Meet Kellee Halford | Creative Consultant

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

Hi Kellee, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve had to make, so far, is choosing to end a professional relationship that no longer worked. Sometimes we reach an impasse in our ability to navigate continued relationship with collaborators and/or clients with whom we’ve previously shared significant success. Knowing when it’s time to take divergent paths so that each of you can mature in your own endeavors is essential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others? Honestly, I think that one of the factors that sets me apart is my communal approach. While I am the owner of a creative consulting firm I never feel bound to a singular aspect of that. Yes, I am a project manager and an artist manager, but I’m also a life coach. I am a community connector so often people come to me believing they need my services but after a conversation I help connect them to others within my network that can better meet their needs. I never feel that I should have all of the clients or do all of the work. I like to spread the wealth. There are artists/creatives I’ve had an initial conversation with who I end up being a friend and sounding board for while I refer the work to another business owner. I don’t think there are a great deal of entrepreneurs willing to do that now. I take the time to contour and customize my relationships with people to their needs and what is mutually comfortable and effective. I’ve gotten to where I am by being authentic and consistent and I believe that’s how I’ll maintain a solid and successful trajectory.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What if I said I don’t really have a “best” friend. If a close friend came to town and I wanted to show them a good time, I’d actually ask them what they’d like to experience. Some of my favorite spaces to visit are related to good food, good drinks and good music. I like Roasted Salemtown as far as food goes, shout out to Chef E. I have a great time every time I visit the National Museum of African-American Music (NMAAM). I also enjoy visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’m a product of a historically black college or university (HBCU) so I always want to ensure my out of town friends experience the living history that is Tennessee State University, Fisk University, American Baptist College and Meharry Medical College all HBCUs. You can’t visit Nashville without having a night on the town in downtown Nashville. I’d of course have my local friends present as well. As I said, I’m communal in nature so I like to connect people and share experiences.

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?
There are several folks/groups I can think of to shoutout: My parents, James and Patricia Halford, my kids Michael and Christian Simms, My amazing client roster, Byron Harvey, Phillip Jackson, Patrick Dailey, Elvie Williams, Lamarr Lyons, the W. Crimm Singers, AJ Wells and RONNiE. My friend and fav, Jermaine Johnson for being a genius and always building whatever new tool I need to ensure my work and that of my team is seamless. My good friend and literally the first person to suggest I look at Artist Management and Creative Consulting as a career choice, Marcus Guynn.

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