We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakelia “Keke” Ausbie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakelia “Keke”, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success was being transparent and seeking the attention of people that were not my friends or family and those people I completely did not know and they didn’t know me. This allowed me to be creative and also gave me insight on areas I could improve withing myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), no one ever thinks “Oh she’s a dancer too!” But these two particular careers balance me. It gives me the opportunity to be the extrovert and introvert that I am. When I’m writing behavior plans and coming up with strategies to help children, I’m an introvert; I want to be alone. But when I’m with a group of ladies and we’re dancing and having a good time, I’m an extrovert; ready to be seen! At first I used to think to myself, “people are going to judge me and not take me serious as a BCBA because I like to twerk on my spare time” and I would often put my passion for dancing on the back burner because I felt like financially I would be able to support my family more with my career as a BCBA. But being only a BCBA didn’t balance my happiness so I’ve learned you have to take risks and even if it’s facing the backlashes of how people view you in one career versus the other, you have to take that leap! I want people to see me and hear my story and know that yes you can have multiple dreams and be successful in each one if you really put the time and effort into it.

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?
My definition of a good time definitely requires dancing! But to sum up a good week with my best friend, I would make sure we hit up some good daytime events like lounges with a brunch menu and a glass of mimosa. We would also enjoy sentimental girls’ time like pedicures and manicures (may add in a back massage if needed lol!) Then go to the mall and do some shopping for our weekend vibes and also hit up some of our favorite restaurants and bars to listen to music and dance to some good ole’ 90’s and 2000’s music at the Turkey Leg Hut, Taste Bar & Kitchen or Phil & Derek’s and Bar 5015.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I like to give a shoutout to my sister (Sharonda Ausbie), she has encouraged every dream I’ve ever had and also supported me through the transition of each one. She motivates me to be different and never give up on my dreams even if they are of two different scopes.

Instagram: i_am_mskeke

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