Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyarias Pegues.
Hi Keyarias, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, I’m from Mansfield, Louisiana, a very small town in North Louisiana, about 30 minutes outside of Shreveport. I grew up in what a lot of Southerners would call “the country,” and looking back, I realize how much that upbringing shaped who I am today.
As kids, we stayed outside until the streetlights came on, played hopscotch with chalk in the middle of the roads, rode four-wheelers and horses, picked pecans and plums, and simply enjoyed being kids. I was raised by my mother, my grandparents, and the village in between. And I have to give a special shoutout to my village because I genuinely wouldn’t be who, what, or where I am today without them and without God.
From a young age, I always knew I was different. I never really felt like I completely fit in, and for a long time, I thought that was a bad thing. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate that difference and recognize it as one of the things that makes me, me.
I’m also a proud graduate of THE Southern University and A&M College, which played a huge role in shaping the woman I am today. And there’s a little irony in that story that always makes me laugh… my mom was actually attending Grambling when she became pregnant with me, just for me to grow up and become a Southernite. A TRUE Southern girl at that. 😂
But in all seriousness, Southern gave me so much beyond a degree. It gave me community, confidence, lifelong relationships, and an even deeper appreciation for my roots and who I am.
From a small-town girl in Mansfield, to a proud Southern girl, and now building my life and career in Houston, my journey has really been about growth, faith, purpose, perseverance, endurance, and learning to embrace every part of what makes me different. When I look back, I can see how every place, person, and experience played a role in getting me to where I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Whew, this question took me all the way back to grade school because, like Langston Hughes said, “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” So, to answer your question, no, it has not been a smooth road. But through it all, God has remained faithful.
Pause. Do you know what “Twitter fingers” are? LOL. I kind of feel like I have those right now because I don’t think I’d ever share some of this with a total stranger face-to-face. But since we’re here, and there’s a whole new girl in town (X), I may as well be honest.
I think one of the things that has shaped me most is growing up without my biological father being a consistent presence in my life. I have a dad, and my grandfather, may he rest in peace, was an incredible source of love and support, so I’ve never felt like I was without family. But I think, naturally, there’s a part of every child that wants the love, presence, and support of both parents.
For a long time, I didn’t really know what to do with those feelings. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve learned that some of the things we don’t understand in the moment can become part of what shapes us. I’ve learned to appreciate the people who did show up for me, to give myself grace for the things I couldn’t control, and to trust that God is present even in the places where I felt like something was missing.
My road hasn’t been perfect, and there have definitely been moments of hurt, disappointment, loss, and uncertainty. But I’ve also learned that perseverance isn’t about never struggling, it’s about continuing to move forward, even when the road looks nothing like what you imagined.
And honestly, I think that’s one of the biggest lessons my journey has taught me: you can come from circumstances that weren’t perfect and still build a life you’re incredibly proud of.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My journey professionally has taken a few turns that I didn’t necessarily plan, but I’ve learned to trust the process. I’m a two-time graduate of Southern University and A&M College, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice. Initially, my goal was to practice law and eventually become a judge. Life didn’t necessarily unfold according to that plan, but I’ve learned that sometimes the path you planned for yourself isn’t the path God has planned for you.
Today, I work a 9-to-5 while also building my career as a content creator and influencer. I’m probably best known for my pixie-cut hair content, but what I really hope people see beyond the content is a woman who is constantly evolving, and figuring out what’s next.
What I’m most proud of isn’t necessarily one accomplishment or title. It’s the fact that I never gave up. Despite life’s challenges, disappointments, and even the expectations of what other people thought my life should look like, I’m still here. I’m grateful that God has kept me, carried me, and continues to make room for me.
I may not be an overnight success, but I know how my story ends, and that’s with me winning.
I think what sets me apart is my grit. I’m not claiming to be irresistible, but if I could drop the professionalism for a second and give it to you uncut: I GOT DAWG IN ME! I truly believe that if you just keep going, you give yourself a chance to see things work out. I’ve learned that the detours don’t mean you’re lost, and a delayed dream doesn’t necessarily mean a denied dream.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I think something that might surprise people is that my creative journey really started during one of the lowest points in my life.
I know sometimes the creative route isn’t always viewed as the most traditional or “successful” path, but I truly believe the platform I’m building was gifted to me by God. Those who know me know how much I love fashion. In fact, I was actually supposed to interview with Voyage years ago when I was running my clothing boutique. Funny enough, I never got around to it, and here we are years later.
When I was praying to God about my life and my creative journey, I was in one of those valleys. I had lost a job and a car in the same year, and I remember feeling like I didn’t have enough to even create. But God reminded me that He has already given us so much of what we need; sometimes it just takes a little creativity to see it.
So I started creating pixie-cut hair videos using the hair on my own head, and that simple idea completely catapulted my creator journey. What started as me simply trying to create with what I had turned into a platform, a community, opportunities, and a whole new creative chapter of my life.
I don’t necessarily think I’ll be doing the exact same thing forever, and that’s part of the beauty of it for me. I’m not just building a brand around one thing, I’m building a platform that gives me the freedom to evolve. Fashion, beauty, lifestyle, travel, creativity, and whatever God places in front of me next… I’m open to it.
I think the surprising part is that what I thought was a season of not having enough was actually the beginning of realizing that I already had everything I needed.
Pricing:
- I don’t have a set price list that I’d like to share publicly, as each collaboration is unique and tailored to the needs of the brand. However, I’d love to connect with more businesses, brands, and creatives here in Houston, as well as explore opportunities beyond Houston.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyyforshort
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keyarias-pegues-b1256495
