Meet Kevin Jackson | Singer, Model, Podcaster, RN & Creative

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

Hi Kevin Jackson II, what role has risk played in your life or career?

I think taking risks, not just in business but also in life, is extremely important. It’s a bit of a cliche, but I truly operate by the adage: “You’ll never know until you try.” I absolutely believe in taking chances, because who knows; that one chance that you were bold enough to take might create the moment that you’ve been waiting for, that could end up changing your whole entire life. How will you know, if you don’t at least try?

Taking risks is how I’ve gotten to the point that I’m at in my life today, and what allowed me to start my business in the first place. If I didn’t take a chance and believe in myself, my brand and none of my business ventures would even exist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am an R&B singer, print and runway model, and am currently honing my acting skills. I also have my own self-empowerment podcast, “Kultivation w/ Kevie”, and co-host a nostalgic podcast called “The Official 90’s Babies Podcast” (through the 80’s90’sand00’svibes network) where my cohost and I interview various nostalgic media personalities and celebrities.

I would say what sets me apart is my positivity. I have strong faith, and I believe in making others feel good and spreading joy. I love to laugh, and I love to hear other people’s stories, what they’ve endured in their lives, and how they have overcome it. In everything that I do and with everything that I create, it is my hope that people leave feeling better than they did before.

I am currently most proud that I even had the courage to start on this journey, where nothing is guaranteed, and with the intention to live out my God-given purpose. I am just excited for the possibilities of what’s to come, from the connections that I’ve made to the opportunities that are out there for me.

I would say that I got to where I am presently today just by getting started. That is honestly half the battle. Nothing about my life, what I’ve done, or what I’m currently doing has been easy. I’ve overcome the challenges just by going through it. Life isn’t intended to be easy, but I’m blessed with an incredible network of individuals who are there for me and grant me the love and support that is needed to be a creative. I am truthfully still learning how to balance my creative pursuits with my 9-5. It’s definitely a challenge.

What I would like the world to know about my brand and my story, is simply that anything is possible; if you believe. If you have a vision that is grand, and it keeps you up at night, it is your mission and your duty to see that that vision is brought to life. Never give up, despite what hardships you will face. Hardships are inevitable, but don’t let them deter you. If there’s anything I can leave you with, it would be “Preparation meets opportunity.” If you feel like nothing is happening for you right now and your dreams are as big as mine, use this time as preparation for what’s to come; so that when opportunity rises, you will be more than equipped and ready.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

In Gallipolis? Lol. As of 2021, my hometown has an estimated population of 3,308 people, so this will be interesting…

One place we would eat is definitely Tuscany. It’s a locally owned Italian restaurant that easily has the best food in town. My Mom and I eat there all the time. There’s also Bob Evans, which is where the Midwest restaurant actually first opened its’ doors. The original Bob Evans restaurant is located in Rio Grande, OH, which is extremely close to Gallipolis, OH. It’s a rural village that is about 10 miles or so from Gallipolis, where the census in 2020 was estimated to be 724.

A great place to drink (and eat) would be Courtside Bar & Grille, the local sports bar where everybody from Gallipolis goes to visit during the holidays. We also recently got a Buffalo Wild Wings within the past couple of years, which for us was a pretty big deal.

Some interesting places to visit would be our city park, which is absolutely beautiful during the holidays. Every year there is a lighting ceremony the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving that commences “Gallipolis In Lights”, an annual holiday light display which runs until New Year’s Day. Another interesting place to visit would be the Mothman Museum, located in Point Pleasant, WV, which is just over the Silver Bridge that connects Ohio to West Virginia. If you have ever heard of the Mothman Prophecy, which was a book as well as a movie in the early 2000’s, that is where the legend of the Mothman originates. Point Pleasant is only about 15-20 minutes from Gallipolis. There are also local art museums, such as The French Art Colony.

I would say that a great place to hang out would be Courtside or Buffalo Wild Wings if you love a good cocktail, or the best place of all in Gallipolis… my new in-home studio!

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?

Okay… this is gonna be a bit of a long one because I have so many people to thank for their influence on my life.

First and foremost, I have to thank my Father God. I wouldn’t even be here today if it wasn’t for Him. His presence, His protection, His guidance, and His blessings have allowed me to thrive, even in the midst of lack. Nothing would even be if He didn’t have His hand on my life. I am eternally grateful for His love and His goodness.

I also have to thank my mother and my late father for all of their sacrifices and efforts. I will never be able to repay, or even properly put into words, what they’ve provided for me in my life. I also have to thank my Grandpa Bill and my Grandma Clara, for their special presence in my life. My Grandmother is who introduced me to God, and kept my mother and I in church growing up. My Grandfather was my best friend, and is easily where I get my musical talents from, in part. I have to give another special shout-out to my late Great Grandma Winnie, and to my late Grandpa Bob.

I would also like to thank one of my greatest influences; my cousin, and brother, Raymond Cousins. He has allowed me the safety and the comfort to completely break out of my shell and to love myself through the trauma I have endured and overcame in my life, and has taught me so many substantial skills that have allowed me to grow in business, such as networking, etc. I cannot thank him enough. He’s also a dancer and an entrepreneur himself, so definitely be on the lookout for him.

I would like to give a professional shout-out to the memoirs written by actresses Viola Davis, Cicely Tyson, and Queen Latifah. They have inspired me beyond measure.

Lastly, I have to thank my family and friends for their endless support. I have to give a special shout-out to my brother Jordan, my dear friends Tia Anders and Olivia Kostival, and to my special cousins Karese, Mauricca, and Sug for their love and protection when it matters the most.

Website: https://www.keviethedreamer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keviethedreamer

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/keviethedreamer

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/POEBoiKevie

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@KevieTheDreamer

Image Credits
Jessica Malone Portrait Carlos & His Camera