We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaKetta Caldwell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

LaKetta, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Keytalife, LLC, our mission is not just a statement; it’s a narrative born from a deep-rooted passion to foster artistic expressions that serve as catalysts for healing, empowerment, and personal growth. The genesis of our company lies in the realization that I, as its founder, once doubted my own potential and struggled to believe in the possibility of living my dream life. This journey of self-discovery ignited a fervent commitment to helping others unearth their latent power and embrace their purpose with resilience. Beyond personal aspirations, our mission extends to a fervent dedication to equity, aiming to ensure that everyone, irrespective of background, deserves the fundamental rights to safety and empowerment. We invite you to delve into the profound narrative behind our mission, understanding not just what we aim to achieve but the impassioned “why” that propels us forward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! Thank you for the opportunity to share about myself and my work. My journey in the arts and healing started at a young age, as I was fortunate to learn from my grandparents and family about their experiences and resilience in the face of racial injustices. This foundation shaped my passion for storytelling and using the arts as a tool for healing. I initially fell in love with ballet and dreamed of becoming a famous actor. As a teenager, I discovered the power of poetry through the works of Dr. Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni, which helped me build my confidence. While in college, I worked in television and had aspirations of having my own talk show like Oprah. However, everything changed when I witnessed a woman transform from victim to survivor in a Performance Studies class. I realized that I wanted to use the arts to facilitate healing and empowerment. This realization led me to pursue a Drama Therapy program at NYU, where I learned the importance of personal healing in becoming a good therapist. Out of this journey, Keytalife LLC was born in Milwaukee, where I work with various women through workshops, events, and artistic creations that promote equity, healing, and unity. I am proud to have created a 30-day journal called “I AM Not Your Super Woman,” which helps women focus on themselves and begin their healing journey. Additionally, I have authored a children’s book titled “Khloe’s Beautiful Blues,” which serves as an affirmation for girls and women facing challenges related to their skin color. This book was inspired by one of my students who experienced bullying. Furthermore, I have been commissioned to write a children’s play that addresses the power educational systems have in combating bullying. It is set to be released in February 2024 at the King Center in Milwaukee. In addition, an animated short for “Khloe’s Beautiful Blues” will be launched in March 2024, coinciding with International Women’s Day, and it is being created by the Zizzo Group. My ultimate goal is to remind girls and women of their inherent confidence and self-love, as these qualities hold the keys to unlocking their purpose in life. I believe in the transformative power of the arts and strive to create impactful experiences that promote healing, unity, and personal growth.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Certainly! The story of how I met my business partner is quite serendipitous. It all started at a restaurant where we both happened to be dining. Interestingly, even though we worked together, I had never really noticed them before that moment. After our chance encounter, we began partnering within our organization on various projects. It quickly became evident that we worked well together and complemented each other’s strengths. While I had certain areas of expertise, my business partner had a unique “secret sauce” in areas that I didn’t possess. What struck me the most about my business partner is their incredible business savviness and unwavering confidence. They have a knack for taking smart risks and venturing into new territories, something that I greatly admire. In contrast, I tend to be more comfortable staying within my own lane. Working alongside my business partner Robert Jackson has been an awe-inspiring experience. He consistently challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and explore new opportunities. His ability to think strategically and their entrepreneurial spirit have led them to succeed in various business endeavors. I am truly grateful to have found a business partner who not only complements my skills but also pushes me to grow and expand my horizons. Together, we make a dynamic team, combining our individual strengths to create a powerful force in our industry. Our partnership has allowed us to achieve remarkable things and embark on exciting ventures. I am excited to see what the future holds as we continue to collaborate and make a positive impact in our chosen field.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first pursued my education in Radio TV and Theatre, I didn’t have any prior experience or background in business. It was a completely new world for me, and I often found myself struggling to grasp the best practices and strategies. Thankfully, my sister Veronica was always there to offer me tips and advice, even if they sometimes went over my head. For a while, I was content in my role as a direct service provider, staying in my comfort zone. However, everything changed when I had the privilege of working with the incredible Denisha Tate McCalister. Denisha quickly became more than just a supervisor to me; she became family. Denisha possesses an extraordinary leadership style. She has the remarkable ability to stretch you without breaking you and the patience to stand by your side even in the toughest of times. She saw potential in me that I couldn’t see in myself, and she consistently challenged me to take on projects that were a step ahead of where I thought I was headed. Undoubtedly, this process was often frustrating, but the competitor within me refused to give up. I was determined to learn and acquire the knowledge that my peers at the table possessed. I firmly believe that the work we do requires leaders with heart, advocating for those who need us most. My aspiration to be at the table, fighting for those in need, pushed me to embrace discomfort and step into unfamiliar territory, even if it meant shedding a few tears along the way. I consider myself fortunate to have had a mentor like Denisha in my life. Her guidance, support, and unwavering belief in my abilities have been invaluable. She not only helped me realize my potential but also inspired me to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges that came my way. In sharing this story, I hope to inspire you to embrace resilience and determination on your own journey. Surround yourself with mentors and leaders like Denisha, who can see the greatness within you and provide the support you need to thrive. Remember, even when the road gets tough, your unwavering spirit and willingness to persevere will lead you to achieve great things.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.keytalife.org;www.rtbwisconsin.org
• Instagram: keytalife_
• Linkedin: LaKetta Caldwell