As more and more young Memphians are mapping out what moves to make to close in on their career goals, the NexGen Internship Program acts a catalyst during their transition from pupils to professionals.
Meet NexGen Hezekiah Howze, Choose901 Alumni, former Stax Music Academy student, graduate of Soulsville Charter School—and incoming student at the University of Memphis.
My name is Hezekiah Howze, but everyone calls me by is Kai! I'm passionate about creativity in anything, whether that be my music, graphic art, or lighting design—and being able to freely express myself is so valuable. Good looking cars get me really, really excited—and fun fact, for some reason, I can see more colors than other people.
We Sat down with NexGen Hezekiah Howze to talk shop about his many avenues for artistic expression.
You're a Student, an Entrepreneur, and a Musician? Man, You stay Busy—but let's start at the beginning. Where'd You Go to School?
I went to the Soulsville Charter from 6th grade to 12th grade; a long time, I know. But, I really appreciate Soulsville for introducing me to new and exciting career choices, and being a space to let my creativity come out.
I bet that set the tone for your college trajectory. What path are we pursuing?
My field of study will be Music Education with a minor in Graphic Design. And hopefully I’ll come back for Stage Production, specifically lighting design.
My goal is to use my Music Ed. degree to fund the businesses that I have started. I launched a Graphic Design business back in 2020 that I’m getting ready to rebrand—and more recently, a lighting business which works as a part of a full production enterprise that I share with my business partner. So after graduation, my plan is to go full steam ahead with my endeavors while taking and teaching music gigs for extra funds and freshening my skills.
I bet that set the tone for your college trajectory. What path are we pursuing?
My field of study will be Music Education with a minor in Graphic Design. And hopefully I’ll come back for Stage Production, specifically lighting design.
My goal is to use my Music Ed. degree to fund the businesses that I have started. I launched a Graphic Design business back in 2020 that I’m getting ready to rebrand—and more recently, a lighting business which works as a part of a full production enterprise that I share with my business partner. So after graduation, my plan is to go full steam ahead with my endeavors while taking and teaching music gigs for extra funds and freshening my skills.
Sounds like you're on a "jack-of-all-trades" type beat. How do you stay motivated to keep moving?
A lot of people inspire me. My mentor, Marrisa, definitely encourages me to be better when it comes to my graphics—and, of course, I have my celebrity inspo as well. The Holy Trinity (as people like to call them): Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and Beyonce might be my biggest inspirations for what being a business person looks like. It doesn’t hurt that I love their music, too.
My friends inspire me as well. If the saying, “Your talent will make a way for you if you work hard enough” was embodied by anybody, it would be them.
You've got encouragement coming from so many directions. How'd that land you here as a NexGen fellow?
I wanted to pursue the fellowship to get more experience. I knew it was a good way to see what jobs in my field, or fields of study, would allow me to be more productive with my summer and teach me things that I’ve never learned before. The industry, especially if you do Graphic Design, is constantly changing. If there’s one thing my internship has taught me, it’s you’re never really done learning things. I really just hope to understand more about work culture, and how to carry myself in these spaces.
You've got encouragement coming from so many directions. How'd that land you here as a NexGen fellow?
I wanted to pursue the fellowship to get more experience. I knew it was a good way to see what jobs in my field, or fields of study would allow me to be more productive with my summer and teach me new things that I’ve never learned before. The industry, especially if you do Graphic Design, is constantly changing. If there’s one thing my internship has taught me, it’s you’re never really done learning things. I really just hope to understand more about work culture, and how to carry myself in these spaces.
Tell Me about the the good folks who are leading you. How has your NexGen Fellowship helped you grow and gain more confidence?
I have a lot of work to do as far as learning how work culture should be respected and appreciated. Youth Villages is very unique to me in that regard. While very relaxed, they always stress there is still a job to be done—and I recently learned a valuable lesson around how to carry myself and overcome situations that are out of my control. Plus, I’ve discovered what business casual really means, and I love playing around and experimenting with what I wear everyday.
Getting all gussied up to give your all at work definitely plays a part in professionalism. What other tips and tricks have you picked up to take with you elsewhere?
We just wrapped up a presentation to propose changes for the Youth Villages career page. We studied analytics to determine how the edits would increase engagement, and I played a part in the design process and the mockups that were made. I also have a hand in content creation for an upcoming fall fundraiser along with a number of projects to complete before this internship is over.
Getting all gussied up to give your all at work definitely plays a part in professionalism. What other tips and tricks have you picked up to take with you elsewhere?
We just wrapped up a presentation to propose changes for the Youth Villages career page. We studied analytics to determine how the edits would increase engagement, and I played a part in the design process and the mockups that were made. I also have a hand in content creation for an upcoming fall fundraiser along with a number of projects to complete before this internship is over.
I’ve also been able to learn more about Adobe Suite; there are a ton of creative apps it gives you to enhance your skills. I’ve gotten into Illustrator, Indesign, and a little bit of After Effects. Photoshop was already familiar to me, but I’ve been encouraged to incorporate more of its features.
Additionally, I’ve learned more about Adobe Suite; there are a ton of creative apps it gives you to enhance your skills. I’ve gotten into Illustrator, Indesign, and a little bit of After Effects. Photoshop was already familiar to me, but I’ve been encouraged to incorporate more of its features.
You're building the skills that'll better your businesses already. Got any advice for future fellows to help them hone in on that energy?
I would say, and stress, that it is important to educate yourself on what and what not to do in the workplace. It’s something you have to learn; don’t let emotions get the best of you. Go in, make your mark, and be the best you you can be.
You're building the skills that'll better your businesses already. Got any advice for future fellows to help them hone in on that energy?
I would say, and stress, that it is important to educate yourself on what and what not to do in the workplace. It’s something you have to learn; don’t let emotions get the best of you. Go in, make your mark, and be the best you you can be.
Memphis advances when we work together to pour into rising young talent, like NexGen Hezekiah Howe, who are fearlessly forging their own path.
We are always looking for new opportunities for our next round of NexGen interns! Interested in learning more about the program? Want to play an active role in building a better Memphis?
