Meet Keke Strain | Creator of Let’s KeKe, Mentor, & Addiction Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keke Strain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi KeKe, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Just start! A movie quote from the Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.” This is my mantra! So many times, we delay our dreams because of fear and self-doubt. I have learned that patience and timing is of the essence. My first college professor told me that it was very important for me to remember that “everything that we do is connected to everything we do in life. Every job, internship, sport, volunteering, or act of service shapes where I am today. I pay attention to the good and the bad from these experiences, which help shape me into stepping out to start my own journey with my podcast.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I chose to pursue a creative career because it has always been something that gets me excited about waking up and doing. I enjoy seeing an idea flourish into realty. I remember some instances when working in corporate thinking I wish I had the opportunity to take on a particular project. Many companies have gems within their scope, but don’t realize it. I knew my heart was calling me in another direction. I feel like if I am not delegating time towards creativity then I am neglecting a divine gift. We must nourish our gifts. The creative mind has so many possibilities. I love being able to not only think outside of the box, but create the box.

If you are passionate about something then the sky has no limit. If you think about it, many of us keep going for things that we are not passionate about out of the necessity of trying to survive or familiarity. We take chances on companies that we work with all the time. You do your research to make a good impression and fit the mold for the job. We put our trust and commitment into these companies on average 40 hours a week. If you put this much energy into companies then why not bet on yourself. It’s ok to step back and pivot. One thing I have learned is, if you are passionate about something then don’t give up. It’s ok to get support, but do your research.. You have to trust you gut with your intuition. There is no success without failure. Failure can be a tool that can foster innovation, determination, and resilience.

Social media or any platform can be risky because you are creating content that can be put into the world forever. I understood I was stepping out there into an atmosphere of many others, but I have to remember that I am uniquely created. Everything from even the frequency of one’s voice makes you different and you should embrace it. I just know I have to try and understand that it is a learning process for growth. No matter your age or where you started in life, you have to trust yourself and the process. Vulnerability is a superpower because it allows me to connect not on a superficial level. If you are genuinely passionate about something, it will come naturally. I believe that being authentic always wins.

The most important factor that sets “Let’s KeKe” is authenticity. My guests feel like they are just having a conversation with their friend. I genuinely am interested in their journey. The more we have positive conversations with one another creates more connections and relatability. Dreams are just realities deferred. It inspires others to go for their goals. Let’s KeKe is all about connecting with the community and wholesome individuals. Everyone’s path is unique just like their purpose in this world. Let’s KeKe is all about showing how connected we are to one another. It’s not about how many likes or followers because if it can motivate one person, it can cause a ripple effect for positivity throughout the world. Anyone can spark alight by showing it’s ok to be themselves and a leader in the community. Together we can shine more light into the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite to go place when I need to recharge is Heart Soul and Art in Marietta Georgia. It’s a beautiful shop of tranquility and positive vibes.

I also enjoy hiking up Kennesaw Mountain. It is rich in history and has a beautiful skyline view of Atlanta at the top.

Chattahoochee Food Works located in the upper westside of Atlanta has over 30 food vendors. So it’s perfect for a one stop shop for dining. if you do not know what you want to eat, you are sure to find something to enjoy while catching some Atlanta vibes.

If you love to shop, you should visit the Avalon in Alpharetta. I love catching a movie at the Regal Avalon location.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank everyone that have been a part of my journey, including family and friends.

My mother Mary, my grandmother Ossie, and my aunt Leslie have been positive role models for me with encouragement throughout my life. They have showed me that loving kindness is the answer and treat people with kindness.

Thank you to Jamiel, Antionette, Katie, Lauren, Lindsey, Katrina & Tony for being there for me in times where I felt awkward or introverted. Your presence made me come out of my shell.

My high school basketball coaches, Julie Crowe and Rick Glasper, who taught me to push myself.

My first job as a teen has shaped a lot of my leadership skills thanks to Sheila Hennen and Brenda Daniel because they showed me humility. They never asked someone to do something that they would not do themselves. They would lead the way by showing the way.

As an Americorps alumni at Hands on Atlanta, it has strengthened my passion for education and mentorship involvement. I also continue mentorship as a coach through as a Jr. Wildcats Basketball coach.

Keely Clay was an amazing professor that got me excited about coming to KSU everyday with her passion for the fashion industry, while achieving my degree in Fashion Design and Business.

Sharron Ragon has been a positive light in encouraging me to trust my intuition and believe in myself.

Melinda Veillard, founder of KZT, Inc, gave me the opportunity to expand my leadership roles. She always motivated me to be introspective and dig deep.

I’m a firm believer that no matter your age, you should always learn something new because growth has no age limit. Books that I am currently reading are:

Why am I like This?–By Gemma Styles
The Speed of Trust–By Stephen M.R. Covey, Rebecca R. Merrill
Inner Excellence–By Jim Murphy

Instagram: @sunflowers_watermenlons and @letskekeshow

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keke-strain-641a3065

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A8SmSbLun/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LetsKeKe

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0X5DBSUDAPZEBpEOiFAquN?si=CCGpLRGQT-W4WdN1Ld-EgQ

Image Credits
KeKe Strain