Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelz.
Kelz, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My career unofficially began in 2009 acting in stage plays and YouTube skit series but my career officially started in wardrobe styling in 2015 and smoothly transitioned into modeling. Modeling landed me in quite a few music videos and MC/Hosting that required a bit of acting which returned me to acting, and now, on top of that I’m writing, directing, and editing for other actors projects as well as my own. Wik TV (media company) was born from “bridging the gap of Kelz” in 2019, also this year l will be launching my own internet radio station with my husband/business partner called Hits 92.3 right here in Atlanta, Georgia.
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?
Yes and no. My look, personality, and connects allowed opportunities when l started in 2015 but those opportunities didn’t pay off the way l wanted. I’ve been able to audition, attend private events/parties but unfortunately aside ‘fame’ l have not made much financially until 2018.
I’ve taken my challenges in this acting industry and instead of waiting for a door to open for me, I’ve created the door. Nothing wrong with anyone “hitting the pavement” for opportunities but personally l no longer audition for every single role, nor do every single extras work, instead l create the content and become the main character (no competitive audition needed).
I write skits for others as well as myself and because l can’t afford a camera crew or assistants I write, scout talent, film, direct, act, and advertise several projects that I’m in or my company is attached to.
I’m also starting my own internet/online radio station (Hits 92.3) and radio show (The L.I.C.K.) that will allow me to discuss and promote EVERYTHING I do and that in itself will take my brand much further. I anticipate 20 shows and 5 podcasts by the end of 2019. Stay tuned.
What I would say to others is not to get discouraged knocking at these doors because one is bound to open. However, standing at a door too long so accepting any entrance will not take you far. To do what you love sometimes, you have to create your own doors and work like yesterday was the deadline!
Create as much content, provide as much service, products as possible and make a household name for yourself. Those same doors that slammed in your face, that same HNIC telling you ‘no’ A.K.A. ‘not right now’ will not only open those doors but will be sending invites for you to come right on in!
I’ll also advise keeping the same goals. If you have to take another street to get to the same location do so, but don’t change the final destination. When you have plan A there is no plan B, plan B is to execute plan A. Period!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Kelz does a LOT! I am a mogul entrepreneuHER! WHO IS KELZ is an event/red carpet host/MC (IG: @whoiskelz_), a radio personality with my own internet radio show called The L.I.C.K. (which means Love Is Cool with Kelz) (IG: @thelickshow), and the station my show will be at is Hits 92.3 (IG: @hits92.3) which l am owner of alongside my husband. I’m also an actress. I own a media company called WIK TV (WIK meaning Who Is Kelz) – (IG: @wik.tv, YouTube: whoiskelz) where we create script/skit, film, edit and promote content.
l own an online women’s boutique called Bad Habit University (IG:@badhabituniversity); specializing in purses/handbags, workout clothes, sunglasses, jewelry/accessories, eyelashes, and more. I also have a nonprofit organization (which l would LOVE sponsorship for to get off the ground) called From Dolls 2 Divas (@fromdolls2divas) where I’ve created a platform for girls ages 10-15 to be able to verbally express themselves through group discussions with “big sister” advice from me (everything discussed is completely confidential amongst the group), as well as implementing the importance of cooking in the home. We teach the girls a simple 15m meal that they can cook when mom/dad are too busy.
I’m also a promoter for a restaurant called Milk & Honey ATL where l host a monthly Ladies Game Night event called ‘Uncorked and Screwed’. I’m a Humanitarian, l feed the less fortunate through my nonprofit called Kelz Kares. I’m also an author of Sometimes Love Just Isn’t Enough (fiction), and a co-author of a series called Blue Girls Turned Gold volumes 1 & 3. I do so much and l love and am able to balance it all.
I’m most known for my nonstop work ethic and transparent approach to my personal life (married with children)… and the fact that I walk around Atlanta with a multi-colored mohawk on any given day of the week. My hands are in a lot and my work ethic and body of work speak for itself.
As a brand and service provider, I’m most proud that I’m able to do things my way, people want to be a part of it, and if they’re just watching me they respect it from afar.
What sets me apart is my character. It truly boils down to that. I want to see everyone win. If I have the resources and I’m able to pass them on, I do. I’m very, very, very transparent so people gravitate to my ability and an absolute necessity to give the real, provide the “matter of facts” and maintaining honest relationships. My looks and talents follow.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
The advice I would give on finding a mentor is researching the person of interest (if you know someone admirable). Be transparent! Let him/her know your intentions, goals, and what’s in it for them… because essentially nobody is going to stick their neck, brand, or connects out without it being profitable for them even if just seeing you win is all they want in return.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 678.723.KELZ
- Email: wiktv17@gmail.com
- Instagram: Whoiskelz_
- Facebook: Kelz Mungin
Image Credit:
Tyrus Davis – @tdvisuals, Seats – @seats_phographix
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