We were lucky to catch up with Kevin Jackson II recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kevin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I became a Registered Nurse at the age of 19. To be transparent, growing up was complete survival mode. I never once thought of pursuing something outside of my comfort zone. Honestly, never even thought that to be possible. High school was extremely difficult for me socially, but somehow I had the awareness, even through that struggle, that “this too shall pass.” Fast forward to college and I had decided that a career in nursing was within reason. It was “safe”, my mom said I should do it, and what else was I gonna do, right? I knew that I had to do something to make a living, so nursing it was. That is, until I actually passed my boards and began working in the hospital on the floor as an actual nurse. Then I realized… this is actually miserable. But what did I actually want to do? And rather, what could I actually do outside of something reasonable and tangible that’s within the realm of possibility? My escape outside of nursing, and the personal hell that was my first year of my real, professional job — was the hour-long car rides to my job and back. There, I was care-free, performing songs in the comfort of my car. I was free to play, free to dream, free to be me. Free of criticism. Free of making “mistakes.” It took me a while, but I realized… I’m an artist.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Kevie The Dreamer, and I host the nostalgia-driven, empowerment podcast “Kultivation w/ Kevie” which is now in its’ fourth season. Through my podcast, honest conversations are centered around growth, creativity, and identity. Through personal history and reflection, I invite guests to explore the experiences that have shaped them—and how those moments continue to inform who they are today. I am most proud of how much my platform has grown since I first heard God whisper to me in the middle of the night, telling me to first start this podcast. Though I was hesitant at first, I am grateful, excited, and humbled by the vast opportunities this show has brought to me in the four short years I have been doing this. I have had the opportunity to connect with several music, television, and media personalities and learn directly from their stories; paying them forward to my audience of listeners so that we may all “grow through what we are going through.”
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I am very sensitive, but as I continue to grow my brand, I am becoming stronger and more resilient. Recently, I have become encouraged to also incorporate interviewing higher-profile, celebrity guests. I used to be too afraid to put myself out there, but lately I have been finding the confidence to believe in myself and my dreams.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I am currently unlearning all of the survival tactics little Kevie taught himself growing up to remain safe. I am actively unlearning the comfort of playing small, the ease of never asking so that you won’t get told no and possibly get hurt, the “threat” of even taking a risk, the notion of even thinking that I just might possibly be somebody special and that that’s even okay… unlearning all of those safety mechanisms. It’s both exhilarating and scary all at the same time…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keviethedreamer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keviethedreamer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POEBoiKevie
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keviethedreamer
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@keviethedreamer
Image Credits
Jessica Malone Portrait
