Today we’d like to introduce you to Nivea “Keye” Bodison.
Hi Nivea “Keye”, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was born, my parents named me Nivea and as I’ve transformed, I’ve found myself to be named Keye. Many wondered about the cause of this change; many wondered what could this mean; simply I say “I’m the Keye”. To me, the evolution of Keye came about when I realized who I am and what I am meant to do in this world and it’s truly to bring about change and open doors for so many others. My name is based off the world and truly want to see great things happen especially for my community being that I am an African-American woman who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Through exploration of myself, I was quickly able to see support disappear, but what I held to was belief in my creativity; not only that, my mom has been my number one supporter, being she was the first to take me to the movies and one of the only one to do it to this day.
Although I’ve had an intense love for movies since I was younger, I never really knew back then of where I would fit into this world of film or more so had no idea this was even a world to be explored; now as I get older, I’m able to explore the many sides and figure out where I see myself in it. Being when I was younger, I never really knew of all these creative careers and just ways of sustaining self through self-exploration. I started off doing various pursuits in this world. I remember my first business was in skincare; next came my reselling thrift and high-end fashion business. All of these and so many more pursuits helped me build and maintain the drive I apply now to my filmmaking, photography, content creation, digital media, and business ownership. Not knowing where it would take me, I believed in the hustle. I had faith that the hard work would pay off no matter how much I did not feel it in the moment; it truly prepared me for the endless work and belief in self required to pursue and succeed in the entertainment/media industry.
Recently in this industry, I have learned that connections matter most and I am excited for the connections I am building for (ex. Reimagine, shadowbox, and etc.) and the many more connections to come looking to build, learn, and succeed together. I personally would love to thank Reimagine for guiding me recently in the NoCo documentary fellowship, where I was able to express my love for others and the community with my documentary “Voices Unheard ft. PAWKIDS” and I am grateful for the many more marvelous works to come! Not only am I only looking to grow and produce more works in the film industry I am also looking to grow business-wise being that it is in my blood. Currently along with my documentaries supporting and bringing light to issues and those not really heard from, I’m looking for someone who is willing to invest in my many business ideas which could help bring positivity and sustainability worldwide!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I consider myself as my biggest obstacle at times. Mental health is literally no joke. Being a Black woman accomplishing generational wealth while pursuing many paths takes a lot of work. Not only that, but being a Black creator too, I have heard and felt the most disbelief from others when expressing my goals and where I want to be. I have been crushed countless times from people who have wanted me to go a “generic” route or simply who have not wanted me to fully express myself and just be me. I have lost people that I have considered family at a point and honestly, it hurt and made me want to give up but hey, the creative in me sees the transformation of all these many pains. I am more intrigued on taking all the pain and putting into my many creations and using as my “hug” and outreach to others. My advice to others is to take the pain and make it your art, put it into what you love most, and let it be your boost. Never let that pain win because the inner strength is far greater than suspected. When I look at the light, love, and ideas others took for granted and advantage of I see how this energy can be applied to help others who want to build together on these areas and use to increase the outreach.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for turning heads and dropping jaws. My exemplary work is admired in the many ways I showcase and accomplish it. Whether it’s seeing me get the best shot of photography by rolling in the dirt, doing weird squats and poses, or bringing a ladder or anything different to give me that different angle and view that cant just be captured with a one-click stand straight; you see that I go to many and any great length to give the client above and beyond, to make the time feel worthwhile and for them to feel like the true superstar they are. Taking the shot is much work but also being in front of the camera is as well, which you can see of me on my personal Instagram (@keyewrld). The same effort applied to getting the perfect shot in photography is applied to me going the extra mile to dig deep within and through reading my many books to discover new and unheard-of movie, business, and art ideas.
What makes you happy?
I am happy when I am being a light unto others. I am happy when I see my mom proud. I am happy with simple things like seeing the sunshine in the morning or whether it is watering my plants or seeing I have enough gas to make it to the park. I am happy when I can make art that others see and think a whole lot deeper of this world we live in. There are a lot of things that make me happy. It takes a lot to make you a great filmmaker, so I apply my eternal gratefulness and happiness for the many things, people in this world, and those in the great beyond and make great works and produce great ideas to continue to make me and all these people happy. Knowing all what makes me happy I know true happiness when I’m able to see and work within my idols like Issa Rae, Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Ryan Coogler, Rick Famuyiwa, Tracy Oliver, Steven Caple Jr. and so many others.
Pricing:
- Individual Studio Shoot 1 hour 30 min. two outfits two backdrops 12 edits $111
- Group Studio Shoot 1 hour 30 min two backdrops two outfits 12 edits $140
- Group Location Shoot 1 hour 1 location two outfits ten edits $140
- Individual Location Shoot 1 location two outfits ten edits $100
- Additional photo retouches $3 and prices are subject to change depending on styling, personal requests, and equipment/supplies needed to fulfill the idea. All other prices on @keyeshoots ig
Contact Info:
- Website: https://keyeshoots.univer.se/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyewrld/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeyeShoots
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/keyeshoots/
Image Credits
All shot and styled by me!
