Meet Keayanna Anderson

We were lucky to catch up with Keayanna Anderson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Keayanna, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being a Black woman, I rarely see people who look like me in many of the restaurants, bars, and events I attend, and the same goes for the content creator space in Austin. Diversity here has always been lacking, so navigating that reality has been a learning process. Over time, I’ve realized that simply showing up and taking up space is a powerful statement in itself.

There was a time when the lack of representation felt intimidating, but now it fuels me. It pushes me to bring a fresh perspective as a Black American born and raised in Austin; someone who has witnessed firsthand how the city has evolved. Instead of letting that initial moment of discomfort hold me back, I’ve learned to reframe it. That little bit of anxiety I feel when I first notice I’m the only one in the room? I take it as a signal…a reminder that this is my chance to contribute something different, to add my voice to the conversation in a way only I can.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m Keay Anderson, a content creator, digital marketer, and entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas. My work revolves around storytelling, whether that’s through my food and lifestyle content, my background in social media management, or my experience helping brands connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

My journey started with a passion for exploring Austin’s ever-changing restaurant and nightlife scene, but it quickly grew into something bigger. Over time, I’ve built a platform where I highlight the best spots for food, drinks, and experiences while also bringing a fresh perspective as a Black woman in the content creator space. Representation matters, and I love showing up, taking up space, and giving my audience an authentic view of what Austin has to offer, especially from someone who was born and raised here.

Beyond content creation, I work full-time as an office manager for a luxury countertop fabricator, where I handle everything from CRM systems and payroll to website management, client relations, and sometimes social media. My background also includes Shopify development, digital marketing, and construction estimation, giving me a well-rounded skill set that allows me to bridge the gap between creativity and business operations.

Recently, I launched my blog keayexplores.com, where I share in-depth guides, recommendations, and personal experiences covering food, nightlife, events, and travel. This platform gives me the space to dive deeper into the stories behind the places I visit and provide my audience with even more valuable insights.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my platform and expanding my content beyond restaurants and nightlife to feature more live music, events, and travel experiences. I want to continue connecting people to great places, whether it’s a hidden gem restaurant, an incredible local artist, or an unforgettable experience.

For those looking for an authentic take on Austin’s food, drink, and entertainment scene, you can find me at keayexplores.com and across all social platforms as Keay Explores. I’m always on the lookout for new collaborations, events, and opportunities to showcase the best of what Austin and beyond has to offer.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful skills in my journey have been communication, discernment, and perseverance.

First and foremost, communication is everything. So many of my opportunities have come simply from expressing what I was looking for. Like my grandma always said, “closed mouths don’t get fed.” Being able to clearly communicate my goals, network with the right people, and advocate for myself has opened doors I never expected.

Next is discernment. Not every opportunity, brand deal, or collaboration is worth your time. You have to develop a strong sense of judgment to know whether a person, place, or energy is aligned with your values and goals. I promise you, not all of them are. Knowing when to say yes and when to walk away is just as important as finding opportunities in the first place.

Lastly, perseverance. I originally started my blogging journey in 2017, and I’ve had plenty of interruptions along the way. Life happens, but what matters is the ability to push through and pick things back up when the timing is right. Consistency looks different for everyone, and as long as you’re willing to keep going, you’ll always find a way forward.

For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is to put yourself out there. Go to new places, start conversations with strangers, and be open to experiences outside of your comfort zone. Keep a planner or a content calendar to stay on top of your goals, and most importantly, trust the process. The more you practice these skills, the more they’ll work in your favor over time.

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?

I am always looking to partner with brands, businesses, and creatives who align with my content and values. I love working with restaurants, bars, event spaces, and hospitality brands that want to showcase what makes them special. I also enjoy collaborating with beauty, lifestyle, and travel brands that focus on authenticity, quality, and meaningful experiences.

As someone who creates engaging and honest content, I bring a fresh perspective, especially when it comes to highlighting Austin’s food, drink, and entertainment scene. Whether it’s a new menu launch, an exclusive event, or a brand that wants to connect with a diverse and engaged audience, I am always open to discussing creative ways to collaborate.

If you are interested in working together, you can reach me at keayexplores@gmail.com or connect with me through my website keayexplores.com. You can also find me on all social platforms as Keay Explores. Let’s create something great together.

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