Meet Keyana Darling | Influencer & Teacher

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

Hi Keyana, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I can’t give up. There is no time for giving up.

My children look up to me and mimic every little thing that I say, and do. If I want my kids to live a life of giving up and not working hard to get where they need to go then I have failed at being a mother. This is my personal opinion. We are the foundation for the future. We set the tone for our kids so whatever happens in my life and how I conduct myself my kids will eventually follow suit because they are being conditioned to do the things that I do. It may not even be on purpose but because this is something they see everyday its a possibility that they may follow my path. So to bring this all together to know whether to keep going or to give up for me I have no choice but to keep going and to strive for success because this is something not only I want for myself but what I want for my children.

Alright, so let’s move on to what keeps you busy professionally?
My whole life I’ve been creating whether in the classroom using music lyrics to teach the kids, or creating content for marketing campaigns for brands. I love being around creative people and helping them unleash that creativity and contribute to something together. I have been teaching for the last 4 years and in my free time, I have started collaborating with brands to create inspiring digital content through video and social storytelling to drive revenue from untapped audiences. I realized you can only be so creative in teaching and marketing/communications is the field I majored in for a reason.

I have been able to use my marketing skills in my teaching and other roles in the district and recently created a consultancy, called K Darling Brand Alignment. K Darling Brand Alignment focuses on creating inspiring digital content through video and social storytelling for national brands and their products, to drive revenue from untapped audiences. I have worked with PaneraBread, ThirdLove, Tiff Treats, Vivaia, and Denny’s. Seeing a brand or product from where it started to where it is now is amazing. Knowing that we strategized every detail in marketing whether it be social media marketing, email marketing, or paid advertisements. It’s a rewarding feeling to be able to be a part of the process and see sales and engagement skyrocket.  So be on the lookout for upcoming details surrounding K Darling Brand Alignment

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly, Houston is extremely diverse with a plethora of options! Most of my best friends are absolute foodies, so we would be doing restaurant trips and wine stops! In Houston, some favorites would be: Lost and Found, Turkey Leg Hut, Bar 5015, Chapman and Kirby, Amahle, Empire Cafe, Prey, Joey’s Uptown and Kiss.

We would also check out the Railway Heights Market, Museum District to visit any available exhibits, and enjoy the luscious parks of Houston (e.g. Herman- Miller Outdoor Theatre too or Buffalo Bayou).

Some other highlights are anywhere in River Oaks for good vibes and food, Chinatown for tea or massages, and bar hopping in Midtown.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well for sure My MOM, she has molded me into the Woman That I am TODAY!

My mom is a strong woman and stopped at nothing to make sure I was good in life! Because of her I had so Many opportunities in front of me. My mom Samantha Daniels never stopped believing in me and has been the best support system.

Now my Husband! wow, God has blessed me with an Extraordinary man, he has truly showed out for me in so many ways! In just a short time my husband has had my back in so many ways I am truly beyond Grateful. Because of him and our video going viral we have been able to become influencers overnight I should say.

And of course God himself. Without him there is no me. There is no vision , there is no action, there is no business. So I thank him for just creating me and leading me to greatness.

Instagram: @therealmsdarling

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keyana-j-darling-119ba3a4

Facebook: @KeyanaEmerson

Image Credits
Trevoy Kelley / Only for the portrait images with brown backdrop