But we made a drastic mistake. And cut out those who supported us from the beginning.

Our families.

And for that our business suffered. Online sales stopped. Repeat customers became nonexistent.

It didn’t matter how much social media advertising we did, the people spoke. They did NOT like this new business model.

Because of this, we have brought back the ability for customers to make individual purchases. Wholesale orders are also allowed.

People like options and when you only provide one option, it cuts out the folks that might have purchased if they had another choice.

We are hopeful that you will now shop with us and take advantage of these life-changing children’s books that we have to offer.

You can visit our online store and see what books speak to you and can serve your children in the best way possible.

We hope to see you very soon!

Still hanging in there,

Kira

Now if you don’t know, I have been providing coaching services for aspiring authors for about a year now. My coaching service teaches new authors how to self-publish, where to self-publish based on their unique needs, and how to reach their target market using social media. This has been a passion project for me since I love to help people reach their goals in general and wanted to assist someone in publishing their first book under their own name or company. In essence, I am helping folks become business owners and generate an additional stream of revenue. After my first experience in providing coaching, I realized how much went into it and that I had no choice but to increase my prices for my coaching packages because of my time investment.

Well, despite interest from many, I was not able to seal the deal with getting more clients. I think my prices discouraged folks interested in publishing because they didn’t have the financial means to do so. I felt quite discouraged about this but realized that with everything there is a solution. And I think I found one…

Introducing my new coaching service known as a-la-carte coaching. With this type of coaching you pay per session rather than a lump sum for a pre-determined amount of sessions upfront. It is no-commitment coaching. For example, if you change your mind about me and want to go with a different coach you can. You can also decide to defer the coaching and try to self-publish on your own or do more coaching at a later date. This type of coaching allows you to have more flexibility.

I think for someone who is budget conscious and doesn’t have a strict timeline to publish their first book, this is the perfect option! Now, there are two conditions you have to meet: 1) You have to have a complete manuscript 2) The manuscript must be for a children’s book. The reason is that the adult and children’s world of book publishing is vastly different and I am only knowledgeable about publishing a children’s book. Also, I don’t do writing coaching or ghostwriting. Eventually, I will be looking at adding ghostwriting to the services offered but I will be honest, the price point for this will be steep. Ghostwriting requires you to write in that person’s voice and then get paid for them to take the credit and that should receive appropriate compensation. For right now, I am going to stick to coaching and hope to bring on more coaching students under me and turn them into authors!

Here is what to expect with my a-la-carte coaching package:
Step 1: Review your draft together
Step 2: Review it with an editor
Step 3: Work through edit recommendations and finalize layout of book
Step 4: Find illustrator
Step 5: Work with illustrator on different images
Step 6: Determine where/how to publish
Step 7: Publish
Step 8: Marketing

 (This is subject to change depending on author’s work and how many revisions need to be made.)

A-la-carte coaching is one of four coaching services I offer. Be sure to go here and decide which option works best for you. You can also schedule a FREE 30-minute discovery call with me before you decide. This is a great way to discuss your book project and determine if we are a good fit before any money is exchanged. You can contact me by filling out a brief info form here and then we can discuss when a discovery call can happen.

I hope to see you soon. It excites me to bring more fantastic children’s book authors into the book industry. More stories need to be told from diverse authors from different walks of life!!! All stories deserve representation.

Warm regards,

Kira

Cessel, thank you for taking time out your busy schedule to talk all things mental health. How do you think counseling has changed since the pandemic and have you seen an increased demand for Christian counseling?

Thank you, Kira, for allowing me this opportunity to have this conversation. I would say counseling has changed due to more therapists are offering virtual appointments and therapy is more accessible. The requests for therapy as a whole increased due to fear of the unknown (COVID) isolation (quarantine) and adjusting to a new way of life.

Tell me what a typical counseling session with you looks like and how you incorporate Christianity into counseling?

