KENDYL JOI was born in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Booker T. Washington Arts Magnet as a Theater Major. She then attained her B.F.A from the University of Minnesota-Guthrie Theater Acting Training Program where she was a member of the first graduating class. She spent time in London, England at the British Dramatic Academy of Arts and the Royal National Theater honing her craft on stage. She also spent time in Cape Town, South Africa studying Dramatic Writing. She received graduating Honors from the Vancouver Film School in British Columbia and holds a M.A. in Educational Psychology from Pepperdine University. She is currently in school for her Educational Doctoral degree for Curriculum and Instruction. Education has always been a great passion for Kendyl who models after her mother, Ora Watson, Ph.D. who has been prominent and influential in the field of education for years. When Kendyl is not acting, she is either acting as a Theater Arts Director developing and executing her own curriculum in high school or working in early childhood education helping young scholars in literacy, language/communication and mathematics. Outside of education, you can find her styling many clients' natural hair with locs and braids. She loves using all of her gifts.

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Throughout Kendyl’s career on stage, she’s managed to share an IVEY award for “best emotional impact theater” in Minneapolis for a show called Sez She where she is one of the original cast members. She’s also been acknowledged as “Best New Face” in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. She has graced the screen in shows like Life, Miami Medical and is most known for her role as Nefertiti in TVOne's sitcom Love That Girl. She's written, produced and performed her own One Woman Show called, WAKE ME UP where she also wrote, sang and co-produced original music titled Wake Me Up, Drink My Consciousness, Hair Blues, and Lace Front for Kids. She's also written, produced and directed plays called GREEN JUICE, and WOMAN CLOTHED WITH THE SUN for students enrolled in her former arts school CROWNS. The future is bright for Kendyl as an actress, artist, educator and business owner. She's faith driven and determined to be exemplary for all people, young and old, on and off screen. Be sure to check out her latest accomplishment, COMING FORTH, a candid and raw memoir of her dark religious journey intertwined with her artistry and love life and how she woke up to herself!

 

Stay tuned for her new book: 40 Days of Spiritual Rehabilitation!