Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenya Gray
Kenya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee—specifically from the historic neighborhood of Orange Mound, but primarily grew up in Whitehaven. My roots in this city run deep. I attended Bethel Grove Elementary, Lanier Middle School, and proudly graduated from Whitehaven High School (Go Tigers!). Education has always been a priority for me, leading me to The University of Memphis, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Organization & Administration. But my calling extended beyond administration—I felt a deeper pull toward ministry. That journey led me to Memphis Theological Seminary, where I obtained my Master of Divinity in 2021 and later returned to earn my Doctor of Ministry in Womanist Preaching in the spring of 2024.
Ministry is not just a title for me—it’s my life’s work. I accepted my call to preach at just 17, during my senior year of high school. From that moment, I have committed myself to serving the church and showing others that faith isn’t just for the older, seasoned saints. I wanted young people to know that you’re never too young to live for Christ and that faith offers more freedom than restriction. That passion has led me to serve in various roles—Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor of Ministries, Director of Discipleship, and now, as the Pastor of Communications at Olivet Fellowship Baptist Church, also known as The Place of the Outpouring.
By now, you might be wondering—how did I end up in the world of graphic design, social media management, and communications?
Well, my journey into media started long before I realized it was even a skill. My very first design project was for my mother. She was leading the Women’s Ministry at our home church and was preparing for her first event. At the time, social media was just starting to become a big deal, and she needed a flyer to promote it online. She turned to me and said, “Kenya, I need a flyer for this event. Can you put something together?” I had no clue what I was doing, but I figured it out—using PowerPoint of all things! That simple task sparked something in me.
I kept designing—creating flyers for Bible studies I hosted in youth ministry, then for my college organization, the Fellowship of Christian Students at The University of Memphis. It was never about design for me; it was about getting the word out. I just wanted to make sure people knew about our events, and I used whatever tools I had to make that happen. As technology advanced, I transitioned from PowerPoint to designing on mobile apps, unknowingly teaching myself the basics of graphic design.
By 2018, I had built up a knack for it, but I still didn’t see it as anything more than a helpful skill. That changed when a colleague of mine told me, “Kenya, your work is really good. People would actually pay for this.” I laughed it off, but then he gave me an opportunity. He needed a flyer to promote his piano classes and asked me to design it—for pay. I told him I’d do it for $25. I created the flyer, he posted it, and the response was overwhelming. Not only did people sign up for his classes, but they also wanted to know who had designed his flyer. That was my lightbulb moment.
From then on, I started studying graphic design intentionally. I invested in Photoshop, honed my craft, and began designing for churches, colleagues, and even complete strangers who reached out for services. By 2020, I had established a strong reputation in the church community as a graphic designer, and I knew it was time to make it official. I launched my business, providing quality and affordable graphic design and marketing for churches.
And then—the pandemic hit.
Churches shut their doors, and overnight, everything moved online. It was a turning point for ministries everywhere. Suddenly, every church needed graphics, live-streaming, digital marketing, and an online presence—things that, as a millennial who grew up with social media, were second nature to me. What had once been just a side skill became an urgent ministry need, and I stepped into that gap. It was in that moment that I realized my love for media wasn’t just a hobby—it was a calling.
Today, that calling has led me here. I’m passionate about helping ministries amplify their message, embrace digital transformation, and engage their communities in meaningful ways. Whether through preaching, discipleship, or media, my goal has always been the same—to make sure people get the message. And if my journey has taught me anything, it’s that God has a way of preparing you for purpose, even when you don’t realize it at the time.
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?
Absolutely not. But I’ve learned that growth rarely happens on smooth roads—it’s the challenges, the unexpected turns, and the moments that test you the most that ultimately shape who you become. My journey has been filled with struggles, but each one has refined my purpose and resilience.
One of the biggest struggles came in 2020—the year that changed everything. The pandemic was a challenge for all of us, but for me, it became a season of survival, transition, and sacrifice. My world shifted overnight, not just because of COVID-19’s impact on churches and businesses but because my mother—my rock—suffered multiple mini-strokes at the beginning of the pandemic, leaving her permanently disabled. Suddenly, I wasn’t just navigating the uncertainty of a changing world—I was stepping into the role of her caregiver.
At the same time, my design business was growing, my doctoral studies were demanding more of me, and I was managing a full-time job. I felt torn between these competing responsibilities. Ministry was my heart, design was my passion, but my mother was my priority. I had to make an impossible decision, and ultimately, I chose to step away from my design business to focus on what mattered most—her care, my education, and maintaining my full-time job to provide stability.
