Today we’d like to introduce you to Keasya (Kay) Hudgins.
Hi Keasya (Kay), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My love of all things entertainment started as a kid running home after school to watch MTV and BET for the latest trending news. Movies, Television, Music – You name it, I knew about it! Growing up in Syracuse, NY, I didn’t really know about opportunities working in media or even knew of people from my city that I could relate to growing up. After moving to New York City in my early 20s, I was consistently trying to figure out what my true passion was. I conquered event planning, hospitality and social media but nothing ever felt right to me. I would find myself self-sabotaging at times because I knew my heart wasn’t in anything I was doing at the time. After some self reflection, I finally gave in and pursued a career in media and entertainment. It wasn’t easy because I felt like I was older than some of the people who had just started out. I remember reaching out to a credible journalist and media personality in her Instagram DMs, asking for a chance to be a correspondent for a media outlet. She gave me that opportunity and I began my journey there.
I started interviewing celebrities, writing articles and doing press. I had no real clue as to what I was doing but I just know I finally felt like I stepped into my purpose. I utilized Instagram and YouTube as leverage to get what I wanted. I didn’t have a camera or microphone, so I used my phone and a tripod to start YouTube Channel. Before I even realized it, I was building my own brand. Since then, I’ve done press for events, attended several private movie and television screenings, moderated panels, interviewed actors, musicians, creatives and producers. After four and a half years in New York City, I’ve made the move to Los Angeles to try this side of the media world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been an easy ride for me. I always had the passion but sometimes I lacked the confidence to believe in myself to get the job done. Between self-doubt, financial hardships and suffering from anxiety, I dealt with some pretty hard times. I’ve had to have some pretty hard conversations with myself and strengthen my faith. Sometimes it’s still hard and I find myself struggling to keep my confidence but it’s an ongoing battle. My passion and love for storytelling is what keeps me going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear many hats but my favorite and what I’m most proud of is being an Entertainment Host/Reporter. I’m currently a reporter for TheGrio and host of my show with justKayMedia. During the pandemic, I started a Pop Culture weekly recap series on my Instagram and YouTube channel. I completed two seasons of my own show, delivering weekly updates on films, television, music, social media and worldly news. I’m also a digital social media content curator for multiple brands. Naturally, I am visionary and creative, so it’s easy for me to tell a story using social media posts. I think what sets me apart from others is my charismatic personality, hunger to keep going and my authentic heart. In an industry where most people are chasing fame and some level of clout, I just want to do good work and make the people around me proud.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My entire life has been built on the risks that I take. I am a first-generation student in my family, so there was no blueprint for me. I had no one to relate to or to understand what I was doing or even what I needed growing up. After college, I moved to NYC with less than $3000, no job and a small network. I have left great careers and jobs where I was making good money because I wasn’t genuinely happy. I moved to Los Angeles during a pandemic. I think it’s safe to say my whole life has been a risk-taking journey and I wouldn’t change a single thing about it. Every risk that I took was worth it, even if the outcome wasn’t what I wanted.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.KeasyaHudgins.com
- Instagram: @Kay.Hudgins
Image Credits
Martia Mariano Mal Jean Dominique Perriot
