Year 2017

As 2017 comes to an end I thought it would be fun to do a 2017 recap. This year has been filled with tons of exciting moments, lessons learned and fun travels. I’ve honestly grown so much in this year alone and can honestly say I am not the same person I was this time last year. There have been so many lessons I’ve learned and things I’ve experienced that have gotten me to the point that I am now. In the midst of everything I’ve gone through in 2017 I can say overall it has been a great year!

1.First months

The first couple of months of 2017 were very tough for me. It seemed like everything that could go wrong went wrong. It was a domino effect of tragic events. I experienced heartbreak after a bad breakup; I lost my job and totaled my car. And though those were all terrible things that in the moment seemed impossible to get through, looking back that was probably the best thing that could’ve happened to me. Being that I spent the remainder of the year single I was able to find myself, focus on my goals and really figure out life.  Everything I lost was for a reason, I was distracted. I wasn’t supposed to be where I was in life and it was necessary that everything was stripped away.

2. Spring Break

This was definitely one of my top moments in 2017. Spring break couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! I was still going through my break up and had lost my job a week or two prior to Spring break. So I was definitely in need of a getaway vacation. Besides the trip being great itself it was really the start of something new. I felt so free and it really was a glimpse of everything that was to come later in the year. While on spring break we climbed a mountain, which later on ended up being very symbolic for me considering the place I was at in life. I was literally climbing a mountain literally and figuratively. Though it was tough to get through in the beginning (literally physically tough lol) once I finally pushed through and made it to the top it was so rewarding and freeing.

3. Atlanta

Back in April I went to Atlanta to work on a fashion show, which really sparked my career kickoff. Around this time the biggest question I asked myself was “What am I doing now to get me where I want to be in the future?” I knew where I wanted to be in life but had to figure out what steps I was going to take to be there because it wasn’t going to just fall in my lap. Working as a Junior Publicist, being in Atlanta and catching a glimpse of the career I wanted to pursue. It really was an inspirational moment seeing different media influencers, celebs and working behind the scenes in the entertainment industry definitely ignited my creative juices. If you haven’t yet read Atl, you’ve got mail!  and BLISTERS, SWEAT AND RED CARPETS 

4. NYAG Network

In May I created my own entertainment website called Nyagnetwork. After my trip in Atlanta I was really inspired to get a head start on my career.  As a college student seeking to find hands on experience and living in Houston, I felt that there weren’t many opportunities in the entertainment industry here that were of interest to me. So I decided to create something of my own. When I first started Nyag Network I legit had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew I wanted to showcase and highlight people on a platform but had no idea it would turn into everything that it is now. I’ve met tons of great people because of it, been to super fun events and have gotten tons of great opportunities. This has been the best and most rewarding journey that I’ve been on and has been the biggest highlight of my year. I’ve learned so much about myself and my future career by this and I am very excited to see where it takes me in 2018.

5. Essence Festival

The Essence Festival is one of my favorite memories of 2017. I’ve always said that I wanted to go to the Essence fest and explore New Orleans and this year I made that dream come true. The Essence Fest was one word: EMPOWERING! It was the best 3- day motivational seminar/ church service/ family reunion I had ever experienced. Being around all of the celebs and creators really inspired my inner dreamer. If I ever doubted myself in my career before the Essence fest, the festival definitely reminded me that I could be anything I wanted to be if I continued to work hard. I captured so much footage of the Essence fest and even looking back at the pictures inspires me to push harder so that I can go back to the Essence fest and be one of those people that inspired me on stage.

6. #Keyana’s22ndBirthdayTour

Carrying on the theme of living my best life, I had to go all out for my 22nd birthday. The year had been great and I accomplished a lot and was very productive throughout the year so I felt I deserved a celebration. What better way to celebrate than with a birthday tour?! I spent the month of October traveling to New York, Tampa, FL and Atlanta. I celebrated my birthday by going to the Wendy Williams Show, vibing with SZA in Tampa and celebrating my blackness at homecoming in Atlanta. My 22nd birthday will always be something I will remember and I’m actually terrified to see how big I’ll go for my 23rd birthday this year lol!

Overall if I had to describe my year in one word it would be, GROWTH. 2017 has been all about stepping out, trying new things, going new places and living my BEST life. And in the midst of all of the hurdles that I had to overcome and am still overcoming I can say I did just that. I am excited for a new year, seeing all the places I go, what new ventures I start and how I’ll continue to blossom. 2018 here I come, watch out for me I’m about to glow!

Until next time,