Storyteller + Connector

My story in two minutes and 30 seconds. The unheard stories started in the salon chair. I would watch as my parents, two Grenadians who migrated to Britain and became innovators in Afro-Caribbean haircare, treated the scalp and soul of their customers. Their clients would offload like the chaise lounge of a therapist’s office. That is where my fascination with storytelling started. As the resident hair sweeper at the salon, I would eavesdrop, and the stories would later play out in the form of dramatic shoe-box productions led by a cast of Barbie, Ken and friends. It evolved into a love for expressing creative ideas through art, photography, poetry and scrapbooking—which we now call content creation. My curiosity about big people’s business and formative play is etched in my subconscious and has become my secret to building robust content strategies. To be continued… Producer/Director: Yours truly Production: @the_sonix_way Hair: @shanellnkhan Make-up: @dollzupbytanie Earrings: @claydbydree Location: @villakayagrenada

Why I currently have a love-hate relationship with social media. Publishing my work on Instagram has led to many fantastic work opportunities. I've collaborated with talented creatives, connected with exceptional humans and built a community I love. That's why I'll continue to feed this feed. I've also watched my favourite creatives and content creators succumb to the pressures of anxiety-inducing trends and trying to beat the algorithm. I’ve had to pause often and ask myself, am I posting this reel because it feels good to my soul or because I'm succumbing to a trending trap. While I absolutely love the comedy and light-hearted content, it can be alientating at times because for me, only my closest family and friends will ever get to see me dancing around like a stupidy in the living room. Trust me it's hilariously award-winning stuff, but it's my personal and private escapism. This space is a highlight reel for the creative work I'm most proud of and passionate about, so I'm setting my intentions for this page so you know why to follow and what to stay for. What do you love about the content I post here?

‘Kered’s creativity is born from a deep, soulful place that’s profoundly connected to where she comes from and who she is as a person.’ - @hootz #Grenada. Photography: @the_sonix_way Creative Director: Yours truly Hair: @shanellnkhan Make-up: @dollzupbytanie Earrings: @claydbydree Location: @villakayagrenada

“I don’t care if people love or hate my films, as long as they don’t ignore them.” “I don’t see myself as a role model, but I do hope to inspire young aspiring filmmakers to pursue their dreams.” “You gotta fight the powers that be.” “I want to see stories from diverse voices being represented in Hollywood.” - @officialspikelee Go see Spike Lee: Creative Sources at @brooklynmuseum, it’s worth every split second of your mind. It features over 450 objects from his personal collection which reveal the connections among the people, places, and ideas that have fueled his storytelling. As a storyteller my mind is blown! Hoody by @createtheculture_embroidery

This week, I had the honor and privilege of spending time with my fellow Caribbean storytellers from across the region. Despite our deep love for our culture and our loud advocacy, it’s rare for us to gather under the same roof due to our busy schedules. But this week was different, we were able to meet up more than once and my soul feels fulfilled and yearning for more. The Caribbean Cultural Diplomats Experience, hosted by @industry360, was the cherry on top of this delicious Caribbean connection. When the founder @tenilleclarke1 invited me to the intimate soirée at the Caribbean-owned and newly opened restaurant @saimernyc, I asked her if Caribbean diplomats would be in attendance. Her response was, “We are all Caribbean Diplomats”. Last night, we celebrated love, community, Caribbean entrepreneurship, and creativity. We networked in true Caribbean style to the backdrop of our music by @ska2dancehall and @djdanglez. Although I’m not a rum drinker, I’ve always admired the branding and storytelling by @tentoonerum, and I was thrilled to finally meet the founder @marcfarrell12. After years of admiring her work with @caribbiznetwork, I got to meet, hug, and celebrate @iamnicolegrimes in person. And I also got to spend time with my favorites @abiventour @lechicboheme @kingronthedon @nomdarkham and @iamshawnae. In the words of Tenille, “This is just the beginning”. #CCDENYC #Industry360. Cover 📷 @dane_visuals

My first @culturecon was unforgettable. The joy, black excellence, originality, style, connections, networking, positive affirmations, brand activations, experientials… the people, the place and everything to ignite your creative senses. I now officially have #CultureCon tabanca.