Typically, a client requests counseling due to a chief problem or concern. We discuss the chief concern and what ways the client would like to see improvement. I provide psychoeducation on how the client can use their core beliefs to accomplish the desired goals. Clients are taught how to use their core beliefs to challenge cognitive distortions. For example, Isaiah 54:17 says “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. If a person believes the bible, this scripture can be very powerful in challenging fear-based thought patterns. Focusing on God’s protection can help to reprogram negative thoughts. There is scripture that addresses everything that we encounter.

How is Christian counseling different than pastoral counseling?

Most pastors are not licensed mental health professionals, so their support is limited. Pastors are not able to provide mental health counseling. I provide mental health counseling from a Christian worldview. I utilize Christ centered tools and resources in order to deliver mental health services. I am not an ordained pastor/minister.

I love your book “Jesus cares about your anxiety” and how you use examples of how Jesus experienced anxiety at difficult times during his life. How does anxiety show up for most and what are some things that one can do to combat anxiety?

Most experience anxiety due to cognitive distortions regarding “the worst-case scenario”. The anxiety is triggered by constant worry, “what if” thinking and expecting bad things to happen. Anxiety sufferers tend to think the worst of people, environments, and situations. Not really focusing on what is actually focusing on the facts and reality but the negative picture they have painted in their mind. Developing a lifestyle of mindfulness (present centered, what is actually happening), affirming oneself and expressing gratitude. Learning how to challenge cognitive distortions is key.

I know you had some mental health struggles in your own life. Can you tell us more about that and how you were able to pull through?

Yes, about 15 years ago I had a severe depressive episode, attempted suicide, and ended up in the hospital. I started therapy, medication, and utilized my Christian core beliefs to overcome my depression. I incorporated daily gratitude and affirmations into my lifestyle. I used biblical scriptures to challenge cognitive distortions about self-worth. I actually do what I encourage my clients to do. I spend as much time as possible outdoors when the weather is good. I approached my healing from a wholistic perspective (mind, body, and spirit) and it just became a lifestyle.

What is your biggest challenge being a therapist?

I would say that the biggest challenge is managing the business aspects of being an entrepreneur/practice owner. Serving clients is my passion and isn’t difficult. Building, managing, and growing a business is a different story, LOL.

Your biggest triumph?

My biggest triumph is being told that I saved someone’s life. A client disclosed that prior to starting therapy with me she wanted to end her life. I’m grateful to God that I was able to help her heal.

What population do you work with? Couples? Singles? Children? How do you address people with varying needs?

 I personally work with adults and couples. I have therapists on staff who work with children. What I have learned is that if you can help a person reprogram their thought patterns, everything else falls into place. Our thoughts trigger our emotions, and our emotions trigger unhealthy behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on reprogramming those cognitive distortions. Positive thoughts lead to positive emotions and positive actions. I ask the client which concern they would like to address first, and we work on all the desired goal.

How do you feel the healthcare system is doing when it comes to meeting the needs of the mentally ill?

I believe the “Psychology Compact” will be instrumental in the mental healthcare gap. Therapist having the ability to provide services to clients who live in other states where services are limited, will increase the accessibility of mental healthcare.

When it comes to the stigmatism of psychiatric medication, how do you tackle this through Christian counseling?

Providing psychoeducation about chemical imbalances has been helpful. Just like people take medication for hypertension that is not induced by diet. This is hypertension that is hereditary, which cannot be resolved by diet or exercise. We would encourage the person to take their medication in order to regulate their blood pressure and save their life. Taking psychotropic medication is no different. Christians also believe that God is the creator of all things, that means the science necessary for making medicine.

Your Instagram series “Keep your foot on the devil’s neck” is very inspiring. Can you tell those who haven’t seen it more about it and how you came up with the idea?

Well, it has been a fun way of presenting practical mental health tips. I have really enjoyed creating the videos. When we think of any adversary, if we have our foot on the neck, we are in a powerful position, we’re winning the battle. I was inspired to start the daily posts because I wanted to share some of the tools that I present during therapy sessions. It’s my way of reaching more people.

