Meet Keysha Lee | Author, Filmmaker & Educator

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

Hi Keysha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My biggest motivation for starting my own business was to never have to answer to anyone and to pave a path for other women. It turns out that having your own business comes with a great deal of responsibility and risk. Every call is mine but every crisis is mine as well. Peter Drucker sums it up “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” Being an African-American woman in a white male-dominated industry is the most challenging part of my journey. However, the pros still outweigh the cons. The best part about being a woman in Media is inspiring women, especially black women and girls, to chase their dreams. Representation is so important to believing you too can make it in an industry not always accepting of you. When women see me, I hope they see themselves. And that visual creates confidence and the courage to pursue their passion. Watching other women walk through doors I helped open is a source of strength for me. It is my dream to be their Keysha Lee. What I mean by that is be a woman they can watch take a leap of faith and still stand strong. There was no Keysha Lee for me. To women wondering if they too should start their own business, I promise you it is worth it. Zig Ziglar said it best ” You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

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.
I always loved the camera and storytelling. That’s how I knew I was destined to be in front of one and in the television news business. The more time spent in front brought my focus to behind the camera. And that prompted my transition from a television talent to a film director. What sets me apart from others is giving access and education to populations that are underserved through my Filmmaking 101 course. I want to put the magic of filmmaking in the hands of everyone. All they need is a cell phone or any mobile device. The high demand for my course is what led to what I’m most proud of- becoming a published author. My new book is titled Keysha Lee Presents Filmmaking 101. It definitely has not been easy but my plan is to pursue what I love and refuse to be denied. I want the world to know that I am evidence that you can do anything through faith and following through until the end.

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?
Let’s say my best friend is in town for a long weekend. Day 1 would have to start with shopping at my favorite spot for retail therapy in Conyers- Haus of Delani Fashion Boutique. Then we would cruise over to Alexis Suitcase Upscale Consignment Boutique. They have three locations and why choose one when we can hit all three- Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Buckhead. After our shopping spree, we would settle in at Ruscello’s inside of Nordstrom at Perimeter Mall feasting on She Crab Soup and a signature cocktail. Day 2 is reserved for sightseeing. We would do photo shoots at Peter Street Station where they have a beautiful mural which reads “Hey brown girl, you’re beautiful.” Next stop, Jackson Street Bridge using the exquisite Atlanta Skyline as our backdrop. Lastly, we would head over to The Gathering Spot for a deliciously divine meal Day 3 is for spiritual renewal at Wheat Street Baptist Church (where the doors swing back on welcome hinges) then over to enjoy Jasmine Alexis Skin & Body and her sooting hands. Day 4 rounds out the weekend with a big breakfast at Thumbs Up Diner and a relaxing stroll through the Old Fourth Ward/ Sweet Auburn District.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutouts go to my support system! To my late mother, who is first and foremost in my life as a spiritual advisor and a source of strength. To my big brother, who gives tough love with a tell-it-like-it is style. To the quiet genius Ali, who blends in behind the scenes by making me shine as the best cinematographer period. To my sister-friend Ramona, who is brilliantly talented and serves as everything from editor to empowerment coach in my life. To my FamLee, Clifton and two sonshines Keyton and Samuel, my why and my wings that lift me to heights I never imagined.

Website: amazon.com/author/keyshaleeflm101
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyshaleetv/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keysha-lee-m-ed-1837011a/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeyshaLeeTV
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KeyshaPerryLee/featured

Image Credits
Ali Brathwaite Geneva House of Design Unique Visionz XLens Productions