Sista with Substance: Felicia Keith

It's just another day in the life of the boss. It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to a 23-year-old woman of color who happens to be the C.E.O. of her own company. But it's not just any business. Felicia Keith, C.E.O. of Superior Minds Ent., is the brains and driving force behind a record label in an industry where men have traditionally worn the pants and called the shots. Ms. Keith, who's working tirelessly to put quality music on the airwaves, graciously took a few minutes to give Miss Major Substance the low down on what it's like being the boss lady.

Miss Major Substance: Felicia, I’ve known you since high school, but had no idea that you were so passionate about music. When did you discover that you had a talent for writing music?

Felicia Keith: I have always had a strong love for music and writing. It mainly just started with me making up songs when I was real young and then progressed to me actually writing lyrics down. I never really shared my music with anyone until after high school.

MMS: What drove you start your own record label?

FK: There aren’t a lot of females in the music industry and I can’t think of any women who actually own their own record company. I just wanted to make some changes, but mostly I wanted to bring some good music to everyone’s attention.

MMS: Where is your label located?

FK: My hometown, Houston, TX. HTOWN!! lol

MMS: How did you come up with “Superior Minds?”

FK: I like to be different. You got a lot of money, got a lot of possessions, but where’s your head at? You don’t have anything without a Superior Mind.

MMS: Who are your favorite artists today and why?

FK: You were around me for 2 years so you know my first pick is Destiny’s Child. They have always been a major influence, mainly because they were different from the groups that I knew of at the time, and they’re from Houston! Alicia Keys is also a major influence. She’s a very creative person musically and an incredible performer. Jill Scott always keeps me motivated, especially with her wordplay.

MMS: How is it being a female in the administrative position in this industry? Have you encountered any prejudice?

FK: It can be hard. Some men in this business don’t take us seriously. I’ve had a couple people make the mistake of thinking my name was baby, lol. But thank God I haven’t encountered anything too crucial regarding my gender. There are a few jerks here and there, but that comes with the territory.

MMS: What qualities do you look for in an artist?

FK: There are two major things they need to have: talent and loyalty. I’m just looking for someone different than what we’re used to.

MMS: Who do you aspire to work with?

FK: I would love to be able to write with some other writers I admire, such as the Clutch, mainly Keri Hilson, Ne-yo, The Dream, and Jazmine Sullivan. She is an extraordinary writer. Alicia Keys, any of the ladies of Destiny’s Child, Mary Mary, Solange and the list could go on. Just anyone who is willing to work hard for a great result.

MMS: What sets Superior Minds Ent. apart from other record labels?

FK: Our goal is to bring you something out of the ordinary, and a more positive movement than what you’re hearing on the radio.

MMS: What’s your vision for Superior Minds? What are your plans for the future?

FK: Well I’m always writing, and I plan on starting a writing/production team in the future. But my main focus right now is working with a very talented artist by the name of Marktavious, on his new album. The release date is pending but it will be here by the summer of '09. This will be a big accomplishment for both of us , since the writing, engineering and funding will be done on our own. I also have a blog/website your readers can check out at www. officialsme. com.

MMS: What impact do you think you're involvement in the music industry will have for other young black women aspiring to do the same thing?

FK: I hope to get to a point in my career where I can influence them into being the head of a record company. There’s nothing wrong with working for a company also, I just want us to be a lot more visible in this business, so it won’t be such a big deal when you see a woman C.E.O.

For more information, check Felicia Keith out at www.myspace.com/superiormusic and www. myspace. com/htownsownfelicia