Since we are on the subject of social media, how can people find you if they want to learn more about you and the services you offer:

@cjboydchristiancounseling (on Facebook and Instagram)

@cjbcounsels (Twitter)

Website: https://cjboydcounseling.com

For anyone struggling with mental health and not knowing where to turn, what is the very first step (outside of counseling) they can do to help themselves?

It’s important that they know they are not alone. We are all struggling with something, and it is okay to ask for help. All of us have had difficult times in which we needed help for something and as long as we live, we will need the help of others. It would be abnormal if we never needed help for anything. The second thing would be to tell someone safe, someone who has demonstrated care and concern for them. Breaking the silence and telling someone is critical. For an individual struggling with mental health, it is important to start therapy as soon as possible and consult their primary care doctor as well.

Thank you Cessel for an enlightening interview. You are truly an inspiration to all who may be struggling with mental health and losing hope. You are a model of someone in mental health recovery that has now turned their struggle into purpose. I am grateful to hear about your journey as I’m sure all of our readers were as well.

And to my readers…I have one more exciting interview coming up for you. This powerhouse I call “the anchor” helps small businesses like Cessel’s get off the ground. Don’t miss out on this interview later on this month.

After that interview posts, that will conclude our People That Inspire series. I hope you have enjoyed it and I promise to continue to blog and provide you with insight into mental health and developmental issues.

See you soon!

Kira

You have such great style, where does your unique style come from? How does someone come to develop their own unique personal style?

Thank you. My style is personal. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved playing dress up. I always wanted to wear what made me feel happy. My love for fashion was nurtured since that time. My mother allowed me to express my creativity. I would paint on my clothes, reconstruct them into new pieces, and change my hairstyles to compliment my “outfits”. I have an affinity for color, and I express it through my style. In high school I was voted “most colorful” and “most creative”. Those “labels” are actually ones I wear with honor because when it comes to fashion, I am a firm believer that labels don’t constitute style.  However, style is who you are. It is what is innately within you and expressed outwardly. What I love about style is that it’s personal. Even if you are influenced by someone or something, ultimately your style will be unique to you because there is only one you. When developing one’s own personal style, I’d say experiment with what you like and focus on what makes you feel good. Wearing clothes should evoke emotion. If it doesn’t make you feel good, keep experimenting until it does and I’m talking about…really makes you feel good. So good that that same emotion is felt by others when they are around you. Personal style is just that…personal.

You are a master thrifter and seller of vintage fashion online. How did you come to love vintage?

 I began shopping in thrift stores my ninth-grade year of high school. 

Ultimately, I started thrifting because I wanted to get clothing I could reconstruct or paint on at a fraction of the cost. I’d always admired the style of my mother, aunts, and my father. I kept photos of them from “back in the day” on my bedroom wall as inspiration. The vintage clothing was as unique as the people wearing them. I immediately knew that I too, could achieve the “looks” I admired by shopping for vintage in the thrift store. I also rummaged through my grandmother’s attic in search for my mother’s and aunts’ old clothing. I found so much to add to my growing collection of vintage. Vintage clothing has so much character and it tells a story. The quality is amazing. The clothing has literally traveled through time and kept its integrity. My love for wearing vintage turned into an idea to also sell it. I wanted others to have access to the amazing pieces I was curating. So, I began selling my vintage finds my freshman year of college.

What inspired you to create your “Peculiar Treasures” collection? What kind of stuff do you sell?

Peculiar Treasures came from an idea of wanting to separate my vintage reselling business from my handmade wearable art passion. I’ve always been a creator, making jewelry, clothing, painting, doing hair, if it was creative, I did it. I wanted to create a space where I could share my love for it all. So, in 2020, Peculiar Treasures was born. The name actually came to me one night while I was reading my Bible. I knew then that I was given confirmation to take this idea and bring it to life. What I thought would be separate forever, is now slowly all coming together as one. The pieces I make by hand are Peculiar. The vintage I curate are Treasures. Let’s just say God has a sense of humor. I thought I had it figured out by separating my two passions and He is giving me every reason to bring them together under one umbrella. Peculiar Treasures is created and curated for the set apart. There is no way one can “blend in” when my goal is to help them to stand out in style!

