We recently connected with Kertrina Dauway and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kertrina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I have always been one to challenge situations that did not agree with my beliefs even in corporate America. LOL Even as a child I challenged my parents ALOT. Trust me my parents were very tough and strict. My siblings and I were very sheltered, however I was the risk taker in the family. Example as a child in Catholic school, my father told me that I couldn’t go on a field trip and I snuck and went anyway. I had my heart set on it and I was determined to go. My oldest sister told my mom and my mom kept me from getting a whipping by my dad. LOL However, Later on in life I found I realized I had limiting beliefs that I still work on to this day. However, when it is something that I truly want to do that goes against the grain, traditions or patterns I tend to jump in to it to see the outcome. I especially love exploring unchartered territory. That being said, in 2007 I became the Emcee of the world famous House of Blues Gospel Brunch. I really wanted to do ministry in the market place after many years as a choir director and performing in Gospel plays. The House of Blues had just opened and I called them up to find out if I could sing Gospel at their venue. They told me they have a Gospel Brunch and they were having auditions the next day. I was a little concerned about auditioning for Gospel anything at the time because most of the major things I did I never auditioned for. Although I struggled with it I auditioned the next day and was last the last one to audition. I did not dress up for the audition. I truly believed that if it was for me to do, God would open the door. I song from my heart the My Tribute song. The lady who was doing the auditioning at the time asked me to do a faster song. I chose an old Gospel song “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus” not knowing it was their opening song for all the Gospel Brunches nationwide. The lady from Hollywood told me I was the one she was looking for. LOL. I was shocked because I had been in my cocoon for several years and took a great risk. I was so comfortable with raising my kids, going to work and church choral directing and to suddenly leap into a new arena was a WOW factor for me. I knew it was God opening the door and confirming what I had felt all my life. I was willing to go. I have been the Emcee as Singer Lady Diamond of the House of Blues Gospel Brunch here in Dallas, Tx since 2007. I really treasure the name Lady Diamond. Diamonds withstand pressure to produce a beautiful gem.

Kertrina, 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?

Outside of the House of Blues Gospel Brunch and it’s responsibilities, I am a resource for helping major companies grow. I have also spent many years mentoring individuals professionally and personally. I just love helping people grow themselves. Watching the caterpillar turn into a butterfly. I started an event called the You Can Live Again Expo and Gala to celebrate individuals who have thrived past conflict to live again and/or are helping others/peers live again. This exciting and uplifting event will take place at Edison’s, May 21 2022. We have dynamic experts, speakers and performers that will grace the stage! For more information goto https://youcanliveagainexpo.eventbrite.com

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I truly know there are many different groups of people. It’s important to understand this and respect it. There are different types of artists as well with different personalities. Example Cardi B. Alot of people dont understand her personally however, there is a group of people that do. It doesnt make her any less valuable. It’s important to understand that it’s ok to relate to the group of people you relate to or identify with but don’t discount or negate the group of individuals you dont relate to. It’s lot going on out here that we as a people need to choose to learn to understand and not choose to critique. Your lane is perfect for YOU.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want people to know that they can LIVE AGAIN no matter what they go through or the mistakes they have made.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.youcanliveagain.et
• Instagram: youcanliveagain_ycla
• Linkedin: KertrinaDauway

Image Credits
Bob Manzano