Who Are You? 

 I’m a synonym slinger with a smart mouth who really wants to earn enough to fund a scholarship at Kean University. I cover lifestyle, art, entertainment and style. 

 Where do you currently reside?

 North Jersey.

 How long have you been writing professionally?

 Since I was editor-in-chief of my high school paper. Go Farmers!

 Who or what inspires you to write when inspiration is lacking?

People who can’t find the words to romanticize their own stories. 

When did you or will you know you’ve arrived as a writer?

The second I was published in a print copy of ESSENCE I knew I could die happy. It was the happiest moment of my life. 

 What piece of writing are you most proud of and why?

Interviewing Dionne Warwick meant alot to me and my community. I grew up in Newark so that was a milestone moment. MC Lyte, Marisa Tomei, and Mary J. Blige were huge moments for me too. 

 Do you have any current published pieces?
I recently interviewed Brandy and covered the Paradise and Vibe wellness retreat in Tulum. 

 What is your favorite quote from yourself and from your favorite writer?

 “She was loud, she was inconvenient, she was sometimes unpopular and she was ours. She gave us permission to yearn.” - That’s from my tribute to the late bell hooks. DeMane Davis quoted it to me during our interview. I have not been the same since. 

“When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.”- Audre Lorde - that was on my first business card before LinkedIn was a thing.

 What does being a Black woman identifying writer mean to you?

It means all those report cards that said I talked too much were worth it. I’m fat, I’m Black, I’m from the hood and I have been in Emmy magazine. If the internet was gone tomorrow my fourth grade teacher can still kick rocks.  

 What do you wish you knew before embarking on this journey?

 I wish I knew that taking twenty minutes to unwind wouldn’t block my blessings.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I’m either rearranging the white hydrangeas in my entryway or reading while sipping sauvignon blanc on somebody’s rooftop.

 Any last words?

Messages matter more than metrics and ya’ll should call your aunties more. 

How can people keep in touch with you?

Substack - keytakes.substack.com

TeePublic - www.teepublic.com/keytakes 

Instagram - @pennedbykeyaira 

LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/in/pennedbykeyaira/ 

Threads- @pennedbykeyaira