Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendal Lewis
Hi Kendal, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began with a deep love for storytelling and video. From a young age, I was captivated by the camera and the ability to express myself through it. The creative freedom and fun I found in being different on camera drew me in, and I felt I always had an eye and a creative mind for it.
In addition to my passion for media, I grew up loving sports. I started as a soccer and baseball player, then expanded to football and basketball. I was always into watching football and basketball. And I was fascinated with capturing dynamic moments on camera. This unique blend of athleticism and a passion for media has profoundly shaped my journey, fueling my creativity and drive every step of the way.
One of the steps in my journey was stepping out of my comfort zone. I believe this was something many people my age are not willing to do, but it was essential for my growth. Constantly pushing myself to be creative and think outside the box became a hallmark of my approach. Some would say I think outside the box. Some may say I am a right-brained or forward thinker, which I consider a significant strength. This willingness to embrace the unfamiliar and challenge myself was crucial in getting to where I am today.
Another important step was staying true to myself and not letting anyone sway who I was or chose to be. I embraced being different and was willing to put myself out there more, which prevented me from settling for anything less than what I wanted. Working hard and continuously experimenting with new things, especially in media, was also crucial. This effort included trying new techniques and approaches intertwined with my right-brained thinking.
Experiencing failure and taking those lumps along the way were significant parts of my journey. These experiences, athletically and through media, were instrumental in my growth. Every step I took, whether pushing my creative boundaries or enduring setbacks, was vital. They all contributed to my personal and professional development, making me who I am today.
One of the challenges I faced was consistency. I struggled a lot with staying consistent in what I did or tried, and it often served as a wake-up call when I realized I should have stayed the course with endeavors. However, this was all part of the learning curve. Another significant challenge was staying within my city for a while. I knew I needed to step out and discover what more I was capable of. Taking that step was huge for me, and eventually, I conquered that challenge. Each time I return, I feel refreshed and evolved, and I continue to learn along the way.
At times, the hits I took were big, leaving me at a crossroads, wondering what I would do next. Despite these setbacks, I always believed in my ability to make things happen, to create something out of nothing, and to make things work. Thankfully, I was able to do just that.
One of my proudest achievements was receiving a full offer to play basketball, even though it was at a community college. Getting an offer was a significant milestone for me, and although it did not turn out as I had hoped, it remains something to be proud of to this day. Another major accomplishment was attending my dream school. Attending Southeast Missouri State University was a goal I had set for myself three or four years in advance, and it’s incredible how it all came together. Achieving this goal was a significant and fulfilling moment in my journey.
Additionally, I reached one thousand subscribers on YouTube last year. This milestone is something I’m proud of, reflecting the hard work and dedication I put into my content. These are achievements I value.
I love home, and I feel like the village that raised me—the people my parents surrounded me with—played a role in influencing and helping me. Memphis is a tough city, but it’s also very loving, depending on who you put yourself around. Growing up in Memphis from preschool at Ms. Rose’s Toddler Town laid the foundation for me as a well-mannered kid into a young man.
The toughness, or hard work, came from my Dad, and playing sports around Memphis, whether basketball or football. Playing athletically in all areas of Memphis showed me hard work and grinding. Trainers like Scotty Mason and Coach Neloms from as early as fifth grade, and the various coaches I encountered, taught me to work hard and put a chip on my shoulder. I carried that mentality into the media field once my time playing basketball was over. My Dad always pushed me to go harder and made me realize that if you truly want to do something, you show it and put your best foot forward.
The family aspect and the holistic culture I aim to have come from my family. With many family members based here, my Mom and Dad taught me how to be a young man, emphasizing that respect is everything. The support from my cousins, uncles, big brothers, and even friends from middle school to high school was invaluable.
Growing up in Memphis and Olive Branch, you can not raise a young Black man any better than how they did for me. The people here, especially those I was raised around in my community, are valuable. Memphis and Olive Branch will always be home to me, and the support I continue to receive from these people is the best feeling.
Truthfully, I believe my journey from here will only go up and up. I still have a lot of potential to unlock, and attending SEMO [Southeast Missouri State University] helped me realize so much more of that potential. Being in the right environment with the right people brought out the best in me. I know I have more to learn and achieve and I’m committed to continuous growth.
I see myself having a long-lasting career in my field, where I can be successful and fulfill my dreams. I envision traveling, creating amazing stories, and having the freedom to do what I want and how I want. While it may take more time than I anticipated, I am confident that with my focus and passion for my field, I’ll reach my goals of succeeding in whatever I choose. I believe that things will only get better from here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road could have been smoother at times, I will say. I often struggled with staying consistent in the things I did or tried. Additionally, I tried to learn many lessons on my own to see if I could solve things without seeking proper guidance. I preferred trying things independently, which sometimes worked but often did not go as planned.
For instance, I started a clothing brand back in high school. Had I known how to properly navigate entrepreneurship and e-commerce, the brand could have been successful and expanded significantly. With YouTube, I have had periods of both consistency and inconsistency. If I had maintained a more consistent approach and seized better opportunities, I might have achieved earlier success.
Another significant struggle was with basketball. Not being able to pursue it as far as I wanted to go was challenging. Although transitioning away from basketball wasn’t too hard in my junior year of college, it still took time to accept and adapt to not playing. I had to ensure I was okay mentally before moving forward. Putting the ball down allowed me to step away and return to it when I was ready.
