Keon Saghari is a Corporate Gal by Day, Skater Girl by Night
Most people cope with stress by retreating, maybe binging a show or two, or treating themselves to something they enjoy. Keon Saghari takes to her trademark fuchsia Moxi Skates or Radar Energy Wheels and grooves to a tune or seven.
Skating is her meditation and her medicine, and movement is her most joyful coping mechanism.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Keon’s been dancing since she was 3 years old, and now flocks to Venice Beach to carve and pare the lanes of traffic and skate parks, connect with people, and make skating videos with fellow artists. She started skating at the end of her professional dance career as a way to stay active and continue expressing herself with her body in a creative way.
Crowned by her blond ‘fro, Keon is spunky, groovy, and clad in bright colors. She loves skating to a wide range of music, including 70’s disco, 90’s hip hop, electronic, reggaeton, oldies–you name it. Her honorable mentions? ABBA, Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown. Talk about skating in style.
When she’s not skating, Keon works on the employee experience team for a tech company and as a Pilates instructor in LA.
Keon, what inspired you to start creating videos?
Initially, I started recording my progress (since in the beginning I had zero skate skills). Then my content evolved and became a way for me to share the pure bliss I experience while skating with my family and friends. Recently, my following has grown so I like to make sure that all my videos are made with the specific intention of bringing a smile to your face and some joy to your day!
What is the best part about what you create?
The best part of what I create is that I literally have so much fun while I’m skating, so content creation never feels like a chore. I’m being captured while in a deep flow or being goofy (or falling haha).
How has your art healed you?
Movement has always been in my life. From when I was 3 years old I started dancing, and pursued classical ballet my whole life, until after university, when I shifted to contemporary modern dance. After 10 years working professionally, I’ve changed careers but still continue to dance (whether barefoot or on skates). Movement is how I cope with my life and the experiences I have, positive or negative.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I feel lucky to say I wanted to be a professional dancer when I grew up, and I became one! Now, I just want to keep my body healthy and strong so I can keep dancing and skating for as long as I live.
What do people NOT know about what you do?
I’m relentless with practicing and I sometimes complain a lot.
Let’s be real, what’s the hardest/most frustrating thing about being a creative?
The hardest thing about being a creative is that no one is really there to hold your hand or make you work on your craft. All of that determination and discipline has to come from you, from within. Of course you can have teachers and mentors around to assist you, but at the end of the day, it’s up to you to be persistent enough to drive your own career. You get out what you put in–I don’t just mean with seeing results, I mean with developing your craft to a point where you feel satisfied and proud of your work.
Why would you encourage others to start moving their bodies/dancing/skating?
I like to think that moving your body will naturally strengthen your mind/body connection.
“When you have more awareness of your body, you are more likely to treat it kindly with positive thoughts, water, good food, sleep, and laughter.
If you are doing all those things it means you’re treating yourself with respect, and in turn, are more likely to treat your neighbor with love and respect. Movement (skating, dance or otherwise) spreads love, and I think we all need a little more of that in our world right now.”
Keep up with Keon by following her on Instagram at @neonkeon, and visiting her online portfolio at keonsaghari.com.
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Hey you! I'm Tracy.
Welcome!
Daisy Made is our “creative happy place” a space to gather and grow collectively. Where no one feels left behind, stuck, or alone in the process of pursuing their craft - because we’re not meant to go at it on our own!
Keon is InInsert firing dynamic funny and a joy to watch. Her skating and her attitude always brightens my day!I aI am so thankful to have discovered her Instagram especially during this time.