Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keyonna LaShawn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Keyonna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I’ve have been apart of creative-performance extra curriculars all throughout grade school. Throughout that time, I knew I enjoyed doing it. It was a great way to connect with my community and my kin have always told me they enjoyed watching me. My community has always uplifted me, especially from a poet stand point. My transition into college was when I knew a full time artist was what I wanted to be. I auditioned for a number BFA programs and my heart chose Morgan State University. There, I started in the Theatre Arts program and was able to fall in love with the foundation of entertainment. Learning both on stage and behind stage gave me a greater appreciation of the art and overall foundation for my artistry. While at Morgan, I expanded my interest to some film as well. During my last semester, I was amongst one of the effected graduating classes when the pandemic hit and unfortunately, the entertainment industries was one of the biggest industries effected. It felt like my degree meant nothing until I was able to connect with a local open mic, The Poetry Party. There, I started writing and performing again. After that, I knocked the dust off and remembered who I was!

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 am Keyonna LaShawn, a performing and visual artist in Baltimore City. I am here for all things Black, Women, and Mental Health. I have been in the Baltimore art scene for about two years now. I was able to get into the scene through The Poetry Party, created by Kish The Lioness. In 2020, I came in as a camera operator intern. There, I was able to do live recording for a weekly open mic. This was dope because live recording is a whole different experience compared to planned shoots. Your attention to detail and your surroundings have to be A1! You have to be quick too because there are so many different aspects of a live show that you can catch. From camera op, I was able to get some experience on the switcher board. So I went from live recording to live directing/editing and boy that was something. Since the beginning of 2022, I have been a full team member where I have been able to work heavy on production. One of my favorite things thus far has been designing the lights for the night. My goal is always to give a feel for the theme and or season we are in.

Throughout this time, I did not restrict myself to camera work. I began to write again, Under the teachings of Frank Expressions and his “Write More” writing class, I produced a few of my notable pieces like “Sapphire” and “Villain”. I push myself to write everyday whether it is through free writing or prompt books. I make an effort to get something out. I have been incorporating reading into my routines as well. Because as artist, you have to continue to consume to create. I do not restrict my consumption to just books, but I believe reading will help my writing as a continue to create my own voice.

Coming into 2022, I made one resolution: to be stamped as an artist in the city. I wouldn’t say that everyone knows the name of Keyonna LaShawn, but I for sure made my mark this past year. I had my first feature at the Blarterry curated by Beanpie, Optimistic Stylez, and Icon Da God. I’ve traveled to different cities to different to perform poetry. And most recently, I’ve recently been exploring the art of hosting and I’m enjoying every week of it.

Consistency is KEY! Being consistent with writing, networking, preforming. Whatever it is, do it as often as you can. That’s what will make the difference. Give yourself grace if you had a rough experience that round and give yourself grace if you had a great experience. The fact that you did it is the most important part. Knowing when to take breaks are important too because burnout is real. There will be some days I go to an open mic everyday of the week, but that’s not something to do every week especially if I’m not producing content at the rate to keep up with that.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I graduated from Morgan State University in 2020 during the pandemic. Both theatre and film were effected drastically when Covid reeked havoc. I honestly did not see an end to it. I thought Broadway would never come back and we would be subjected to zoom entertainment. Throughout this time, I picked up some photography but I missed the stage. I started performing again in August 2021. That day was terrifying! My voices was shaking, I was trembling, but I was ready to get back out there. I was rusty from the year and a half covid had took from me, but I knew all I had to do is push through it. This is something I share with other artist who say they are scared to hit the stage and share their art. The host and artist yall see every week is not the same person that started almost two years ago. The important thing is I started and did not stop

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn pessimistic thinking and self sabotage. YOU ARE YOUR GREATEST SUPPORT AND WORST ENEMY, GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY. I often saw that I was the main one in my own way. Both of these things are still an unlearning process, but I am way better than I was before. A friend of mine will always tell me “I feel like your thinking pessimistically about the situation” and it was the truth, but it was a trauma response. “What is the worst thing that can happen and how can I prepare for it?” These are great questions for preparations , but I am leaning not to dwell in that space. Prepare for the worst, but expect the best. That way, you won’t be robbed from the experience. In regards of the self sabotage, I had to BELIEVE that I am the shit. I had plenty of people telling me but at what point was I gonna believe it. Self Sabotage has no room in the space of greatness.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/keyonnalashawn
• Facebook: facebook.com/keyonnalashawn
• Other: https://www.thepoetryparty.com/ https://fb.watch/gKahe7A2t3/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Hh9PTYFjI&t=7s https://www.bonfire.com/if-it-aint-black-i-dont-want-it/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EStNPL9FAjc

Image Credits
Tenacious Developments IG: @tenacious_developments DJ Smith IG @dj_da_artist