Why is upcycling so important to you? 

Upcycling is important to me because it allows me to give clothing a second and sometimes a third chance. I love the idea of taking something old and making it new. It’s a sure way to reduce waste and save money. If I can create an entire new look from pieces I already own, that’s a win-win! Upcycling also allows me to push the limits on my creativity. It keeps me on my toes and opens doors for new creative opportunities.

I read a quote somewhere that said, “Creativity is a combination of discipline and childlike spirit.” Do you feel this to be true and why? 

I agree. Discipline is key in everything we do. In order to do any and all things we must have discipline. To be creative is to also have a childlike spirit.  Children don’t think too deep about things being perfect. They create because they like to and they love what they create because to them it’s a masterpiece. They take risks, color outside the lines, and splash paint all over the place. As adults we take that art and we hang it on our refrigerators or tape it to our desks at work. We admire the work of the children and make it grand! In turn, the children believe that their art is the best thing ever. So, they continue to create and allow their imagination to guide them.  They don’t hear any critics. All they hear is their imagination telling them to go for it. I believe we should take that discipline and couple it with that childlike spirit and create without ceasing.

As a business owner and mother, how do you balance both? How do your children inspire you when it comes to your creativity? 

To be honest, I don’t think I’m actually balancing both. However, I am holding each part of the weight to the best of my ability. I’ve been a full-time educator for 11 years and a part-time business owner. In 2021, I became a full-time entrepreneur and stay at home mom to my youngest child. It is not easy all the time but having my 2-year-old by my side reminds me that I can do hard things. All of my children inspire me in different ways. My oldest daughter has been there with me for much of my creative journey. I even created a children’s vintage and accessory boutique in 2012 when she was born. Now, she takes charge of that creatively. My son helps me to cut fabric when I’m preparing to sew. I affectionately call him my “cutter boy” and he loves it. My youngest daughter watches me during the day as I paint and sew, and she never fails to remind me of how great of a job I’m doing even on the days where I am overwhelmed. She says “Mommy, that’s amazing!”

What challenges, if any, do you think you are encountering in your industry? 

I can’t put my finger on any specific challenge I’m currently encountering in my Industry. My biggest challenge right now is a challenge I’ve given myself and that is to create my own space and lane in an industry that is full of so many creatives. I challenge myself to remain true to my calling and to be set apart.

Give me three words that describe your unique brand and why? 

Three words that describe my brand would have to be Love, Art, and Inspiration (LAI).

What do you plan to do next?

What’s next…hmmm. I plan to continue growing Peculiar Treasures into a household name. I am not just limiting myself to clothing, but all the things I love, such as home decor and more. I am also working on building my mural and process art business. The educator in me is forever, so working directly with youth and adults as it relates to the arts is something I am passionate about. I am also passionate about applying art on larger canvases such as school bathrooms to promote love, art, and inspiration.

How can others find you online?

You can find me online at shoppeculiartreasures.com and on Instagram @shoppeculiartreasures and @thelaicollection.

I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did. She is truly an inspiration to anyone looking to make what they love into a business. Creatives are on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic and a lot of people are making their passions into their full-time business. I’m not saying this is what everyone should do, but for those who do, I applaud you. Life is short and why not make money doing something you love?

I also think it’s important to build creative intelligence in our future generations. Our children’s books reflect that with each character having some creative passion that helps them through their own personal challenges. We hope you will visit our online library to shop our one-of-a-kind book selection! Also, be sure to check back with our blog that will have other exciting interviews coming soon!!!

Love and light,

Kira

I also hope you will consider purchasing the other books in the Trey the Chef collection. They are available in our online store here. I believe in entertaining my readers but also in educating them. My books seek to bring awareness about very important topics including autism, that can be challenging to talk about.  

