Today we’d like to introduce you to KEYANNA SAWYER-JONES.
Hi KEYANNA, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, by a single mother who worked long nursing shifts to provide for my sister and me. My dad was incarcerated for most of my life, so early on I learned what resilience really meant. Growing up in that environment taught me to dream big but also to work harder than most to create opportunities rather than wait for them.
From a young age, I had a deep passion for beauty, modeling, fashion, style, home décor, and travel. Those passions became my compass, guiding me toward a creative life long before I had the words for it.
Sixteen years ago, I moved to Los Angeles with little more than determination and a deep sense of purpose. I pursued every opportunity that aligned with my passions, from being a closet designer and executive assistant to modeling and acting. It wasn’t always easy. I faced moments of uncertainty and struggle, but those experiences shaped who I am. They taught me how to build from the ground up and to trust that every seed I planted would eventually ”Bleum”.
Bleum Creative was born from both necessity and a desire for more. I always knew there was more for me, but I didn’t see exactly how it would take shape. After years of working in brand assistance and marketing, I reached a point where I wanted creative freedom and a deeper connection to my purpose. I had seen firsthand how multicultural brands were often overlooked or underrepresented at the ownership level, and I wanted to help change that.
Bleum Creative is a full-service brand and marketing agency that helps beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands grow from concept to legacy. What started nine years ago as a small creative studio has now evolved into a full ecosystem.
Since 2016, Bleum has grown completely by referral, no paid ads, just word of mouth and trust. That, to me, says everything. We meet brands where they are, nurture their vision, and help them flourish… not just in sales, but in legacy.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I don’t think it was ever meant to be. Every stage of my journey has come with lessons that shaped both who I am and how I lead.
When I first moved to Los Angeles, I faced real uncertainty. I didn’t have a roadmap, connections, nor a financial safety net… Just faith and a vision that felt bigger than my circumstances. There were seasons where I struggled to make ends meet, times when I questioned whether I belonged in certain rooms, and moments when I had to start over more than once. I even experienced periods of homelessness early on, and those experiences taught me how to rebuild from the ground up with grace and grit.
Building Bleum has come with its own challenges, too. Whether it was learning to balance leadership, creativity, and motherhood; managing growth while protecting my peace; and staying true to my values in an industry that often prioritizes aesthetics over authenticity. There have been hard lessons around boundaries, trust, and self-worth. But through it all, I’ve learned that growth isn’t linear, it’s cyclical. Every obstacle has been an opportunity to refine not just the business, but myself.
Today, I see every challenge as part of the pruning process and the necessary work that allows new things to bloom.
As you know, we’re big fans of Bleum Creative. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Bleum Creative is a brand strategy and creative agency rooted in legacy. We partner with multicultural beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands to help them grow from concept to scale and ultimately, from success to significance.
Our philosophy is simple but powerful: Seed. Sow. Grow. We believe that every brand starts as a seed – an idea, a story, a purpose – and through strategy, design, and intentional marketing, it has the power to flourish into something generational.
What sets Bleum apart is the depth of our approach. We don’t just build beautiful brands, we build meaningful ones. We create systems, stories, and strategies that allow founders to see themselves reflected in their work. From brand identity and packaging to digital marketing, influencer programs, and experiential activations, everything we do is designed to help our clients stand tall in their purpose and presence in ecommerce and retail.
We’ve had the privilege of working with brands like KREYOL ESSENCE, GHOSTBOND, ERBAVIVA, LELA BEAUTY. PARFAIT, KAZMALEJE, ALODIA HAIRCARE, and more – helping them evolve through storytelling, content, and strategy that not only drives revenue but builds community and trust.
Bleum has always grown organically, and I’m proud of that. It means our work speaks for itself. But beyond the results, I’m most proud of the impact: helping founders, especially people of color, claim space, own their stories, and build brands that leave a legacy.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I truly believe no one builds anything meaningful alone. Every part of my journey has been shaped by people who believed in me even before I fully believed in myself.
First and foremost, I give credit to GOD and the faith that’s guided me even when I couldn’t see the next step. Every person who’s poured into me, prayed for me, or spoken life into my journey has played a role in my success.
I owe so much to my mother, who taught me resilience, discipline, and faith. Watching her work long shifts as a nurse while raising two girls showed me what strength really looks like. She is the foundation of my work ethic and my heart.
My sister, Ariel, has also been one of my greatest supporters. She’s seen me through every stage of this journey from my early days in LA trying to find my footing to where Bleum stands today. Her encouragement has been a constant reminder that I’m never alone in this.
My husband, Michael, has been a quiet but steady force in my life, offering support and perspective through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. He’s been my sounding board, my creative collaborator, and my reminder to slow down and breathe when I’m running full speed.
My daughter, Zahra, is my daily inspiration. She’s the heartbeat of my “why.” Everything I build from Bleum Creative to the legacy I’m sowing is rooted in creating something she can look up to. Seeing her curiosity and imagination reminds me that this work is about more than business; it’s about showing her what’s possible when you lead with purpose.
And I can’t forget my family in-laws. Their love, support, and generosity have allowed me to focus, create, and dream without feeling alone. They’ve celebrated my wins and stepped in when life got full. Their support has grounded me in the midst of everything I’m building. I’m deeply grateful for their constant encouragement and the way they show up for me and my dreams.
I’m also deeply grateful for my entire team at Bleum Creative. I especially want to call out Kristen Sanders, our Creative Director, and Nubia Sinclair, our Community Manager. They bring a level of excellence, heart, creativity, and committment that pushes our agency forward every day. Their dedication allows me to lead from vision while knowing our clients are cared for with intention and integrity.
I also want to acknowledge my clients, many of whom have become true partners, advocates, and family: Ryan and Daryl from GHOSTBOND Stephane from KREYOL ESSENCE, Isfahan from ALODIA HAIRCARE, and – they trusted me with their brands, and in doing so, helped Bleum grow into what it is today.
Bleum is not just my work, it’s the collective effort of every hand, heart, and prayer that has helped sow the seeds along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bleumcreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleumcreative/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bleumcreative/
