Meet Keena Ferguson | Director. Actor. VO Artist. Writer. Coach for Content Creators

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

Hi Keena, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have changed how I define work life balance. I don’t see it as an equal split that I am doing in perfect harmony at all times. That is just unrealistic and I don’t think its possible to uphold that. Everything can’t be getting a 100% of your time and YOU all the time. Instead, what I have tried to do is first accept that it won’t be a perfect balance and that I can only do what I can do. I want to make sure that I am present in whatever I am doing and enjoying the process of what I am giving my time to at that moment. We think we can multi-task everything but I have found that then my mind is already on the next thing I am supposed to be doing instead of being in the moment. We miss out on so much that way and since having kids, I have decided to actively work on that. Balance to me is living fully in the moment and appreciating the time I’ve dedicated to that moment. Balance is not missing out on the time you can’t get back and then being proactive about how you want your schedule to look and making sure that schedule included self care and time for fun.

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 am a storyteller in many forms or a multi-artist as I call myself. I tell stories as a director, actor, VO artist, writer and choreographer/dancer. Being a dancer for most of my life, I’ve been telling stories and expressing myself with my whole body forever. As a dancer there was also a sense of discipline that was instilled in me since I was young that has transferred over to my other artistries. There is a work ethic that is undeniable and that is also a big component of success. Moving through life with confidence and not being afraid to go full force towards what you want and believe has definitely contributed to achieving some of the things that I have. Trusting yourself and your instincts can’t be ignored. People will try and talk you out of ideas or projects but if you believe in it and feel strongly about something then you have to try it. If you fail, that’s fine because it was on your terms. I gave a keynote speech recently and I said, “It always seems radical until you do it.”

When I did my NAACP Award winning one woman show, I didn’t know that it would be well received or what people would think about it. I knew that I had an idea and it was inside of me to bring it to life even if it was unconventional and didn’t follow a traditional way of doing a show, but I wanted to do it my way. It brought me great joy to challenge myself in that way and to stand firm in my idea.

Nothing about this career is easy but that’s also what makes it so exhilarating. We are learning, trying new things, failing, succeeding, pivoting all while living a full life but that is what life is. I’ve learned that the time you spend worrying or being filled with fear could’ve been spent doing the thing you wanted to do. I’ve learned that living a full life that exists beyond career brings me joy. I’ve learned that it’s joy I want and not just happiness which can be fleeting with things and achievements but that joy is lasting…permanent. And lastly, one of my favorite quotes that I always say is, “You don’t have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great.” I love that lesson the most.

I hope that world knows that my artistry is a way for me to show the world how we are all connected and how it is through our differences that we find understanding and common ground. That my art will show the world empathy for those that are often in the background or seem to be forgotten and that the stories of love and black people are just as vast and wide as others.

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.
Oh I love this question and I don’t think I’ve been asked this in an interview.

My hubby and I love to host friend’s in town. We would take them to the Griffith Observatory so they could see just how far and wide LA stretches and the beauty from so high above. Then take a drive up the PCH to Malibu and stop along the way to take in the view and have lunch at Malibu Farm Cafe out on the water. We would do a hike on Fryman Canyon or Temescal Canyon for exercise and have brunch at & Waffles. We would go explore Pasadena and have pizza at one of our favorite spots called The Luggage Room and then get the creamiest ice cream at Creamistry.
We would also take the drive to Santa Barbara and up to wine country and wine taste all day and take the scenic route back home through the mountains. We’d stop for dinner at one of those seafood restaurants along the way.

Another day would be spent exploring downtown, going for a cocktail at a bar and then joining friends at the rooftop for great conversation, drinks and appetizers. We would eat at the Smorgasbord downtown and for sure get the lobster rolls. I would take them to Skid Row. We take everyone through there as a reality check of life and how sometimes what we complain about isn’t as weighted as we think. Also, so people see the true need we have for reform with our homeless population.

We would spend a day seeing exhibits at various museums and drive to Manhattan Beach for some delicious fresh seafood at Captain Kidd’s. Hopefully, we would be able to go to the Hollywood Bowl for an excellent show one evening. We do love to eat and enjoy discovering new places so some of our favorites in our valley neighborhood are Gasolina Cafe, Claudine’s, cupcakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, appetizers and drinks at Casa Vega and strolling through Tujunga Village for food and sitting outside under the stars.

The thing I love about LA and California is there is truly so much to see and do and if you can think it, you can find it here. I love all the different cultures and variety that is offered and discovering new things. An overnight trip to San Francisco is a favorite of ours and a drive up the coast to all the small towns along the way and stopping at a farmer’s market.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends deserve a huge shoutout. They support me and believe in me when I’m frustrated or doubtful. My parents have always told me, “There’s nothing you can’t do.” Whenever I call them in a moment of doubt my mom won’t even allow me to talk negative. She will only allow me to say, “It will happen, I will get it done, I have everything I need etc..” In the moment that can be frustrating but it always reminds me that words have power and as my parents say, “I have to believe.” My husband is a first hand witness to the ups and downs of my life as an artist and he always gives me the space to be exactly who I am and is always willing to be a sounding board for whatever I want to talk about…even if he’s heard it all before. LOL My kids always bring me back to the present moment of what’s important and that it is the simple things in life that are pure joy.

I am also grateful for my circle of friends. I can always call on them and they are there to celebrate with me and encourage me when I need it. My friends are family to me because the love and support is the same. I am grateful for my village that surrounds me and I know that we don’t do life alone and I wouldn’t want too.

Website: www.keenaferguson.com

Instagram: @keenastar

Twitter: @keenastar

Facebook: www.facebook.com/keenastar

Other: Coaching for Content Creators info www.nowgogetitdone.com

Image Credits
Photos by Jamaal.