My books also glean on real life. For example, Trey the Chef are books about my son Trey and the future I envision for him. I would love to take him to Paris someday, which is also my birthplace. I want to immerse both my sons in different cultural experiences so they can be their best and most well-rounded selves. My hope is that I can provide this experience for all children.

Once you purchase and receive my books, feel free to share pictures of them on any of my social media platforms. I am on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also leave book reviews for any one of the books you purchase directly on this website. I appreciate any support you offer and thank you in advance!

Love and light,

Kira

Patrice is a person with good energy. I was attracted to her energy when I met her many years ago through a mutual friend. She is someone that attracts people from all walks of life and spreads joy wherever she goes. It’s no surprise that she took her good juju and made it into her calling.

She is a woman on a Self-Love Mission.

As a result of her personal experience as a black woman trying to find her footing in corporate America, she became a race- based trauma healer. She works with black women to help them manage the buckling pressure they experience in traditional workforce. She later left her corporate job and dedicated herself full-time to her yoga practice to allow black women to have a safe space to share their experiences freely without judgement and use yoga as a way to cope with toxic stress. She has expanded her current practice, Araminta Wellness by offering virtual classes, retreats, wellness products, and other services. I am honored that she was willing to share her story for others looking to receive these services and start their own path to healing.

Tell us what led you to this line of work?

The short answer is my own wellness journey. I saw the benefits that a consistent yoga practice created in my life and wanted to share this gift with others.

How has helping others impacted your own personal journey?

Phew, this is THE question of the moment. It has both enhanced and detracted from my own wellness journey. Helping others leads to helping myself AND highlights parts of my wellness journey that need to be addressed.

As a recovering people pleaser, it is important for me to learn to set boundaries and to not neglect my own self-care practices while attempting to support others.

On the other hand, seeing other people benefit from these practices encourages me to continue on this journey and to continue sharing this beautiful practice.

What do you think helping professionals should keep in mind when working with black women?

That race-based trauma is real and therefore most (if not all) Black women are working through trauma. I also think it’s very important to be culturally aware and to create spaces where Black women feel welcome as they are.

How can yoga be a part of mental health care?

I personally think yoga is an essential part of mental health care. I think of it as the “gateway drug” for exploring both mental and physical wellness.

It is my belief that a lot of folx are walking around with big feelings, trauma, chronic pain, etc. but are too busy, hurt, disconnected, or overwhelmed to sit with and feel the discomfort. I believe that yoga practices offer a safe space to begin to connect with your body, mind and spirit and inquire about what is true in this moment.

For example, when you take time to sit and breathe deeply you may notice that your heartbeat slows down and you feel calmer and more relaxed. Without the contrast of taking the time to sit in stillness you may not notice your racing heartbeat (which can be a sign of discomfort such as anxiety) that you didn’t feel calm before.

What do you see yourself doing in five years?

Chile, I have no idea. I used to have big plans, now in my hippie phase I don’t have time-sensitive goals. My overall goal in life right now is to embrace more joy, peace, liberation, luxury, and wellness.

What advice can you offer new business owners who are just starting on their entrepreneurial journey?

Just start, follow your calling, and see what happens. The entrepreneurial journey is not always rainbows and butterflies and smooth sailing but betting on yourself is so empowering. No matter how many people are offering what you want to offer, none of them are you and that’s your power.

I also think it’s very important to have other entrepreneurial-minded folx around you because this journey can get lonely and people that don’t understand won’t understand and may discourage you from following your dreams. People that get it can be a great support when you forget your why and your power.

Where will you be popping up at next?

Lol, I have no idea, this is the question I’m asked most often. I’m in a space of transition and I’m not rushing the process. I am led by the callings of my spirit and at this moment I don’t feel a sense of urgency to create/do anything. But I do want to begin offering more consistent in-person community offerings soon.

