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

Hi Khiyon, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think of risk as a natural part of life and an essential part of growth. Risk is essential to creating the most compelling, richest art so I always enjoy being challenged with it. One of the biggest risks of my career was moving to Los Angeles five years ago with no plan, no immediate connections and no source of income. But I think the risk pushed me to really grind and hustle and figure out my immediate community and how I could incorporate myself into the television world. Without risks, I would not be where I’m at right now.

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.
So I identify primarily as a theater artist, but also work as a screenwriter in TV/FILM. I’ve been fortunate to be apart of many great projects. I was on the original music team of HAMILTON, which is one of my proudest moments as an artist. To see how that show has inspired more people to get into the arts is incredibly gratifying. I worked on that show when I was 21 and that led to quite a few doors opening, though the road to establishing my own artistic voice was not one of ease. I spent about two years taking meetings, writing and re-writing before I got staffed on my first tv show (Soundtrack on Netflix, check it out!). What I really learned in that period is that nothing happens overnight, truly nothing. It takes long, dedicated work to build a career in the arts and persistence, loyalty and hard work is key to success in entertainment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
ooooo! I would take them to Sugarfish (amazing sushi!), maybe the grove, Maybe Malibu… Spartina in weho for sure. Maybe Il Pastiao or Spago in Beverly Hills. Would love to walk around Santa Monica on 3rd street and the pier in Venice.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
shoutout to my mom for taking me to music lessons all through middle and high school!

Instagram: @khiyon94

Twitter: @khiyon94

Image Credits
Taken by @ Khat Tuttle

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.