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

Hi KEEN, how do you think about risk?
It’s funny, I was JUST talking to my best-friend about risks today, and how i’m kind of burnt out on taking them LOL. But first what is a risk? The definition says: a situation involving exposure to danger. The potential for harm or financial loss.

By way of definition, risks are extremely scary, right?!! But sometimes can be your only choice; or very much needed for certain results. The role taking risks has played in my life/career has been very important. I feel like my entire life has been risk after risk, trusting God fully to carry me through. (which he has, so all praise to him for it.) I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I hadn’t taken certain risks and my modeling career wouldn’t even exist without every risk I’ve taken. Moving to L.A. was a huge risk. . .Extended stays in New York bigger risk. . .and the list goes on.

I think risk taking is very important; but there comes a time in life when things have to make more sense. A life full of risks can be very intense and nerve wrecking. Personally I’m ready to not live life so risky anymore.

Soft life era me pleaseeeeee hahaha. ♥

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been a creative as long as I can remember. I wanted to be a Disney or Nick kid so bad but had no idea how to do that lol. As a child I was always drawing and decorating things. When I was in middle school I received my first digital camera; that opened up a whole new world creatively. I had entered my digital era. Constantly taking pictures of everything, eventually turning into a “self portrait” artist which started my love for modeling. I even had a short lived YouTube channel where I really started to take art and film more seriously. Through making YouTube videos and photo taking. I learned the art of video editing on windows movie maker, and editing photos on Photoshop. Since then, the art form of photo and video has always been apart of who I am; and what I do. Even if I stop professionally it will always be a hobby of mine. I really have a love for imagery and creative direction all together. I guess you could say I was “Born This Way.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from Detroit MI, born and raised. My best friend is too haha we’re from the same “hood” you would say.

BUT if I wanted to show someone a good time, I’d personally go to the suburbs of Metro Detroit as that’s more my vibe. I love taking walks through the surrounding cities. Visit a coffee shop and probably just hang out in the woods. I absolutely love the nature walks in Metro Detroit and that’s about it. . .My fav places to be are wooded areas, train tracks, bridges, or anywhere with a good view. I really want to move out of hometown as its become too mundane for me. Don’t get me wrong, I looooooove the simple life, but personally it’s a bit boring here from my point of view. I really love to travel and try new things. Los Angeles and New York are some of my favorite cities. I want to see more of America; more of the world really.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shout out GOD who is the head of my life; as I am a believer in Christ.

I mentioned the Lord earlier when asked about taking risks. Every step in life and my career I’ve went to the Lord about it. Seeking guidance and protection as I go into unknown territory and try to make my dreams reality. Everything I’ve done has been a blessing from God truly. I pray, I do my part, and God handles the rest. There has been so many synchronicities in my journey that I can’t deny God as my number 1.

And a special thanks to my best-friend Porscha, as she’s been my rock through it all as well. ♥

Website: keenkhalid.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/keenkhalid

Other: https://www.instagram.com/keen6ft/

Image Credits
@DarlineAndCo @ErinImages @MaisonBlackNewyork @NateAbramowskiPhotography @GabriellaStephaniec @MarinaPiagoldi @Taranita.Costales

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