"You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop." — Rumi
Kathy, known as Kween Kat, was born in Sierra Leone to a Liberian mother and Nigerian father, and raised in the United States from the age of three. Her life has always existed at the intersection of different cultures and identity.
She is the founder of Hart-Felt Media LLC, where she helps artists and entrepreneurs tell their stories through media and strategy. But beyond her work is a deeper journey, one of learning who she is, unlearning who she was told to be, and growing into a woman who no longer shrinks herself to fit into spaces.
In this edition of Women of Grass-Fields, we sit with Kathy as she shares her journey through culture, womanhood, faith, and self-discovery and the lessons she’s learning about becoming unapologetically herself.
Tell us about yourself, who you are, your background, and what you do?
My name is Kathy, though many know me online as Kween Kat. I am the founder of Hart-Felt Media LLC, where I help artists and entrepreneurs grow their brands through social media.
Born in Sierra Leone to a Liberian mother and Nigerian father, I was raised in the United States from the age of three. I am an ambitious, bubbly, and faith-driven woman who is passionate about uplifting others, helping them reach their full potential, and making a positive impact through media and meaningful connections.
Where are you from, and what parts of your culture and upbringing have shaped the woman you are today?
My parents met in Liberia in the early 1990s, fell in love, and started their family. Due to civil unrest, they relocated to neighboring Sierra Leone, where I was born safely.
My Liberian and Nigerian heritage has greatly shaped who I am today. From my Liberian roots, I developed a deep love for family, community, and traditional food. From my Nigerian side, I gained the values of ambition, discipline, and perseverance. Together, these influences have helped shape my character, values, and outlook on life.
Who are the women that raised or inspired you?
I was primarily raised by my aunt, mother, and grandmother, each of whom played a unique role in shaping who I am. My aunt taught me the value of hard work and resilience, my mother showed me the importance of unconditional love and family responsibility, and my grandmother instilled a balance of both strength and compassion. Together, they helped shape my character, values, and work ethic.
Looking back, what experiences shaped the woman you've become today?
Looking back, challenges in business, school, and friendships helped shape me into who I am today. I used to be a people pleaser, but through my faith and therapy, I learned to set boundaries and say “no,” which changed my relationships and taught me the value of protecting my peace. My true friends stayed through that season.
With Hart-Felt Media LLC, I originally aimed to work as a publicist, but limited connections led me to pivot into interviewing artists and entrepreneurs, which still allowed me to promote their work effectively.
In school, my first “F” pushed me to change my approach by seeking tutoring and building better study habits, teaching me accountability and growth.
Was there a season where you doubted yourself? What changed?
The only time I doubted myself was when I changed majors from English to a science-focused program. I struggled with math and initially questioned whether I would succeed. However, after getting a tutor and improving my study habits, I began to thrive and am now a straight “A” student.
Have you ever felt like you had to tone yourself down?
I only feel the need to adjust my tone in certain spaces that don’t always feel fully aligned with me. For example, at networking events within African communities, I tend to be more mindful of how I speak and sometimes soften my standard English or lean into my accent. This comes from past experiences where I was told I “sound too American,” and I’ve carried some awareness of that into certain environments
When did you realise you didn't have to shrink?
Quite frankly, I’m still working on not shrinking in those spaces and fully showing up as myself. I’m learning that if I have to change who I am to be accepted, it may not be the right environment for me. This is something I’m intentionally working on as one of my 2026 goals.
What boundary improved your life the most?
One boundary that has improved my life the most is learning to teach people how to treat me. I clearly communicate how I expect to be spoken to and treated, and when those boundaries are crossed, I step back and limit access to my presence.
What are you no longer apologising for?
I no longer apologize for teaching people how to treat me or for not attending every event I’m invited to. Setting boundaries has regulated my nervous system, reduced my social anxiety, and helped me value my time and energy more intentionally. I’ve also noticed that being more selective has actually increased opportunities, which reinforced my belief that access to you should not be easy or constant.
What makes you feel most connected to yourself?
What makes me feel most connected to myself is my relationship with my heavenly Father. I am a believer in Jesus Christ, and prayer, reading the Word, and speaking scripture in both good and difficult seasons keeps me grounded. It helps me stay centered, clears my mind, strengthens my faith, and gives me clarity, creativity, and the strength to keep going. I feel most like myself when I am spiritually aligned and walking closely with God.
What does softness look like in your life?
To me, softness is the ability to command respect and authority without raising your voice. I’ve learned that in male-dominated spaces, speaking calmly and with clarity often earns more respect than raising my tone. I also believe in becoming the person you want to be by showing up as her, how you dress, carry yourself, and move matters.
What keeps you grounded in busy or waiting seasons?
What keeps me most grounded is my relationship with my heavenly Father. I am a believer in Jesus Christ, and prayer, reading the Word, and speaking scripture in both difficult and good seasons keeps me centered. My faith strengthens my mind, fuels my creativity, clears negativity, and pushes me to operate at my highest potential. My family also plays a major role in keeping me grounded, especially during waiting seasons when they encourage me to stay focused, plan, and keep growing.
What are the little things that bring you joy lately?
Peace, laughter, love, and understanding are the simple things that bring me joy.
What are you building that people can't see yet?
I am currently pursuing a degree in healthcare while also building a media empire. While some people only see interviews and school, I’m building something long-term. At first, I felt pressure about timing, but I’ve learned that meaningful things take time.
What does success mean to you now versus five years ago?
Five years ago, I doubted whether I could accomplish my biggest dreams. Today, I stand on scripture that keeps me grounded: “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4) and “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). These remind me to dream boldly and trust God with the outcome.
What is something you've learned about womanhood that you wish more women knew?
One thing I’ve learned about womanhood is that it is not defined by marriage or motherhood. A woman is still fully a woman while building her education, career, and purpose. I believe we should release the idea that womanhood only begins when a man chooses you.
What advice would you give a young Black girl who feels behind?
To young Black girls, I would say: you are more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare to your worth (Proverbs 3:15). Know your value, dream big, and build your life one step at a time. You deserve love, peace, protection, and provision—but most of all, you deserve to become everything God created you to be.
Complete this sentence: Black women deserve ___________
You deserve to be loved properly, you deserve the peace that you provide everyone else. You also deserve to be anything that you want to be and more in this life. Most importantly, you deserve to be protected and provided for.
If every woman reading this could take away one lesson from your journey, what would you want it to be?
I would want them to always put God first and bet on themselves.
If you could say something to your future self, what would it be?
And to my future self: you will reach your full potential before you leave this earth. When you meet the Lord, will He say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Women of Grass-Fields is a community and a space for women to exist fully, be seen, and be celebrated in every stage of their becoming. Tell us in the comments: what part of Kathy’s story felt like your story too?
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