Keyaria Boone: 10 Years of Taking Chances
What do you want your legacy to be? Journalist Keyaira Boone’s answer will stop you in your tracks: “I live my life for the people that’s gonna be in the front row of my funeral.” In this raw, insightful conversation, we dive deep into what it really means to build a career in media, love yourself unapologetically, and prioritize the relationships that actually matter. From navigating red carpets to dealing with mean girls in the industry, this episode is packed with wisdom you need to hear.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:
• The “Front Row of Your Funeral” Philosophy – Why Keyaira focuses her kindness and energy on the people who will truly show up for her, not just the impressive network
• Breaking Into Journalism Without Connections – How she built a career writing for Essence, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, and more while working multiple jobs through college
• The Influencer vs. Journalist Debate – A nuanced take on red carpet culture, preparation, and why both can coexist when done with integrity and respect for the craft
• Being a Dark-Skinned Plus-Size Woman in Media – Real talk about beauty standards, being loved well, and refusing to settle or shrink yourself for anyone
• Building Community Over Competition – How the Black Girl Magic era shaped her career and why she keeps “real friends” who knew her before the PR boxes and event invites
ABOUT KEYARIA BOONE: Keyaira is an award-winning journalist, adjunct professor at Pace University, and fierce advocate for New Jersey’s Black community. Her work has appeared in major publications including Essence, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Allure, Travel and Leisure, and many more. She’s known for her strategic storytelling, mentorship of young journalists, and hilarious commentary on Threads and Instagram.
This conversation will challenge how you think about success, relationships, and what truly matters when you’re building a life and career. Whether you’re in media, entrepreneurship, or just trying to figure out who deserves a front-row seat in your life, this episode is for you.
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