Meet Keisha M. Tarver | Founder / Editor-In-Chief

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keisha M. Tarver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keisha, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
That it is work. From the outside looking in, the entertainment media space might look all fun and games. But, there is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Now don’t get me wrong, it is a lot of fun and I love what I do. But, at the end of the day, things still need to get done.

For example, when I’m out covering events, I’m there gathering content, taking photos and videos, as well as outlining the article in my Notes app. It’s always a good time. But, don’t forget there is work involved.

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.
Hype Off Life, my magazine, my blog, my love is definitely my art. Growing up, I was always creative, but somehow got sucked into the academic side of life. I actually wanted to go to Art school after I graduated high school, but was advised to get a “real major”. So, that’s what I did. But, I still found ways to express my creativity. Whether that’s through website design, writing or Hype Off Life, I’m just not happy if I’m not creating.

I’d have to say my passion and unique perspective set me apart from others. Like, it’s just hard to put me in a box because I have so many varied tastes and interests, which all add to my art in awesome ways.

Getting to where I am today was no small feat. I hit rock bottom 10 years ago, after making some not-so-smart decisions. So, to bounce back from that to get to owning a well-respected publication makes me very proud.

I also have a day job and am a single mother of 5, which is a full-time job in itself. So, my life gets pretty hectic. But, I’ve found a good journal, schedule, and prayer make everything possible. I have no regrets and want the world to know limits only exist in our minds.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love staying at boutique hotels near the beach. So, we would start off at either The Kinney or Hotel Hermosa. From there we would just chill at the beach, go hiking, and eat some good Jamaican and Thai food. And oh yeah, go book hunting for hardcovers at Barnes & Noble!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take time out to acknowledge all of the amazing women in my life. There’s nothing like the support of a good friend. Thanks for always hyping me up!

Website: HypeOffLife.com

Instagram: @lowkeyinlosangeles

Twitter: @westcoastkeish

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQXjO4VGNOma274fvM6Rx2w