My first two years at Southwest Tennessee Community College were also pivotal. I learned more about myself, people, and business while playing basketball. Being in my city made me antsy to move on to the next step, and preparing for that was a big challenge. I was eager to leave but had to balance that with the confinement of home life.
Eventually, I had to settle down and understand that it’s okay to soak up information, even if I don’t understand it immediately. I realized the importance of finding and learning from people who inspire and are willing to teach and grow as much as I could in the situation that I was in. Seeking out those individuals and learning from them helped me gain better understanding of things and improved my approach to various challenges.
These experiences taught me a lot about resilience and adaptation. Despite the setbacks and challenges, I’ve learned to adapt and grow from each situation.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a videographer and video editor, and I also major in the TV/Film field at my school. My main areas are videography and video editing, though I am also skilled in photography. Recently, I have been delving into the film and TV directing side of things as well as screenwriting, as I aspire to expand my expertise in these areas. During the summertime, I now serve as the Video and Content Coordinator for the Memphis Grizzlies Junior Basketball camps after being a Youth Coach for the past three years with the Memphis Grizzlies. I’ve travelled to various cities and inspired countless kids. Now, I get to contribute on the marketing and social media side through engaging and creative content by showcasing the excitement and value of our camps. This new role as the video person and content creator for the Junior Grizzlies basketball camps aligns nicely with my career aspirations.
I specialize in having an eye for capturing and editing, creating stories through the lens. I am working at getting the right shot and crafting a narrative that engages viewers. Additionally, I excel at making people think, using my work to evoke thought and emotion.
Around campus, along with my nickname “Krispy”, I am known as the “video guy” or the “film guy” because of my short mini-movies and video work for athletics and my personality. My photography also garners recognition time to time.
I am most proud of the way I have delved into my new endeavors on the film and television entertainment side of things with my assertiveness and willingness to learn. Bringing stories to life and telling them through my work has been fulfilling. I am also proud of how I have maximized my time in my first year at a new university by pushing myself to make the most of every opportunity.
What sets me apart is my creativity, passion, and outgoing energy. I love every aspect of videography, TV, film, and it’s my true calling. My desire and hunger to prove myself, coupled with my multifaceted skills and dynamic approach, differentiate me from others. Whether working in a studio, being a photographer, or handling a screenplay, my ability to draw from different ideologies and adapt to various roles makes me unique. I am always willing to go the extra mile to capture the perfect moment. Whether in a large crowd or an unfamiliar setting, I am not afraid to step out of the box to get the shot or tell the story. Unlike others who may take a cookie-cutter approach, I strive to be dynamic and multifaceted, continuously improving my craft.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Absolutely! I want to share a bit about my current work and some exciting projects on the horizon. My short mini-movie series, Enjoy Your Reality, A Multipart Story, is on my YouTube channel now. It includes four mini-movies: Let’s Pretend?, Honest, Change, and the most recent installment, PANIC, released this April. I would love for you to check it out. Share your thoughts, because I want hear how people digest everything I have put out.
Additionally, be on the lookout for another big project I am currently working on. I prefer to keep things under wraps until the right moment, but it is something significant that aligns with my line of work, and it is the start of a big story that I have been wanting to tell for a long time. Stay tuned!
To everybody reading this, watching this, or wherever you are: Just be sure to do what makes you feel the best and create something that survives. Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Do not be afraid to do what makes sense and what is right for you. Whatever feels right to you, do not let anybody tell you otherwise or sway your thinking if it is truly how you feel. However, always remain a free thinking spirit and keep an open mind, but find what makes you happy and stay locked on your goals. Look out for your family, stay close to your friends, and keep your circle tight. Make sure that your circle inspires you, helps you grow, and forces you to grow. Continue to make sure you laugh and smile every day that you can.
Find something new every day, every month, every year. Travel, enjoy the world, and enjoy the life that we have. Set goals for yourself, make them happen, and get to where you want to be. No matter what it takes, do not let anything stop you. Enjoy the journey along the road and along the way. Be grateful for the past and look forward to whatever is coming next. Remember to be where your feet are, because you can do all these things and still be present. Make the most of everything, enjoy where you are right now, and love.
Be sure to be confident, be proud of who you are, remember who you are, and remember what you can be. Work towards that, and do not ever forget where you came from, but look forward to what you can be and what you can do. It is okay to be afraid, it is okay to be nervous, and it is okay to be unsure. That makes the journey all the more exciting because you do not know what is on the other side. That is why you go for it, take that leap, and do what you want. Do not stay confined in one spot unless that is what you want. It is always best to take that leap, do what makes you happy, and enjoy right now, today.
Pricing:
- Videography Services Available Upon Request
- Photography Services Available Upon Request
- Video Editing Services Available Upon Request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kendallewis.myportfolio.com/work
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krispylewis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kay.lewis.1694059
- Twitter: https://x.com/krispylewis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KrispyLewis
- Other: https://thekrispycollection.creator-spring.com/
Image Credits
Photo 3 [Public Speaking Photo] – Taken by Jan Salmon (@JanSalmonVisuals)
Photo 4 [Short Film Still] – Taken by Cameron Duncan (@SleptOnCam7)
Photo 5 [Event Camera Photo] – Taken by Jan Salmon (@JanSalmonVisuals)
