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

Hi Keshyra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Entertainment Psychology was rooted in my journey of self-discovery and a desire to challenge the belief that we can only excel in one area. Just as a plant needs nurturing to grow, I chose to cultivate my love for both the sciences and the performing arts. This passion blossomed into a brand and platform dedicated to encouraging others to nurture their own roots.

As a first-generation college student, I faced the pressures of graduating while navigating an unfamiliar academic landscape. This often made it challenging to prioritize self-care and the activities I loved. Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to reclaim my time. I began exploring my passions—singing, dancing, acting, and learning to play the piano—while deepening my knowledge in psychology, particularly in Biopsychology, Cognition, Neuroscience, and most recently, Applied Behavior Analysis.

I believe that “to whom much is given, much is required.” I feel tremendously blessed to have a multifaceted personality and diverse learning style, which inspires me to help others find their own balance. With integrity, hard work, dedication, and unwavering faith, I believe anyone can accomplish their dreams. However, having an outlet is essential for maintaining that balance.
Entertainment Psychology aims to be a nurturing space for those pursuing their dreams—a garden where individuals can water their passions while receiving support and encouragement. My goal is to help others cultivate their own growth, reminding them that they’re not alone on this journey.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I embrace being multifaceted, and I believe it’s essential to own all parts of who we are. The world often encourages us to choose one path, but I’ve never felt limited by that notion. Instead, I decided it’s perfectly okay to pursue multiple interests, which is why I have two interdisciplinary degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, along with a Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology. I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis.

My fascination with human behavior has always been at the core of my work, and it’s what led me to create my platform, Entertainment Psychology. I see a vital need to merge psychology and entertainment, two fields that are often viewed as separate. In reality, they’re deeply interconnected—after all, we all navigate the balance of our mental well-being in various aspects of life, including our entertainment choices.

However, carving out this space hasn’t been easy. There have been significant challenges along the way, from balancing my academic pursuits, such as pursuing my Ph.D., with entrepreneurship to breaking into the entertainment industry. I’ve faced moments of doubt, but each challenge has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community support. Embracing my diverse interests has been my greatest strength, allowing me to approach problems from multiple angles and find innovative solutions.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that my mission is to inspire others to embrace their originality and their multifaceted identities. We don’t have to fit into a single box; we can create our own paths and contribute meaningfully to various fields. Entertainment Psychology is just one way I’m doing that.

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.
I always try to be intentional about choosing places that I think others will enjoy, so I’d likely have a mix of well-known landmarks and hidden gems. For me, enjoying the simple things in life is key. I really love the water, so a trip to the beach or a boat ride—maybe across Long Beach or Malibu—is a must. There’s nothing like soaking in the views while catching up with friends.

Hiking at Runyon Canyon or the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is also a great way to start the day, offering beautiful scenery and fresh air. After that, I’d seek out a brunch spot with a balcony view—because good food in a stunning setting makes everything better.

I’m also a huge fan of the performing arts, so I enjoy attending open mics, movie screenings, or comedy nights. There’s something special about experiencing live talent! I truly believe everyone should see a live production at least once, whether it’s a talk show, play, or sitcom. It’s such a fun way to connect with the entertainment world.

Honestly, I’m always down to try new places and experience life. We’d have a great, jam-packed itinerary, without a doubt!

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?
That’s a great question! In 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, I want to dedicate a heartfelt shoutout to the Bible. It is one of the most available resources that is often overlooked and underappreciated. I consider the Bible to be ‘Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth,’ and it has been by far the most encouraging element on my path.

One scripture that resonates most with me is Philippians 4:13. A lot of people misinterpret that scripture as being able to ‘do anything,’ when in fact, it refers to the ability to endure anything—any trials or tribulations that you go through. This perspective has always stuck with me. I’ve faced tremendous challenges, but I find comfort in knowing there is a resource rooted in maintaining my faith and perseverance through difficult times.

Website: https://www.entertainmentpsychology.org

Instagram: @Entertainmentpsychology

Facebook: Entertainment Psychology

Other: Founder/CEO
Keshyra Williams
Instagram: @kekeoriginal
www.keshyrawilliams.com

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