We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Keisha Brown a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Keisha , thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
As a playwright, inspirational speaker, and producer, I’ve encountered my fair share of naysayers, critics, and even outright haters. It’s a part of the journey, especially when you choose to create meaningful and impactful work that challenges norms and dives deep into topics that others may shy away from. Over time, I’ve come to see criticism as a natural part of growth—both mine and that of my audience.
In my productions, like *Hear My Cry*, *The Well*, *Stolen Dreams*, and especially my latest project, *I’m Coming Out of This*, which raises awareness about domestic violence, I tackle stories that are raw, real, and often uncomfortable. Not everyone is ready or willing to confront the truths these stories bring forward. Some critics or ‘haters’ come from a place of discomfort, and rather than looking inward, they project that discomfort outward. I’ve learned not to take it personally. Instead, I use it as a reminder that my work is making waves. When you’re pushing boundaries and bringing important issues to light, some resistance is inevitable.
For me, it’s essential to stay grounded in my ‘why.’ I create because I want to give a voice to those who feel voiceless. I share my stories to inspire change, healing, and hope in those who need it most. Every time I receive a message from someone who’s been touched by one of my plays, whether it’s someone who found healing through *Stolen Dreams* or a survivor who felt seen through *I’m Coming Out of This*, it reinforces that the work I’m doing is necessary. That’s what I choose to focus on—the lives I’m impacting, not the negativity that may come my way.
In fact, I often think of naysayers as proof that I’m on the right path. If you’re doing work that never stirs up any emotion or opposition, chances are you’re playing it safe. But I didn’t become a playwright, speaker, or producer to stay comfortable. I’m here to make people think, feel, and, most importantly, to spark transformation. And when you’re doing that, there will always be people who push back.
The key to overcoming the noise is surrounding yourself with positivity and people who believe in your vision. I’ve been blessed to work with amazing collaborators who share my passion for telling powerful stories. Together, we uplift each other and keep moving forward, no matter what. I’ve also learned to protect my peace. I don’t give energy to every negative comment or opinion. Instead, I focus on my supporters and the people who need to hear my message. When I keep my eyes on my purpose, the naysayers fade into the background.
Ultimately, what drives me is the impact my work has on others. Whether it’s the tears of a survivor after seeing *I’m Coming Out of This* or the words of encouragement from someone who found hope in *The Well*, those are the moments that fuel me. The more I listen to the voices of those I’m helping, the less the noise of the critics matters. In the end, their words won’t stop me. If anything, they motivate me to go harder, dig deeper, and create even more transformative work. My purpose is bigger than any criticism I’ll ever face, and that’s what keeps me going.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As the Vice President of EvenMe Inc. and the creative mind behind *A Story to Tell Productions*, I focus on bringing real-life experiences to the stage in a way that speaks to the heart of our audience. We believe in the power of storytelling to heal, inspire, and create awareness around critical issues that people face every day—whether it’s mental health, domestic violence, or growing up without a parent. Our productions aren’t just entertainment; they are deeply rooted in lived experiences and designed to provoke thought and spark meaningful conversations.
What excites me most about what we do is seeing how our performances resonate with people. Every show becomes a safe space where individuals can see their stories reflected on stage, often for the first time. There’s something incredibly powerful about shining a light on issues that are often kept in the dark. For me, the most special aspect of our work is the hope we offer. When people leave our productions, they don’t just walk away entertained—they leave empowered, feeling less alone, and often with a renewed sense of hope.
One of the most exciting things on the horizon for us is our upcoming production, *I’m Coming Out of This*, which is set to debut in March 2025 at the Jersey Shore, NJ. This production focuses on the realities of domestic violence, a topic that affects so many but is still not talked about enough. Through this show, we strive to offer hope and healing to survivors, while also raising awareness about this pressing issue. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and communities to extend the conversation beyond the stage, and we’re hoping to connect with others who are passionate about bringing awareness and change to this cause.
At the heart of *A Story to Tell Productions* is a deep commitment to making an impact. We want our work to not only entertain but also educate and inspire action. With each project, we aim to touch lives, open minds, and create space for healing. If you’re interested in supporting or learning more about what we do, we’d love to connect with you as we continue this journey of storytelling with purpose.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I would say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a playwright, inspirational speaker, and producer are perseverance, empathy, and a commitment to learning. Each one has shaped not only my career but also the way I approach storytelling and community-building through my work with A Story to Tell Productions.
1. Perseverance: The creative journey isn’t always easy. There are moments of rejection, criticism, and doubt, but it’s perseverance that has allowed me to push through those challenges and continue to tell the stories that matter. My advice for those early in their journey is to stay committed, even when things get tough. Understand that obstacles are a part of the process, and each challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and more determined.
2. Empathy: As someone who brings real-life experiences to the stage, empathy is crucial. Being able to understand and connect with the emotions and struggles of others has allowed me to tell authentic stories that resonate deeply with my audience. For those just starting out, my advice is to practice active listening and put yourself in the shoes of others. Whether you’re writing a script, giving a speech, or producing a show, the ability to connect with people’s emotions is key to creating impactful work.
3. Commitment to Learning: The arts, like any other field, are constantly evolving, and one of the most important things I’ve learned is to never stop being a student. Whether it’s learning new production techniques, studying the craft of storytelling, or even understanding the social issues we address in our productions, staying curious and open to learning has been invaluable. My advice is to always be willing to improve and adapt. Invest in your craft, seek out mentors, attend workshops, and keep expanding your knowledge.
For those early in their journey, I encourage you to focus on developing these qualities. Stay the course when faced with adversity, lead with empathy, and never stop learning. Your unique perspective and dedication will be what sets you apart.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate with domestic violence prevention organizations, shelters, support groups, and individuals who share a passion for creating awareness and providing hope to survivors. With my upcoming production, *I’m Coming Out of This*, we are dedicated to bringing the reality of domestic violence to the forefront while offering a message of healing and strength.
We’re particularly interested in partnering with organizations that focus on supporting survivors of domestic violence, advocacy groups, shelters, and community leaders who are working on the frontlines of this issue. Our goal is to not only tell these important stories on stage but also to extend that impact by connecting audiences with the resources and support they may need. By working together, we can amplify our reach and bring more attention to the importance of prevention, education, and survivor support.
If you’re reading this and would like to collaborate, whether it’s through partnerships, outreach, or simply joining forces to raise awareness, I’d love to connect. You can reach out to me directly through EvenMe Inc., visit my website at or email me at [email protected] Together, we can make a real difference and give survivors the hope and support they deserve.
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