Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendal Turner.
Kendal, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started performing spoken word in 2007, back in Oklahoma City. I was new to the poetry scene. I didn’t consider myself a poet. I just took a chance and signed up for an open mic that night and my career took off. Within three years, I had written three poetry books and my autobiography. The more I performed, the more my name caught wind and the next thing I knew, I was booked and busy. In 2015, I took a leap of faith and decided to move to Atlanta to take advantage of the massive opportunities here. It was like starting all over again because even though I was known back in Oklahoma, no one knew me here. Times were often hard because I was unable to find a full-time job, but I knew that God told me to move so I had to stand firm on my faith and trust that God would provide. In three years I have been on several movie sets as a background actor. I have released my 5th book titled “The power of 22” and landed the opportunity to be on the BET black girls rock commercial. Moving to Atlanta was by far the best thing I could have ever done for my spiritual development, career, and my family.
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?
I moved to Atlanta with about $5,000 in my account. I signed a lease without a job. I didn’t have a plan B. I came because I knew this is where I was supposed to be. Within four months, I ran out of money. However, I managed to find a part-time job to supplement my income, while I performed around the city. The most challenging thing for me was the amount of time it took to get from A TO B. The amount of gas it took to travel to and from events, given that I could not find a full-time job, my money was tight. There were times when I wanted to give up and go back to Oklahoma but I am not a quitter. My faith in God withstands any trial or obstacle that presents itself. He has never let me fail.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a spoken word artist, model, author of five books, actor and keynote speaker. I am mostly known for my poetry which has opened the door to other speaking engagements. My latest book “The power of 22” hit the number 1 spot on Amazon. I would have to say that is what I am most proud of at the moment. What sets me apart from others is my originality and uniqueness. My poetry speaks to the soul of all who hear it. I don’t perform to “perform”. I perform to teach, share and enlighten others. My poetry is healing for the soul. That’s what sets me apart.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Honestly, I don’t believe in luck. I believe that either you have IT or you don’t. I believe that you get back exactly what you put in. If you do the work, you will reap your harvest in Gods perfect timing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kendalsturner.com
- Email: contact@kendalsturner.com
- Instagram: @kendalsturner
- Facebook: Kendal Turner
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