Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Keener.
Beth, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My walk as a young talent began at ten years old when I was cast as an orphan in the play “Oliver!” That lead to a lifelong passion for being on stage and entertaining an audience. I moved to Cartersville, GA where I attended a performing arts school and graduated early to become a singer/dancer in a theater in Pigeon Forge, TN. From there, I moved back to Georgia, enrolled at Kennesaw State and began exploring acting classes in Atlanta. What I didn’t know at the time, was that the tax incentive was just kicking off… this was 2005. I was fortunate to have an ethnically ambiguous look and a background in theater. So, I was picked up quickly by an agent and began my career as a film and tv actress. In 2009, I moved to Los Angeles. The take away from my time there was that I loved improvisation and just being myself. Upon arriving back in Atlanta in 2011, I was hired to become a social media engagement reporter for Braves Live. It was there that my true passion unveiled itself: HOSTING! Being myself, engaging with others, learning their story and creating content that was fresh, live and organic, was my ultimate calling. I’ve now built a career here in Atlanta as a host. Working for a number of clients from Italy to California. This also leads me to start my own show, The Local Lense, with my buddy and phenomenal cohost, Greer Howard. We’ve interviewed, Denzel Washington, Steve Carrell, Tyler Perry, Dwight Howard, Tony Gonzalez, Simon Helberg, John Driskoll Hopkins, Norman Reedus… to name a few.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There is no great reward without great struggle. And in this industry, there is an ample amount of struggle. Finding yourself, your footing, your confidence, and your voice in this crazy profession is very hard. Understanding that the true and sole competition you face is with yourself is one of the hardest lessons. I believe the greatest initial struggle is the sacrifice you make financially, scraping by and praying for an audition. Living without a steady income is very hard for most and you have to learn to become a seasoned money manager. Learn to save and be smart with what you earn. Most of the struggle is trial and error. Never understanding why someone did or didn’t choose you. A big piece of advice from me would be to remember that no one can take what is meant to be yours. No one. So, rest in knowing that the right things will come to you and those things that don’t, weren’t yours, to begin with. Another piece of advice would be to take your power back. How? By creating your own content. Take charge of your career and make things that other people want to consume. Today, you can do that very cheaply. So, start. And start now.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an entertainment, business, and lifestyle host. I specialize in bringing personality and a face to brands, shows, and companies that want someone to deliver content to the public. Think of Kelly Ripa or Ryan Seacrest. That connection of an on-air personality that makes you feel like they’re talking directly to you. I love to interview others. Telling the stories of others and their brands in a way that is approachable and real is something that I do well. I’ve got a few things that I am most proud of: 1. Being the last woman standing in Live with Kelly’s last cohost search. That made me the top 3 in the country. 2. Creating a show (The Local Lense) that tells stories, connects with an audience and has become an established brand in Atlanta 3. Working as the Digital Host of the MLS CHAMPS Atlanta United. I love the team and was a fan before my present position. Now, working with them, and representing the fans, has been a great honor.
What sets me apart from others, as a host, is my ability to disarm my subjects. I have an ability to create a comfort level for anyone that sits (or stands) across from me. I believe that is a true gift.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mother. She has definitely lived a crazy difficult life with little to no support. Watching her achieve incredible milestones as a single mother of four was the most encouraging thing for a young girl. Knowing that I too could accomplish anything I set my mind to.
Kim Watters was the first director I ever had. She saw my potential at the age of 10 and helped me cultivate it at such a young age. I could not be more grateful for her influence in my life.
I’d say I have a number of strong women who are colleagues and friends of mine that inspire me on a regular basis. Boss women with an initiative to tackle their dreams, to educate themselves, to stand up for what’s right and lift up other women along their journey. I would not be where I am today without those inspirational women in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Beth-Keener.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethkeenerhost/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethkeenerhost
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/thelocallense/
Image Credit:
Anna Ritch
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
