Is there anything Keke Palmer can’t do?

At the age of 27, she has already appeared in over 25 films and 30 TV shows, starred as the first Black Cinderella on Broadway, penned an inspirational guidebook, launched her own comedy web series, and been nominated for a Daytime Emmy. 

And she’s just getting started. Last year, she released her highly anticipated album “Virgo Tendencies” and hosted the VMAs where she performed her song “Snack.” But it’s not just her career as an entertainer that has our attention. 

She’s also using her platform and influence to combat the stigma around mental health issues by sharing her own experiences with anxiety and depression and to stand up for racial justice by voicing her support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Ahead, the multihyphenate millennial tells C&C how she’s making a difference and pushing the entertainment industry forward, what keeps her grounded, and why she believes there’s no such thing as making a mistake.

How did you make your first dollar and what did that job teach you that still applies today? 

I think I made my first dollar by helping my next-door neighbor Mr. Williams with something… Sometimes he would give me a dollar just for making him smile, haha! It taught me the importance of giving to others, even if it’s just in an emotional way. 

Take us back to the beginning—what was the lightbulb moment for your career and what inspired you to pursue this path? 

Watching my mother sing in church and seeing her create music while I was growing up. I knew how much she loved it, but also how much people loved watching her do it. I wanted to be a part of that; of that feeling. 

What career mistake has given you the biggest lesson? 

No mistakes. I think the greatest thing to understand is what’s for you is for you. The things that aren’t, aren’t and we must let them go. Not saying that I’m not perfect, but I just strongly believe that things work out as they’re meant to.

2020 presented everybody around the globe with new, unprecedented challenges. How did you #FindNewRoads + switch gears towards your new version of success? 

I think that, within my career, I have had to harness the concept of constantly creating new versions of success for myself. And then also as a faithful person relying on my faith to be flexible as I can. I think that’s the attitude that kept me afloat in 2020. Being flexible and constantly humbling myself and not being afraid of the difficulties, but trying to go with them and be patient with the shifts. 

How are you making a difference and pushing your industry forward? 

I think by being conscious in everything I do. Trying my hardest to bring a voice to the voiceless with my art. 

Going after what you deserve in life takes confidence and guts. Does confidence come naturally to you or did you have to learn it? What advice can you share for women on cultivating confidence and going after their dreams?  

I think both. I have always felt confident, but my parents have also always encouraged me. So how much of that is me and what I was raised to be, haha, I’m not sure! I think self-love and putting yourself first, trying to make yourself happy, and not putting others’ happiness before your own, is a huge confidence builder. 

What is the biggest challenge to achieving success in life?

Getting out of your own way. 

When you separate yourself from your job title and the bells and whistles of your business or career, who are you and what do you like to do? How have you remained true and authentic to who you are? 

My family keeps me grounded and the friendships that I’ve had since I was young. Honestly, I’m a very normal Midwestern girl. I love going to the movies and watching TV. I love being with family and friends, cooking, and having barbecues. Very down-home things. 

It’s easy to celebrate the wins, but how do you handle failure or when something hasn’t worked out for you? 

I tell myself it’s okay and that it wasn’t for me to have because if it was I’d have it. 

What is the #1 book you always recommend and why? 

“A New Earth.” Because it started me on the path of thinking differently.

If you could go back to the beginning of your career journey—with the knowledge you have now—what advice would you give yourself?

To remember to be nicer to myself. 

Fill in the blanks:

When I feel fear, I…

Pray or single gospel songs.

I turn bad days around by… 

Trying to make someone else smile.

If there were more hours in the day, I would… 

Go to sleep. :) 

Three qualities that got me to where I am today are… 

Resilience, patience, and confidence. 

The change I’d like to see in my industry is… 

Representation of everyone. True diversity that depicts our world and stories we all want to see that shine lights on new voices and perspectives.