Keys unveils plans for new company

NEW YORK, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. recording artist Alicia Keys has announced the creation of AK Worldwide, a company she says will handle her non-musical and philanthropic projects.

AKW will also provide the backbone for Keys's continued charity work with Keep a Child Alive, her representatives said in a news release.

"I will always be focused on my career in music, but I am also inspired by the beautiful people and beautiful things I encounter in the world," Keys said in a statement. "AKW is my chance to channel that energy into projects for which I have great passion."

Among her first endeavors is a partnership in The Barber's Daughters, an inspirational hand-crafted jewelry line that Alicia discovered while touring in Toronto. This winter, Keys will unveil AKW's second major undertaking, IAmASuperwoman.com, a Web site devoted to spotlighting inspirational women and causes, while providing a positive online community for the discussion and development of ideas.