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Keilana

Pattern

part of a series on Pattern

38:52

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Patterns of Life: Shaping Belief, Courage, and Connection

Singer-songwriter Keilana shared her journey of overcoming self-doubt and embracing the power of patterns in shaping her life and music. Early on, she struggled with believing in herself, often dismissing the well-intentioned encouragement like, “You’re going to do great things.” However, she eventually wrote a song about dreams coming true, reflecting her desire to see what might unfold. Her album “I Am,” became a turning point in her life, allowing her to travel the world, share her music with youth, perform for the president, and tour with Mike Love. Keilana identified three key patterns that have shaped her life: belief, courage, and interconnection. Belief patterns, she explained, are passed down from our parents and shaped by our personal experiences. They can be consciously cultivated over time, helping us build the foundation for who we are and who we aspire to be. Reflecting on one of her mother’s affirmations, “You can do anything you set your mind to,” she recognized how these self-affirming mantras helped her redefine her beliefs. Courage, she emphasized, is a pattern that can be cultivated through action. She shared how sending emails that made her sweat became moments of personal growth, as she didn’t want to look back with regret for not taking risks. The pandemic was a wake-up call for her to start living in her “I wills” rather than allowing opportunities to pass by. Interconnection, the final key pattern, is about recognizing the connections between past, present, and future. It’s not just about who we are today, but also who our ancestors were and who we will become. The future, she said, is found in the past, and learning to bridge these dimensions of time leads to a sense of fulfillment. Feeling unfulfilled might be a sign that we are too focused on one area and need to build more bridges between them. By connecting with people around the world and being present to hear their stories, we foster a greater sense of unity and shared humanity. The speaker concluded by reminding the audience: “You are a masterpiece.” By recognizing and believing in the patterns in all things, we begin to see the beauty in life. We realize that we are part of that beauty—a unique work of art. She urged everyone to consider how they are painting the picture of their own lives, for we are all constantly creating and shaping the masterpiece that is our existence.

About the speaker

Keilana is a dynamic force in the music industry, hailing from the vibrant cultural tapestry of Hawaii and now making waves in the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York. A bi-coastal powerhouse vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter, her passion for music has led her to critical acclaim as one of Hawaiiʻs most promising R&B artists and the next big thing to come from the islands. Keilana's journey is one of discovery, self-love, perseverance and advocacy for the advancement of indigenous people, women, and humanity.

Keilana's talent knows no bounds. She’s worked in Hawaii’s music industry for over 12 years as a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist, touring, and gigging musician. In 2023, Keilana broadened her horizons by relocating to the east coast in New York. Her desire to cultivate new and innovative opportunities for the R&B/Soul scene in Hawaii and reinvigorate the definition of Hawaiian Music to the world has resulted in a bi-coastal lifestyle and work ethic, opening her live performances and appearances to not just Hawaii or New York, but worldwide.

After experiencing the many facets of the music world, she has a vision and message for fellow musicians, listeners, and aspiring creators: humanity is in dire need of art to cultivate connection. connection to our past, present, and future and also to those around us who call this planet our home. Her goal is to become an example of a global citizen— understanding the world she lives in, the world around her, and to amplify the voices of those in need of compassion. Her dedication to her craft has earned her prestigious accolades, including 2 Nā HƍkĆ« Hanohano Awards for "Most Promising Artist" and "Best R&B Album" in 2021. Her Grammy nominated debut album “I Am” soared to the top of the iTunes R&B charts, capturing the hearts of listeners worldwide with its soulful melodies and empowering lyrics.

In 2021, she went viral on TikTok and Instagram for her work in the wedding industry, which took her across the US and catapulted her to “Best Soloist Musician” at the NACE (National Association of Catering and Events) in 2024. She has serenaded countless couples, families, and organizations through her performances.

Keilana's influence extends far beyond the realm of music. With a background as an educator at Kamehameha Schools and The University of Hawaii West Oahu, she understands the importance of knowledge and empowerment. As an advocate for global citizenship, she believes in the power of learning about the world around us and sharing our experiences to foster understanding and connection, to create new and useful resources for future generations.

Keilana's commitment to making a difference doesn't stop there. She has lent her voice to causes close to her heart, using her platform to raise awareness for issues such as mentorship, mental health, and domestic violence as a board member of non-profit organization, Women Speaking Out. Her passion for creating a reality that brings happiness and pride shines through in everything she does.

From performing at the White House for the President to touring the world and sharing her music with diverse audiences, Keilana's journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and the human spirit. Whether she's writing songs for TV, film, and commercials or captivating audiences with her soul-stirring performances, Keilana is a beacon of hope and inspiration in a world in need of both.

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