Where can people find you online if they want to contact you for services?

Instagram: @aramintawellness @patricecgraham

Website: www.aramintawellness.com and www.patricecgraham.com

Email: aramintawellness@gmail.com and hello@patricecgraham.com

Shamina embodies this principle to the fullest. She went through life-changing experiences that could have broken her but instead she used her testimony to help and uplift other women who have gone through similar experiences. Through meeting her, I truly understand how beautiful of a soul she is. She has a quiet strength. This makes her easily a woman to be reckoned with and probably led her to working with others to help them uncover their own inner strength. It is my pleasure to bring you her story so that you too can learn about all this dynamic woman has to offer!

How did you get your start as a poet? Poetry was a natural talent gifted to me. I began writing poetry in elementary school; poetry became a way to cope with issues that I was facing involving molestation and multiple sexual assaults I survived and domestic violence. Tell us more about your background as a writer. It took me decades to identify as a writer and I still struggle with that title today. Adopting the title poet is simply easier, because writing poetry comes naturally whereas writing in general, not so much. But I will publish my first fictional novel next fall. Also, I’m looking to publish another compilation of poetry next spring.

Your company, Life Lines Professional Services, LLC, provides writing therapy for those looking to heal from trauma. How did you come up with this mission and why do you believe that writing can actually heal? Well, I inadvertently came up with the mission. I knew writing was therapeutic for me and was a way that I could positively cope with the pain and isolation that I often felt. And I thought, this could possibly help others, and you don’t have to be a natural at writing to reap the benefits. I found myself volunteering for a local organization, Interact, where I worked the crisis hotline for years. I later pitched an idea of a writing group to the organization, and it was accepted. I was paired with the sexual assault group. God is amazing and funny in this way. So, when I decided to publish my book, I also wanted to provide a service for survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence that was outside the realms of traditional therapy and here we are.

You wrote a book in 2020 called In the Midst of Me. Can you tell us more about your book and how it came to be? This is my first book baby. Many of the pieces in this work are over 15 years old. I knew I wanted my work published, so for years I applied to endless poetry competitions, with my work never being selected, but hundreds of dollars invested. A few of my pieces appeared in a Canadian poetry anthology, but then I shifted my focus to self-publishing.

How would you suggest one get their start in writing? Write, every day, even if it’s just 20 minutes a day. Constantly activate your creativity through hobbies and read the books related to the genre you are interested in.  What resources are out there for those looking to self-publish like you? Kindle Direct Publishing, YouTube, Bowker and research a great editor. All writers are not editors. There are also a few women I learned a great deal from that offer great insight and services for inspiring writers, such as Sharai Robbin and Monique D. Mensah.

What is one lesson you hope people get from your journey as a writer? As a writer, your story needs to be told and there is a space for people to hear it. We all have a story to tell.

We would love to hear some of your poetry. Can you provide us with a brief excerpt from your poetry book? ❝…deep inside the wholeness of my incompleteness, there resides an honesty that I’m afraid of
memories that terrify and lose me completely
deep within is a love that springs forth with utterances of peace, serenity, confidence and joy…healing
deep are the bruises, scars, soul ties that still leave scorn…❞

Where can people find you online if they want to reach out about your services?
IG: @lifelinesproservllc

Twitter: @lifelinesforyou

Pinterest: Life Lines Professional Services, LLC

FaceBook: Life Lines Professional Services, LLC 

https://www.lifelinesllc.com/

I am also thankful for the “allies” that have come out to support black owned business owners. Allies are people that understand the disparities that occur in the black communities and are taking action to remove those disparities by speaking out against them and promoting solutions to help black communities get more financial support. I appreciate and love this, although at times I become skeptical and question if this is simply a trend. Regardless of the motives, the support is appreciated, and I hope that this continues for years to come.

