Meet Kanithea Powell | Founder/CEO QFN TV
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kanithea Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kanithea, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Deciding to be gentle and love myself was the single most important decision I have ever made. Choosing to love me changed everything. My approach to my business, how I spoke to myself and how I handled relationships, all changed after making that decision. When you love yourself you move differently. You’re confident, you move with a sense of certainty, not desperation. You aren’t willing to put yourself in situations that compromise your integrity. You honor the commitments you make to yourself and to others.
There was a time when I didn’t love myself. I was harsh and unforgiving. If I felt like I failed at something, my inner voice would step in and rip me apart. She was so mean and that made the get up so much harder. Those low points hit a little differently when there’s a lack of love and gentleness for yourself. We’ve all been there. We have all spoken to ourselves in ways we are not proud of. I decided not to do that anymore. So, from that point, I made a decision to replace that voice with one that served me. To do that, I chose to write myself a love letter. The only rule I had was that I had to speak to myself as though I was madly in love with me. I wrote myself a love letter everyday for a year. Can I tell you how that changed EVERYTHING?!! I knew I would still make mistakes. I knew that at times it would be difficult and I would need to learn some serious lessons, but love makes room for forgiveness and gentleness. I am grateful for that. I’m beautiful now, I’m confident now, I’m courageous now. I’m successful now. I love me now, finally.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a storyteller. I make stuff up, It’s one of my favorite things to do. I am an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. I am an Author, with a book in over 23 countries (Butch: Never Judge a Butch By Her Cover). I am also the Founder/CEO of QFN TV, a new streaming platform dedicated to independent filmmakers. The thing that sets me apart is that, as my grandmother would say, I operate within my ministry. I know what I’m good at, so I do that. I don’t exist in a world of limitations. I enjoy allowing my creations to manifest into what they desire to be. I just work to get out of the way of it. That’s hard as a creator, we like to believe we know what’s best for the art and we try to control the outcomes. The art knows what it desires to become. Just be a vessel that’s here to help the art get to its final destination of perfect expression. Creating and becoming more of who you are is never an easy journey. We have been conditioned to be everything but our authentic selves. As a creator, everyone isn’t going to see or understand your vision. That’s okay. The gift/vision came to you. As long as you see it and you’re committed to allowing it to manifest, that’s all that matters. It’s not always going to be easy, especially if you are entering into a field that’s new to you. You have to become a learner. Take the time to build your network and gain knowledge and experience in your field. The more you do, the better you will become. It doesn’t matter where you start. Do what you can where you are with what you have. It’s like sowing a seed; you don’t put it in the ground on Monday and expect to see fruit on Tuesday. You have to nurture it, water it and give it time to grow. When it’s ready, it will bring forth fruit. I moved to LA in the middle of the pandemic, but I tell you, it was the best decision I have ever made. It has not been an easy journey, but as the old folks say, I wouldn’t take nothing from my journey now. I believe that every person and failure has been a golden link in the chain for my good. I’ve learned that there will be peaks and valleys. Both are important. Remember, when you are on that peak, appreciate it. It’s a gift. When you are in the valley, appreciate it. It’s a gift, because now you get the opportunity to grow and learn something deeper about yourself. Hopefully, people will be inspired to step more into their authentic selves and find the courage to speak those things that aren’t as though they were. And to keep speaking until there is evidence of what they desire all around them. I believe nothing is impossible. Everything around us started with a thought. Therefore, if you can think, you can create. We all have a purpose. Don’t be afraid to walk in yours. I want people to know that Qwest Films is a company that creates art that allows its audience to see themselves through a lens of authentic truth and perfect self-expression.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This city has some pretty cool spots to hang out and catch a cute drink. Some of my favorite places include: 1. Home Restaurant – The atmosphere is warm, casual and so inviting. 2. Catch LA Steakhouse– God, I can’t say enough about this place. The atmosphere, the steaks, and those crispy potato croquettes are delicious 3. The Edmond – They make a delicious old fashioned and the atmosphere is great for a cute pregame drink. 4. UTA Artist Space- They have some really fun diverse art shows. 5. Le Pain Larchmont – a super cute cafe with really good French desserts and the atmosphere and servers are spot on 6. Butcher Baker on Sunset – This place is perfect and the mimosas are divine. 7. Sip and Sonder – I love this coffee shop, it’s super cute and blackity black. 8. The Grove – This place is good for a bit of shopping, movies or a quick bite. 9. The Abbey and most of the little bars in WEHO- Because how my gayness is set up.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a huge shout out to Juanita. She was a beautiful soul that was everything that I ever wanted to be. She gave me perfect examples of what a writer, a performer should look like. I have so many memories of her work ethic and her dedication to creating art that was worthy of the price her audience paid to experience her gifts. I still see her sitting at our dining room table with her notepad, glasses and typewriter, creating. When she finished, and it was time to perform, she stepped on stage with so much grace that you couldn’t help but be mesmerized, in awe of her presents. I remember watching her and saying the words along with her as she spoke them. Mimicking every move, every drop in tone, I watched and gathered up every morsel she left behind. I put them in my lock box for safekeeping. So when I was ready, I would know exactly what to do. My mom was an amazing woman. I am grateful for her. She gave me all of her best gifts, whether she wanted to or not.
Website: www.qfntv.lighthouse.com
Instagram: @qwestfilms @qfntv
Other: TikTok – @qfn_tv
Image Credits
Qwest Films Network
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
