Conversations with the Inspiring Onyx Keesha

Today we’d like to introduce you to Onyx Keesha.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started my non-profit organization while still in HS many many many years ago. Born out of the need to see myself represented on stage M.PoWeR is dedicated to producing theater that is inclusive of ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, and across generations. With locations in both GA and NY/NJ, M.PoWeR arts produced theater and offers classes in dance, drama, writing, filmmaking and more. In addition, M.PoWeR has two new initiatives… Indie:Pink fueled by Onyx Keesha’s film company which offers a free filmmaking workshop to girls and women interested in telling they’re stories through digital art and is gearing up for Indie:Pink’s first film festival geared towards female filmmakers. Pink Lemonade is my latest endeavor and near and dear to my heart as I am newly diagnosed with breast cancer and currently undergoing 20 weeks of Chemo.

The goal of pink lemonade is to further educated women (specifically women color and by extension pre-op trans men and masculine of center women) on the importance of breast health and early detection. Even with all the education and exposure, women of color are dying at a much higher rate than other women. Through pink lemonade, we aim to merge art and heath. With an art exhibit, theater, short films as well as an exclusive mobile mammogram center to make all feel comfortable getting tested. We are currently planning a huge pink tie event to help raise money to impact as many women as we can.

Ten years ago, I moved to ATL to dive into the film industry and birthed Onyx Keesha Films – queer centered film company that focuses on telling the stories of those not often heard. With several film festival wins, over one million total YouTube channel views and a platform to showcase some of the talents in the LGBT community Onyx Keesha Films has produced/directed Church Hurt tackling the subject of religion and sexuality, a lesbian Christmas Movie, a love story, and various web shows. Onyx Keesha is the director of the Revry Original series 3030 which is a first for an African Amerian Woman Director on the huge network.

M.PoWeR Arts have produced such productions as: For Colored Girls, The Vagina Monologues, The Wiz, A Raisin in the Sun, Annie, The Colored Museum, Aida and more.

Has it been a smooth road?
There have been so many struggles along the way but the biggest ones have come from self-doubt, insecurities, and worries about what others think. These internal battles have proved to harder than any of the business obstacles that I may have faced.

My advice to honor these feelings when they come, be gentle with yourself, identify the root cause and then MOVE PAST IT! PUSH THROUGH… you got it, girl!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am the founder and artistic director of M.PoWeR arts and the CEO of Onyx Keesha Films. I love that I do not just care about the bottom line, I truly care about all those whom I work with. I love to see others live their dreams. If they want to make a movie and never touched a camera before I want to show them if they are afraid to write that script I want to help them. I am truly invested in the process more so than the product. That is where the magic happens.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My advice is to be open, be fearless, and just do it. Go to that event, talk to that person, post that question. Do not be afraid of your own light and vision share it and connect.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.onyxkeesha.com and www.mpowerarts.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @onyxkeesha
• Facebook: @onyxkeesha

Image Credit:
Sammi Smith

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