We had the good fortune of connecting with Rhonda Kennedy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rhonda, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks are what create some of the biggest moments in life. Also, taking risks serve as a reminder that I trust myself. When I take the leap and go after something, I fully expect that I’m going to show up and give my all. For many years I wanted to work for myself but was too afraid to go for it. That all changed in December 2019! I finally got the guts to go for it. I left a safe, high paying, corporate job with no plan. I had to figure it out day by day. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do but it’s also the most rewarding. I wouldn’t change a single thing that’s led me to this point.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most proud of my storytelling abilities. My gift for storytelling has developed over the last two years that I’ve been on YouTube. Sharpening this skill made me an even better filmmaker. I got to where I am by working at Nine27 Entertainment. Jeanine Daniels gave me an opportunity back in 2016. She saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself. As a result, I got a chance to wear many hats which in return allowed me to blossom into a multi-faceted filmmaker who can do many things on set (write, produce, direct). By the time I started YouTube in 2019, I had no idea what I was going to create, so, I turned to storytelling! I began telling stories about my life then turned to fiction stories that centered around various topics: falling in love, break ups, betrayal, obsession etc. This entire process has not been easy. When challenges have presented themselves I always remained focus on the finish line and gave myself credit for how far I’ve come. I’ve learned that you don’t have to be boxed in to one thing. If you have a desire to do and be known for five things, go for it! You have one life and you should design it the way you see fit. I want people to know that I’m a proud black/queer woman who wants everyone to shine and live up to their potential. I don’t have any limits and I’m not afraid to reinvent myself as many times as I need to.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d tell my friend they definitely have to go to My 2 Cents for comfort food, El Cholo (Western location) a hometown favorite when it comes to Mexican food, Yamashiro’s for a view of the city during dinner, Malibu Wine Safari’s for wine, animals and some dope IG pics, the Dime to dance all night long and Venice beach for day drinking and a walk on the boardwalk,
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?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my cousin Stephanie! YouTube has changed my life! I wouldn’t have started it without her. She encouraged me over and over again.. I finally went for it and now YouTube is the foundation that all my current success is built on.
Website: rhondasredsauce.com
Instagram: instagram.com/rhondasredsauce
Youtube: youtube.com/rhondasredsauce