Meet Keīlah Harris | Comedian & Culinary Host/ Travel Vlogger

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

Hi Keīlah, how do you think about risk?
– the biggest risk was learning to have faith in myself and the worlds want to give me the life I want. It was very fearful decision when I first took the risk of prioritizing my creativity and play as work. Banking on yourself means giving yourself the time for other opportunities. You don’t always know how or from where those opportunities are going to come from but you have to know they are coming, and you have to be ready to receive. There is no part of my artistic pursuits that scream secure. I am secure in myself to always find a way. Even if that means picking up a part-time job during the slow months. But only part time because the work I do that brings joy Including; giving my time to help facilitate another’s dreams, is always priority.

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.
when I started doing standup my only goal was to get better at writing dialogue, and say some of the “taboo” thoughts in my head . Subconsciously I think I was looking for a way to be my truest self. I stayed doing comedy because it can be a powerful tool to introspection and change; also making people smile, react and laugh makes me smile harder. I found an infinite happiness loop for myself. Doing standup put me in the position to receive other opportunities. All of a sudden people wanted to do sketches with the funny girl they saw on stage. I randomly got signed with a commercial agency. I had never even considered myself an actor, but it was so much fun; and I fell deeper in love with myself, performing and entertainment in general
For as long as I can remember I have been visually intrigued by the process of making food. the colors of spices, the chemistry of mixing ingredients, the skill of handling a knife, the patience to wait. Cooking is an art form that I value observing and that my taste buds love contemplating. As a kid one of my favorite tv channels was the cooking network. Once I became a full time creative working in entertainment, I realized that my “childish” dream to be a food travel host was very obtainable. So anytime I’m allowed in the kitchen with someone or invited to an event involving food/travel/culture I’m asking questions and asking for samples. Bringing my camera was an easy way to give back and get started with making the content for myself. (everyone loves a bit of attention and admiration for their work)

I am most excited about my comedy show BareBack Comedy. It’s dark, raunchy, crude, and smart just like my humor. The inaugural show is July 11. it’s my first time producing a show and I’m doing it with one of my closest friends Richard Yuengling who’s also an incredibly funny and driven person. I got a lineup of some of the funniest people I know, and I am just so excited that they all agreed to be a part of my little dream. Even if others don’t like it or the show for some reason doesn’t sellout I get to watch some of my favorite comedians come together and perform for me. In terms of lessons, I’ve learned overtime you can’t wait for anyone to just give you anything. I speak up and ask questions. I have no shame when it comes to going up to a stranger and making them my friend. I have no qualms with telling a stranger my dream, and asking for help. I was taught that those who don’t ask don’t receive. maybe this is not the way for everyone but I ask (nicely) for everything and every opportunity. The only for sure NO is not asking. I’ve realized most people want to give others what they want. They just have to know what it is you want. My brand Always Eat’n encompass everything about me and everything I’m trying to give back to the world. In my mind if you’re eating, you’re good. If you’re feeding your body, you can feed your mind and from there you can feed whatever goals you want to obtain. I’m Always Eat’n in every facet of my life.

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?
My favorite place is the beach so we would start Monday in Playa Vista. It’s kinda quiet and we can get alcoholic ice cream while sun bathing. Tuesday we have to go my favorite open mic at higher path, test new jokes while getting high with my fave community. Wednesday We’d have to have a chill day visiting Gardens and the Getty (Villa, in the mountains or both.) which has not only one of the best gardens but also amazing views. Thursday we’d go hiking and to the Los Angeles crest lookout and just chill. Friday we bar hope (starting at Jungle in Hollywood, I know the chef and eating is a priority). Saturday we go to the Fairfax Farmers Market to people watch. Sunday hopefully would be a Black on the Block Sunday and if not decompress at home. Obviously we would hit a different comedy show every other night.

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?
Kookie Fox. @itskookiesworld. She’s an amazing photographer and video editor. She also acts and other creative things.

Website: https://Www.alwayseatn.com

Instagram: @staycoolhoneybunny, @barebackcomedy, @eatnnyostreets

Other: https://Www.KeilahHarris.com

Image Credits
David Alan, Keilah Harris, Cassandra Guerra, David Mize