Today we’d like to introduce you to Keana Tracey.
Hi Keana , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my content creation journey following the conclusion of high school in 2016. Growing up, I was seen as overweight, unattractive, and nerdy to be honest I lived vicariously through the selective few dark skinned creators that I watched on YouTube. It took some time and personal growth, but I did get through the period of life where I had lack of confidence in myself in my teenage years I turned to makeup, hair, fitness, and taking care of myself in all aspects. A huge part of my journey is owed to my sister for pushing me to create videos and share it with the world. Now today, I have organically built over 125,000 followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Accumulatively, I have over 50 million views and counting from my supporters. I have been able to work with amazing brands and companies such as SHEIN, Amazon, Armani, L’Oreal, etc. My desire is to continue to encourage those who were in my position at such a young age feeling like you have to constantly compare yourself in order to be accepted. I strive to be that representation for my viewers and community that I have built so they know they can do all things and to just be themselves because there is no other you, so don’t confide to any norm and be unapologetically yourself because someone will resonate with your journey.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel like no challenge worth maintaining in life is a smooth road because it wouldn’t be challenging if it was so easily handed to you. There have been quite a few obstacles and in the content creation industry, you will hear a lot of “no’s”. Not only is it hard to still be a black female content creator, and try to obtain the same level of recognition and compensation for our efforts in this industry as those who are not of color, but time and time again we may be robbed of that opportunity to take on a project that another person may easily receive, which is challenging in itself. However, I’m a firm believer in the Lord and trusting his timing for my life and all opportunities that come my way. So far, he has had his hand on my journey and everything was and is in correct alignment according to what I’ve been able to handle..
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work full-time under the social media side for NBCUniversal specifically the Peacock team so yes, I deal with all things. Love Island and beyond. Additionally, I work part-time as a content creator that specializes solely in beauty, fitness, and lifestyle more recently. I have started a second weight loss journey, which has driven a ton of engagement from many people who resonate with my journey and trust me as that outlet to help assist them on theirs, which is something that I am truly so proud of. Being able to be that representation once again, but in the fitness industry as a proud curvy plus size black woman.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
when it comes to quality, I am a firm believer that quantity could never equate to the effort someone puts behind building their brand or personal image. I feel like being relatable, understanding, energetic, and overall encouraging has contributed tremendously to my success with creating content and sharing it on my platforms. Yes, people come to learn and be entertained on social media, but being able to draw the line between being performative and just genuinely sharing something to the world that may benefit 10 people or 10,000 people is what truly matters the most and I think because I don’t focus on quantity and how many people I’m reaching and just focus on actual quality and sharing what my viewers want to see that I have been able to see the benefits of that effort and hard work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wthisthispodcast.my.canva.site/keana-creative-portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keanatracey?igsh=MWl6ZXc3YngyeDZ0Yw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/QueenKee
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8GrGKr7/
