We had the good fortune of connecting with Renaldo Key and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Renaldo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Two words: Generational Wealth. I come from a southern family of hard workers who clocked in and out of a job that they didn’t necessarily like only to make ends meet. I determined long before now that I would be the generation to change that. After being the first to graduate college, I decided to move to Arizona in seek of more graphic design opportunities than my small hometown of Columbus, Georgia could offer. Although I often did freelance work, I always had the mentality of “needing” to have a traditional job. When I found my calling behind the camera, I knew that it would be the beginning of a shift in my family’s history. I started KEY Media with the intention of creating a business that would provide wealth for my family and my future family. I wanted something that would give my children an easier path to an empowered life. I want to not only set an example but also give them the opportunity to be their own boss which is completely opposite of things I was taught. KEY Media will be the device to provide a college education for my future family, the ability to travel the world to be emersed in other cultures, and more importantly, a headstart on success in a society that isn’t designed to make it easy for minorities.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart from others is my passion to provide a complete solution. Not only can I create a video with a concept that tells a story and draw people in, but I can also provide marketing advice, graphic design, and high-quality photography. I got to where I am today by learning from over experience my life has thrown at me. It is important to treat every experience as a way to learn how to become better. I also give much credit to the mentors and educators that have been a part of my life. Pursing your dreams is not easy but having a strong support system made up of amazing people gives you the tools to make that journey just a little less difficult.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t know where to start on this one. There are so many amazing places that this state has to offer. I think that I would start by showing them around downtown Phoenix. We would have a coffee and breakfast at Fair Trade Cafe and make our way to Cityscape to see Chase Field and Talking Stick Resort Arena. I would show them the art on Roosevelt Row, have some drinks at Arizona Wilderness brewery, and have a meal at The Vig. My favorite place for dinner is Culinary Dropout in Tempe and Hash Kitchen in Scottsdale is the best place to have a fun Sunday morning brunch. No Arizona trip would be complete without a trip to Sedona. I have taken several friends and family to Sedona when they visit me. The red rock mountains are just a sight that you will never forget. Taking a moment to relax at Slide Rock is a great way to take in the beauty of Arizona. There are so many other places to visit and enjoy in Arizona but those are a few places that I would definitely take any friends and family that visit me.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout my fiancé Eboni. Eboni has been the encouraging force that drives me to keep going in the hard times. I appreciate her more than anything. Her understanding and sacrifices keep me on the path to create a life we both have dreamed of. I would also like to shout out all my friends and family that continue to support me. Everyone that gives me advice during my struggles, critique during my work process, and recommends me to anyone that needs my services; I thank you all from the most special place in my heart. Success is not achieved alone!
Website: www.keymediallc.com
Instagram: @key2100
Linkedin: Renaldo Key
Other: https://vimeo.com/key2100