Story & Lesson Highlights with Keyondra Lewis of Avondale

We recently had the chance to connect with Keyondra Lewis and have shared our conversation below.

Keyondra , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that brings me joy outside of work that most people don’t know that even brings me enjoy is horseback riding and learning about my country roots. I recently went to the Arizona Black Rodeo and learned so much from so many people that was there. And if you want to see about my weekend at the rodeo, check out my YouTube @Lewdadonn.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Keyondra but when it comes to my brand, I go by Lew DaDonn. Lew DaDonn is all about having fun, uplifting and empowering others, and learning new things. The name partially created by my shipmates on the USS John C Stennis. They gave me the nickname “Lew Lew” short for Lewis. Then is got even shorter to just “Lew” lol. “Da Donn” I came up with from my interesting in mafia and mob movies like The GodFather and how I move like a boss and a respectable leader.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom! Growing up she used to sing “Superstar” by Usher. At a young age, she knew I was a superstar and everyday since then I’ve been working to prove to my mom I am. When I played basketball, I went hard on the court so people knew my name. In my Navy career, I leave every command with my co-workers wishing they could clone me or I could extend because they enjoyed my presence that much and I worked that hard. Now I’m working towards building a fanbase that I’m able to impact as well.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me the most in my life is the fear of not being heard. I use to be so shy and timid though I’ve always been in the spotlight in someway, shape or form. But like adding to conversations or sharing ideas when asked was a scary thing for me. I really believed no one would hear me out.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I’m my true authentic self in private and in public. I was taught to be myself regardless of who’s watching. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for everything but you’ll receive the most authentic version of me.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope talk about how I contagious my presence is. How when I walked in rooms like I belonged or owned it and wasn’t afraid to be me. Or how goofy I am and was always doing something to make people smile and laugh. I want to be remembered for the positive impacts I have on others. How I go out of my way to ensure people are taken care of even when I know I don’t got it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Lewdaonn
• Facebook: LewLew DaDonn
• Youtube: @LewDaDonn
• Other: Tiktok: @officiallewdadonn