🇯🇲🇬🇩🇹🇹🇧🇸 family! @sceneinblack at @culturecon with @streamonmax

Everyday I step with the vibrancy of the Caribbean and the boldness of my people and I love wearing and representing Caribbean designers. When I got my first job in corporate, I used to step on the train and stand among a sea of black and grey suits wearing a bright pink or yellow blazer. I've always been this way and will never change! @sceneinblack @culturecon @streamonmax! #culturecon #cultureconnyc #culturecon2023

We Are Culture! I attended my first @culturecon today, which is the fastest-growing cultural event for black creatives and changemakers. The event has become a leading destination for people who want to make a mark on culture. As I looked around, I was overwhelmed with emotion to see thousands of beautiful and stylish black creators. It was as if I had found my people and my place, and I felt seen and heard in a way I never had before. It was especially meaningful to experience this event with fellow Caribbean creatives whom I greatly admire and of course repping Grenada in my swim tee by @fenoellittlecaribbean. The founder of Culture Con, @imaniimani, has dedicated her lifes work to creating safe spaces for us and by us. Every time I see this incredible boss woman CEO, I see myself, and that is so rare and important. I want to leave you with this quote from Imani and some of the highlights from the first day of this incredible event. "As a black person in America, there is a level of holding your breath that is just part of the experience, whether you are navigating different corporate roles or just navigating the world. It is so important to come into a space and know that it was built for you - that we are not just asking you to fit into a box. There is a relief that washes over you when a space has been built with you in mind. We want to provide relief." - Imani Ellis for @spotify. #culturecon #cultureconnyc #culturecon2023

Throwing it back to the roundtable discussion with beautiful Grenadian singers/songwriters @abbymorainmusic @simonjewelle @kholebaldeoofficial @sakinahmusic @pinkyy.francis. Their honest exchange was fuelled with real talk, sisterhood, laughter, vulnerability, empowerment and some rosé in the mix. Topics ranged from conjuring up the strength to turn a blind eye to social media criticism, the importance of a solid support system to facing sexual innuendos in exchange for promises of opportunity. I truly admire their bravery in the pursuit of their dreams. Click on the link in my bio to watch the latest Episode of ComplexdWoman Presents… 📷 @terelmphotography

The long-awaited Episode 3 of ComplexdWomen Presents is finally live! Watch now over on my YouTube channel—link in the bio/stories. I’m a huge supporter of talented Grenadian artists—particularly their tongue-in-cheek metaphoric ingenuity, which gives us plenty of jokes and gimmicks for Spicemas. But, I often wonder why moral criticism is harsher on female artists. In Episode 3, I host a roundtable discussion with @pinkyy.francis @sakinahmusic @abbymorainmusic @kholebaldeoofficial and @simonjewelle who share their coping mechanisms when creating new music or performing in an industry dominated by more established male artists and merciless keyboard warriors. Featured is Grenadian Soca Artist Nicole Francis, known on stage as Pinky Fabulous. Her hit song Take Horn soared in popularity, landing her a coveted spot in the 2022 Soca Monarch Finals, making her the sole female performer out of 11 male finalists. She tells a story of passion, perseverance and the importance of women supporting each other with a vital message at the end. In loving memory of @josiah_gnd. A singer/songwriter who was never shy of the most beautiful and genuine compliments.

ComplexdWoman presents @pinkyy.francis In the third episode of ComplexdWoman Presents, I sit with Grenadian Soca Artist Nicole Francis, known on stage as Pinky Fabulous. Her hit song Take Horn soared in popularity, landing her a coveted spot in the 2022 Soca Monarch Finals, making her the sole female performer among 11 male finalists. In this interview conducted in 2022, Pinky revealed her desire to travel to New York and why things didn’t pan out. I admired her as she turned to me and manifested performing at events leading up to the West Indian Day Parade this year and expressed how much she wanted to be there for her loyal fans stateside. This year, the one and only Pinky Fabulous and her family are currently right where she wanted to be. In the words of Pinky, ‘everything happens in God’s timing’. Producer: @keredclement Cinematography: @renel_p_films Location: @silversandsgrenada