Meet Kelsey “xandria.” Alexandria: Director | Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelsey “xandria.” Alexandria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelsey “xandria.”, what do you attribute your success to?
The thought process behind the start of my business is the same answer to the most important factor to its success: Making (sh)It Happen. I looked around and didn’t see as many opportunities for creatives that look like me. If being a black woman has taught me anything, it is that being a leader is not an option. If we wanted to play the leads, be taken seriously, or produce our own content, there wasn’t a choice. “Make It Happen” is The BlackOUT Company’s motto because it means being fearless with every choice and refusing to quit no matter the outcome.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is black joy, divine feminine, activism, and knowledge. I’m just happy to produce content that makes people feel or learn something.

As an artist/director, I’ve gotten more in touch with following my intuition these past few years. I mean that in all ways. Picking content to produce, who to work with, budgeting, and anything else has only worked when I follow my first mind. I don’t think anything is easy, but I do think there are some things that come more naturally to me. Creating, writing, and performing are the easy parts. We as people tend to make things harder by putting too much pressure on ourselves. The more I allow myself to be my own competition and just trust my gut, the easier running a business gets.

I only want people to know that being a one woman team is hard, but so fulfilling. I will always be able to say that I can do anything, pull myself out of anything, and build anything.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
They would have to see a BlackOUT show, of course! Besides that, I would take them to eat at Top Spice (Thai), Cafe Bombay (Indian), Saigon Cafe (Vietnamese).

I love the games and drinks on the rooftop at Ponce City Market, and the ramen spot inside. We’d also go to downtown Decatur and try Farm Burger (vegan burgers only though), Wild Crab (seafood), and Jenni’s ice cream. And of course the bars in Edgewood, the High Museum, and My Sister’s Room.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My favorite person who also happens to be the best business partner, my girlfriend Whitney. She gives consistent support and advice, and we teach each other every day. She also is an UX designer and creates bomb ass websites, so if you need one follow @illumvisions or go to illumvisions.com. I want to thank her for seeing me. I can’t wait to keep growing together.

Website: thebocompany.com

Instagram: @akaxandy @theblackoutcompany @chill.theseries

Twitter: @akaxandy @theblackoutco

Youtube: https://youtu.be/RXr-V_o9o0g

Image Credits
AP Visuals Whitney Nelson Micah