took some rigorous life experiences and therapy to untangle this lesson. I had realized how explosive I had become, and I also realized that that method was changing me, my personality and character. I grew up in household where my emotions and point of view were not heard. I spent years confiding in myself to deal with issues and even happiness without the intellect or guidance on how to properly manage my emotions. I began to untangle that lesson when I began to realize the effect I was having, socially, with peers and, furthermore, when I was challenged to exercise vulnerability while studying the craft of acting in order to promote truth. This untangling contributed to a healthier dating experience, personal journey and created a level of happiness that drives my approach to perspectives and life.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to be an example of individual who fully utilizes his degree to create lifestyle and financial stability while fully committing to pursuing my goals as an actor. I strive to encourage and influence children and students that they do not have to give up everything to pursue one aspect of life. You can do it in a sustainable way if the will is there. When my following asks me, now or in the future, “how did I make it here?”, I want to be able to explain to them the intricacies of my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: TheKRMBrand.com
- Instagram: @keonrmitchell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekrmbrand/?show_switched_toast=0&show_invite_to_follow=0&show_switched_tooltip=0&show_podcast_settings=0&show_community_transition=0&show_community_review_changes=0&show_follower_visibility_disclosure=0
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keonrmitchell/
- Twitter: @keonrmitchell
Image Credits
Brian Jones