Meet Keni White | Self Taught Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keni White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keni, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from Kansas City, Missouri and I began my background in content before it was titled “content creation”. Initially, I grew up as a dancer and did that well into my twenties. Dance was (still is) my most favorite creative outlet. However, outside of dance, there was this passion for translating that same creation through technology. Since I was young enough to discover what a computer was I have been obsessed with creating something from nothing. When I got old enough to discover Microsoft Suite, I began my creative ventures through Powerpoint. I remember how much my brain would light up at the endless possibilities. From editing fonts, creating transitions, changing backgrounds, and manipulating graphics. This was just the beginning but it was all so fascinating. From there, my love for creative softwares blossomed and I eventually started playing with softwares like Audacity, iMovie, Lightworks, Final Cut Pro, GarageBand, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and, more recently, CapCut. You name it. If I could learn it then I was on it. That eventually turned into me filming, and editing, my own projects as a young girl. I learned to come up with creative concepts, script, record voiceovers, and many other skills that helped get me where I am today. Back then there was no tutorial you could look up on TikTok the fast way. It was all passion and I dove right in.

All of this experience impacted my upbringing, and who I am, by inspiring me to always push myself creatively. I am someone who is naturally a go-getter and I could see that through the perseverance I had for never giving up on my creative side. Without creating, I am nothing. When I am frustrated, I create. When I am bored, I create. No matter what’s going on in my life I know I can turn to creativity. I feel as if that longing to always be able to create shaped me in so many ways. Seeing the growth in my old videos from sixth grade to today is astonishing, honestly. It reminds me of why I started in the first place. I know that younger version of myself would be so proud today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art consists of creating something from nothing. That is my bread and butter. I also love to analyze what everyone else is doing and do the exact opposite and I believe that’s what sets me apart. I do not crave the idea of following the crowd because it pushes me to dig deep creatively. I got to where I am today by faith and trusting that the vision I have for my content will find who its meant to find.

There are a plethora of things that I’m proud of but, recently, it would have to be that I was invited to a Youtube event in the Dallas area. Before there was Vine, Tiktok, and Instagram there was Youtube. And that was the place to be. I grew up watching creators like Jackie Aina, Issa Rae, Emma Chamberlain, Rickey Thompson, Denzel Dion, Lauren Giraldo, Quinta Brunson, Quentin Blackwell, De’arra Taylor, and many many more. I admired their work ethic and ability to be themselves authentically no matter what challenges came their way. Most importantly, I loved their hunger to keep growing. To be in a space such as Youtube was a full circle moment for me. For once, I’m not the only one in the group waving around a camera. It’s like you could feel the creativity in the air. Having the opportunity to speak with other creators and understand their thought processes meant the world to me. I felt like it was one of the best stepping stones ever.

Now none of this has been easy by any means. It has taken me years to figure out my own groove through all of the ups and downs. And I’m still doing so. From fighting the algorithm to shadow bans. Or straight up getting zero views on content I worked on for hours. It seemed as if there were obstacles at every turn. But, that’s apart of the journey right? I overcame these challenges by continuing to lock in on my strategy and not focus on what anyone else was doing. I’ve learned that it can be easy to get caught up in who is getting what opportunity but it’s important to stay grounded and remember that my path is paved perfectly for me. I too will achieve bigger milestones as time passes.

What I want people to know about know about me is that I am a silent fox. You may not see me coming. But just know that when I get to where I am meant to be I worked hard for it. I show up authentically myself and that will never change.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ooouu if my best friend were visiting the area let’s see…:

– Monday: We’d definitely start the week one of my favorite local restaurants. Because I, and my friends, are seafood lovers I would take them to Bayou Market over in Lewisville. It’s a wonderful small business with amazing food and even better prices. The perfect place to get Louisiana southern style comfort food with a bang for your buck!

– Tuesday: Mani pedis followed up with lunch at The Charlotte. They have the perfect patio and their crab fingers, and cocktails, are to die for.

– Wednesday: Spa Day at World Springs. They have a wide selection of relaxation at your fingertips

– Thursday: Shopping at Stonebriar Mall followed up with some good eats at Sidecar Social. The vibes are immaculate, the queso is fabulous, and their Meltdown cocktail is FIRE. Plus there are plenty of places within walking distance if you want to explore more bars/restaurants.

– Friday: Dinner at Ra Sushi in Addison. They have a killer happy hour and the food is always so fresh. Can’t forget the Lychee Martini too. Fridays are when the weekend starts to heat up in Dallas so this area has plenty more places surrounding it where we can be in the mix.

Saturday: It’s the weekend so we absolutely have to get a taste of Dallas. We’ll start the morning at the Dallas Farmer’s Market and enjoy some amazing products provided by local businesses. Then we’ll rest up for a bit and experience Deep Ellum later on. We’ll begin our night at Stirr for some food and drinks. They have some of the best calamari in Dallas. Next we’ll head over to S4 to catch one of the best drag shows in Dallas!

Sunday: This is the perfect day to chill. We can get our favorite snacks, order in, and watch watch Love Island 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all, I want to thank God first. I would be nothing without him. Following Him, I will always give credit to the women in my life. I grew up around strong, ambitious, and talented women who always told me that I could do anything I can put my mind to. I’ve watched them beat all odds and continue to keep pushing. They have continued to support me in every venture that I take. And they are always the ones cheering me on at the finish line. I love every single one of them.

I also have to give credit to Youtube University for teaching me what I didn’t know when I first started this journey.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kwhitexo/

Twitter: https://www.tiktok.com/@kwhitexo888

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KeniWhite