Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennedy Hall.
Hi Kennedy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a creative person so my whole life has been a part of the journey. But I’d say that I started figuring out what I wanted to do around late 2020/early 2021. I was in school, on track for a Music Business major, when I decided to switch majors and focus on Film. I graduated from the University of Memphis in May 2022 with a Communications degree with a focus on Film & Video Production and a minor in American Sign Language.
I switched majors for a couple of reasons and looking back, I think I made the right choice because so many doors that I didn’t even know existed have opened in between now and then. Some things do work out how they’re supposed to I just stayed prayed up and stayed the course. I ended up figuring out A LOT as I went along. I’m self-taught in a lot of areas, specifically my creative direction, but I also had some great teachers turned friends who showed me the ropes in other areas like on-set production.
And I have a dedicated work ethic so I sought out a lot of the information and experience I have today. I knew I needed experience to grow but I also enjoyed what I was doing so it never felt like work; Most of the time I was happy to do it. I still have goals I’m trying to reach today so I dedicate A LOT of my time to my craft and I figure out everything else whenever/however I can.
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?
There’s always ups and downs in life. It wouldn’t be life without them and if something is worth having, it shouldn’t come easily anyway, in my opinion. So to answer the question, no it hasn’t always been a smooth road but I will say that as time goes on, the areas that were bumpy 2 years ago are smoother now. I’m facing some new bumps in the road now but I don’t doubt that they’ll pass, just as the others did. Sometimes my aspiration moves much faster than my body can.
So one of my struggles that I haven’t completely overcome yet is balance. Balance over burnout is a big one for me. Because I don’t sit down and rest often; I tend to keep working until I crash. I’ve got a better hold on things than I did when I first started, but I’m still figuring things out as new opportunities come up. And I don’t negatively think of my aspirations either because they are such a big part of what drives my work ethic. I just try to pace myself more. It’s a marathon, not a race. And going with that, self-doubt has also been something I’ve struggled with.
In the creative world, it’s not foreign. Most people in that world who read this will know exactly what I’m talking about so I say this for everyone: Be kind to yourself. Easier said than done, I know. But if you already doubt your head, saying it out loud is not productive to move forward and upward. I believe in the power of the tongue so I try to watch what I say, especially to myself. As we’re all trying to reach our goals and be great in this world, we have to give ourselves grace too.
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?
I work in Production, and when I say that, I mean all-around. From on-set production (film, television & commercial) to creative direction and modeling, to event production, I do it all. And all the work I do is freelance. I’m currently learning more about pre and post-production. I like to make myself as versatile as I can be because that means there’s more opportunity for me to work in various areas. My goal is to have my own production company.
I want it to be as versatile as I am so everything I just listed that I do, I want the company to do. And I want predominately Black people to work there, specifically women if possible (and I know it is). I think what I’m most known for would probably be my creative direction and modeling, especially in Memphis. But as I’ve traveled for work and met more people, I think people are catching onto the fact that I do more than that. So what I’m most proud of and what sets me apart from others is my work ethic and drive. I know a lot of people that do more talking than doing. And everyone has to find their way but I’m the type of person to go get it, instead of waiting for it to come to me.
And because of that, I’ve been blessed with a lot of opportunities to work and network with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Something else that sets me apart from others is my efforts to push boundaries and try new things. I never want to box myself in so I try to live by that in all aspects of my life. I’m going to be the person to do something that other people might have reservations about. The worst thing that can happen is probably that I don’t like it. And I can live with that, but what I can’t live with is a “What if?” in the back of my head.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
It’s hard to narrow down, but one of my favorites would be Christmas at my grandma’s house.
My grandma had 7 kids so all my aunts and uncles would come over with their families so it was a house full of laughter and joy. And I always loved being the baby and having so many people to look up to & spoil me. Plus all the good food (even though I was super picky) and presents were great at the time. It was just a really good vibe when everyone could be there.
It’s what made me want to have a big family in the future. Because as time went on, things in my family changed; from deaths to people moving out, getting busy, etc so those memories are some that I cherish now.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennedyhall_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-hall-62b943244/
Image Credits
@ceo.dro, Creative Director: Kennedy Hall @kennedyhall_, @jaredtookyaphoto, Ezra Ferguson @ezratheprofessional, @edgeofstylemakeup, @edgeofstyledesigns, Hair: Erica Miles @chosencrown_hair, Nakia Poole @kennedyhall_, @_janet_chrystal, @chosencrown_hair, and @slight4ever