Looking back, I realize that part of my decision to step back from my business wasn’t just about time—it was about self-doubt. I didn’t yet believe in my skills enough to take the leap of faith and choose my growing business over everything else. I played it safe, convincing myself that my business could wait—but the truth was, I didn’t fully see myself as an entrepreneur yet. That was a tough reality to confront.
Now, having gone through that season, I can say it shaped me in ways I never expected. It taught me balance, the importance of trusting my own abilities, and the power of making choices that honor both my purpose and my well-being. When I relaunched my business, I did so with a new perspective—one that recognizes that my skills, my calling, and my responsibilities don’t have to be in conflict. Instead, they can coexist.
Has the road been smooth? Not at all. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: God’s timing is always perfect, and every challenge has a purpose. Even when the path is difficult, it’s leading somewhere greater.
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?
At my core, I preach, I disciple, and I design—and I do it all with a singular purpose: to help people encounter Jesus in ways that are transformative, accessible, and relevant to their everyday lives.
Ministry is my foundation. I preach the gospel, not just from the pulpit but in every space I’m in—whether it’s through teaching, mentoring, or engaging with people online. I believe deeply in discipleship, in walking alongside people as they grow in faith, and in making sure that church isn’t just a Sunday experience, but a lifelong journey of transformation.
Media is my passion. I use graphic design and social media content creation as tools to help ministries communicate the gospel, build and strengthen their online communities, and create resources that help people grow in their relationship with Jesus. We live in a digital age where people are just as likely to encounter a sermon in a 60-second reel as they are in a sanctuary on Sunday morning—so why not make sure that message is impactful, clear, and visually compelling?
I specialize in branding, digital engagement, and church communications—essentially helping churches and ministries speak the language of the digital age without compromising the message of Christ. I create content that draws people in, that makes them stop scrolling long enough to engage, reflect, and take action—whether that’s joining a church, participating in a ministry event, or simply diving deeper into their faith.
What am I most proud of?
Honestly, I’m most proud of the impact. When I see ministries that were once struggling to engage their congregations online now thriving with strong digital communities, that’s what matters. When a pastor tells me that their church is finally reaching people beyond their four walls because of a strategy we implemented—that’s success. And when someone messages me saying a post, a devotional, or a video I created helped them in their faith journey, that reminds me why I do this.
I’m also incredibly proud of how my journey has come full circle. What started as me creating a flyer for my mom on PowerPoint has turned into a thriving business, a ministry tool, and a means of helping others step into their digital potential. I’ve had the privilege of working with churches, ministries, and organizations to create content that not only looks good but makes a real difference.
What sets me apart?
What makes me different is that I understand both worlds—ministry and media. A lot of graphic designers create beautiful work, but they don’t fully understand the heart of the church and the weight of the gospel message. On the other hand, many church leaders are passionate about ministry but struggle to communicate effectively in today’s digital landscape. I bridge that gap.
I know how to take a sermon, a scripture, a movement and turn it into something that lives beyond the pulpit—into an Instagram post that sparks conversation, a video that goes viral, or a design that makes people take notice. My approach isn’t just about marketing—it’s about ministry.
At the end of the day, everything I do—preaching, discipling, designing—is about making the gospel clear, accessible, and relevant. And if I can help even one more person experience Christ in a fresh way through the work I do, then I know I’m walking in my purpose.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that mentorship and networking don’t always happen the way you expect—but they are essential for growth.
When it comes to finding a mentor, my biggest advice is to look for someone whose life or work reflects where you want to go—but also someone whose values align with yours. A mentor isn’t just someone who gives advice; they should be someone who challenges you, sharpens you, and helps you see what’s possible. I’ve had incredible mentors—both in ministry and business—who didn’t just teach me skills, but helped me see my own potential even when I doubted myself.
But here’s the key: mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. Some of the best mentors in my life never sat me down and said, “I am your mentor.” Instead, I learned from them by observing, serving alongside them, and being intentional about asking questions. If you admire someone’s work, find ways to add value to what they’re already doing. Show up. Serve. Engage. Mentorship often happens in the process of doing the work.
Don’t underestimate the power of peer mentorship. Some of the most valuable connections I’ve made are with people at the same level as me, growing in their own spaces. Iron sharpens iron. The people around you right now may be the ones who support, challenge, and elevate you as you all rise together.
At the end of the day, mentorship and networking aren’t just about getting ahead—they’re about building community, learning from others, and positioning yourself for growth. Stay open, stay curious, and stay willing to both learn and pour into others. Doors will open when you show up prepared.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lightroommedia.design
- Instagram: @drkenyajaney
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenyajaney/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drkenyajaney
