Local StoriesSeptember 19, 2024

Life & Work with Kenyea Wheeler of Sacramento/Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyea Wheeler

Kenyea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since a child I’ve always had many passions and interests. I’ve always been interested in a vast variety of art, technology and entertainment. Soaking up anything anyone can teach me. As I grew in age, experience and life, my passions made lanes for me naturally. Third born of a southern bell mother and military father, but California born and raised. My personality, interests & talents as well as inherited charm took me even further.

Moving around, changing schools etc always led me to my passions to keep me grounded. After high school, I knew I didn’t want to do the mundane or pressured 4 year that lead to another hurdle. I decided to follow my interests and other talents. My curiosities led me to have always been a student to whoever and whatever could teach me or help me grow. My mother, my first teacher and my everything. She has always been my guide as she has always been a bigger picture thinker. She would take me to business seminars, she would have me be a hand in her events and productions as well as anything else that grew her mentally or financially. Whether she knew or not, I was soaking it all up.

Being someone always able to navigate and make avenues through ANYTHING I had a hand in or set my mind to. Throwing clubs and events since a teenager, throwing events that I myself shouldn’t be in the building but checking your ID. Usually being the only female , in a lane that was a male dominated industry. Making money in a major way for my age but understood importance of the business, and to reinvest. All the while building a following and respected reputation.

After I graduated, I continued my interest in media as I was the videographer/photographer for events and sports when I myself wasn’t in uniform in highschool. I decided to go to Art School (Art Institute-Sacramento) , mainly for photography but there wasn’t a specific program for it. “Digital Filmmaking and Video Production” was my program, and it was so vast and diverse it taught me EVERYTHING! Perfecting and further appreciating the industry and any crafts that is related. Eventually dropped out due to personal hardship, but still gained and retained vast skill and knowledge.

With that experience and from helping out with my mother and aunt’s events (Hair+Fashion Battle, Est. 2015-24) , improved my skill and then it “CONNECTED” for me. The experience birthed LIMITLESS MANAGEMENT. Old classmates that were videographers would reach out asking about models , Peers as well as artists that did not know how to do all the above, hence where I came in. “You need this”, “You want to do that”, “You do this but don’t know how to do that”etc. Which the same concept birthed, “Kooky The Konnect” (KonnectWithKooky) . I’m no rapper , entertainer, dancer etc in a craft and career capacity. Although, same things related include all the above and helped me navigate as well as appreciate those that do. KWK (KonnectWithKooky) is a platform for myself and others. Truly a spotlight for individuals that I had a chance to see or help blossom in the industry. I wanted to share THEIR stories and show the ARTIST behind their ART.

Everything I do is with a passion and purpose. One thing tying into another. Hence “KookyTheKonnect”. Coined before the podcast as I can “Konnect” you to parties, resources, and usually anything that most can ask for. “KonnectWithKooky” came about so I can share my story as well as the individuals that came up and along with me. Same as seeing each guest and individual aside from their craft. All in all, creating my podcast , the same way I connect in private. Only difference is you get to see it on camera, with more structured conversation.

I’m very impartial and particular when it comes to anything I do. I could have easily grabbed a ring light, set up my camera did all myself. I chose the way of high quality production as I value what I do, I value the guest and my craft the same way. All the while not being consistent, studio hiccups, staff changes and personal life, I am not where I want and could be. As I think I am not doing a lot, the admiration of those that say I’m doing enough, keeps me going! Not knowing who is watching, there is always someone inspired, watching and rooting for you!

Before I even began my show in 2020, I was inspired and first guest to a friend of mines podcast. Taylor McClure and her show “Blue Cup Chronicles” . She was more than a friend, she was family, we would also joke calling each other “doppelgänger” and or my “stunt double”.. my twin. She was a community light, activist, college student and mentor, amongst many other things that impacted others. Being her first guest, I was humbled and motivated. I connected her to my studio and helped produce and record out of reciprocated respect and love. A year later , I dropped my first episode shouting her out. Early this year 2024 , I lost her in an accident. Same time transitioning to Atlanta. I’ve been on a hiatus since.

Atlanta has always been another home. This year alone, when I left I instantly fell into the groove of the city. I have been featured in a radio show (JustSemaj on Hits 92.3) , I have ran into celebrities, my sister and I have a business in Buckhead (Altered Skin Lab & Spa). My sister is an esthetician and I am a Certified Massage Therapist. We have been featured on a segment on Good Morning Sacramento in 2015, highlighting our family business. We went by a different name back then. We gained spotlight by servicing nurses in hospitals (nurse appreciation day) and providing 5star services that come to you.

Simply, I am a multifaceted entrepreneur, that each pursuit of my passions & talents, coupled with skill, made sense and made a way for me. I am flattered and honored to be discovered and share my story here with VoyageATL Magazine.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life will always be life. It’s apart of the journey. Trials and tribulations etc. A few obstacles for me was always feeling like I’m spinning too many plates. If I put to much time into “this”, I would lose momentum on “that”. One thing, other things slow down and break! Sometimes it would be me that would break. Another would be moments of stagnancy by exhaustion, burnout or lack of confidence.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
It’s hard to fit me and my professions in a box. Say my name , you’ll get different answers. I am most known for event coordination, club promotions and entertainment. My actual profession is being a Certified Massage Therapist. Thing I am most proud of is my company Limitless Management , that encompasses both event coordination and entertainment. What sets me apart is being able to course through different industries and being able to build something in each based on simple skill.

What are your plans for the future?
For the near future, I am trying to reestablish myself. Get the back of the house in order, as the front of the house. Years I had worked backward not knowing how to get the more official things in order, such as LLC’s, Trademarks etc until recent times. Thinking what you see was enough, producing production etc no problem but all on talent , skill and connections. Learning the verbiage and financial literacy behind it. Keeping better records of it all and make sure each business endeavor is solidified, so they can continue grow.. as I grow.

Pricing:

Massage -150hr +
KookyKutterAccesories – items vary
Limitless Management- Depends on services rendered

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@masetrigga
@thestu916
@limitlessmgmnt

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