Meet Khalah Riley | Cheer Director/ mentor/ filmmaker entrepreneur

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

Hi Khalah, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What makes me happy is helping others and making people feel seen. Growing up, I often felt misunderstood or struggled to find the right words to express myself. That experience made me deeply aware of how important it is to feel acknowledged and understood. I want people to know that I see them, I hear them, and they are not alone. We’re all human, and we all need help sometimes whether we ask for it or not. I love being that person who reminds others that they are valued, loved, and supported.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people on a deep and relatable level. I thrive on making others feel seen, heard, and valued, especially those who feel overlooked. My journey hasn’t been traditional, and that’s what makes it special. I’ve worn many hats—Air Force veteran, filmmaker, coach, mentor, wife, mother, and entrepreneur. Each role has shaped me into someone who values community, creativity, and purpose.

I’m most proud of the work I’ve done to empower young girls through my cheer program, West Coast Warriors. I’ve learned that mentorship and leadership require patience, structure, and heart. I’m also excited about my beauty brand, Forbidden Mane, because hair is more than just hairit’s identity, confidence, and self-expression. I want to help people love and care for their natural hair while creating a space where they feel celebrated.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. I’ve had to navigate setbacks, self-doubt, and constantly shifting responsibilities. Balancing motherhood, marriage, and personal dreams while pursuing my passions has been a challenge. There were moments I wanted to quit, but I learned to adapt, trust my vision, and keep going. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that structure and faith are everything. When I lacked organization, things fell apart. When I didn’t believe in myself, opportunities slipped away. But once I committed to my purpose and set clear goals, doors started opening.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: I create spaces where people feel valued. Whether it’s through my coaching, my content, my beauty business, or my storytelling, I want to remind people that they are important. I want to make an impact, not just exist. My brand isn’t just about hair, cheer, or content it’s about uplifting people and making sure they know that they matter

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?
If I had a best friend, I’d take them to the most scenic hiking spots or places surrounded by greenery. I love nature, the feeling of freedom, and connecting with the earth. We’d definitely explore new foods, keeping it budget-friendly but focused on experiencing beautiful sights. For me, the best moments are about the atmosphere and the experience, not the price tag.

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?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Bernard Robins. He was previously in law enforcement but left to start his own organization, West Coast Warriors. His passion for mentoring the youth and creating a positive impact in the community is truly inspiring. I’ve taken notes from him and admire his dedication to making the world a better place. His commitment to guiding and uplifting the next generation is something I deeply respect, and I love what he stands for.

Website: https://Www.forbiddenmane.com

Instagram: America_riley

Linkedin: Khalah riley

Youtube: Americariley