It is important that I also be an “ally” to fellow black business owners. It is crucial to create a sense of community despite our differences and come together as a united front. In my experience as a newbie, I have met other new business owners who not only have great products but possess great character. Since Christmas is coming up, what better time to highlight them so that they can be supported with your dollars. Here are the black businesses that I love that I hope you will support:

1.) Graffiti Panda- this eclectic, innovative accessory business focuses on bright colors and bold patterns to offer unique alternatives to the everyday, mundane options available in more mainstream settings. Each piece of jewelry feels like a one of a kind piece even if it isn’t and adds some brightness to your day. The collection also has really cute clutches and cross body bags that mix patterns, so you add pop of color to your outfits. In addition to the owner’s hand-made pieces being unique and beautiful, Ashley is also a very nice person. I mean character means everything to me and if your character is questionable, I am not supporting your business. The product, mission, and character of the individual are all things I look at before I throw my hard-earned money behind a business. Feel free to visit Ashley’s website to browse her pieces and make a purchase if you so choose.

2.) African American the Beautiful- this female owned apparel company displays the artwork from the business owner, Nadia, on all of her items. She also includes jewelry in her collection and the jewelry colors are incorporated into some of her apparel so you can match your jewelry to your outfit, which I love! I once vended beside her and let me tell you, her business game is on 10!  I am so impressed when I see people younger than me running their own business and with a level of professionalism that you don’t expect because of their young age. Just know that you are in good hands when you shop with her.

3.) Spiked Kitchen- I don’t really have a sweet tooth so for me to love a dessert means it MUST be good. Spiked Kitchen specializes in luxury decadent desserts that range from gold dusted strawberries to Hennessy cupcakes to hot chocolate bombs. I tried her spiked cupcakes at an event I attended and was floored. They were so good with just the right amount of alcohol. I also purchased her hot chocolate bombs for Thanksgiving, which was my first time ever trying anything like that. I followed how she used it on her Instagram and the magic of seeing the bomb transform into milk chocolatey goodness was amazing to me. She is even doing hot chocolate bombs with lucky charms too. She also does cakes which are amazing to look at and I am sure equally as delicious. I am not a big fondant fan but I’m sure that her cake batter more than makes up for the fondant taste. I like how she makes her desserts and I think that her creativity stands out in an industry where everyone is pretty much doing the same thing. So, if you are in the Raleigh- Durham area, take a chance and try her desserts. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

4.) My Well Read Child- In a world where blacks are underrepresented in children’s books, this online bookstore specializes in featuring books with black protagonists. She also gives new authors the opportunity to have their books in her online store, which she offers at a very low monthly cost. She is also a consummate professional who ensures that you receive timely payouts for your books. I had my book, Trey the Chef, featured in her store and I appreciated how she treated me as an author and her prompt and courteous communications with me. I have had some bad experiences as a new author eager and unknowingly trusting the wrong people in business and getting screwed over as a result. Toni Settles, the owner of My Well Read Child, is not one of them. As a new author you can trust in her. As a parent, caregiver, teacher, etc. you can be sure that you will get quality books because these books are curated by an author herself. Make sure to check out My Well Read Child for more info!

5.) KaBreek cosmetics- I am a BIG makeup fan and indulge in makeup even if I am not going anywhere (which is the current case now due to Co-vid). I love quality makeup but have dedicated this year in particular to shopping black owned makeup products. So far, when it comes to small businesses, nothing I have tried beats this brand! I mean the variety of options in terms of makeup sets is competitive as well as the luxurious feel of the glosses and staying power of matte lipsticks. I was hesitant at first to take a chance on this makeup since this was this person’s first endeavor into this market. Kendreeka Carrington by trade is an aesthetician who owns her own business and is best known as the “Brow Savior.” I watched tons of her makeup tutorials before taking the plunge to purchase and I am so glad I did. I use her makeup just as much as those mainstream high-end brands and can see myself continuing to purchase from her in the future. Nothing beats good quality, inexpensive makeup and being that this company is black-owned, I implore you to check it out here.

6.) Blush Essentials- Nothing also beats great skincare! Nothing. I need to do a better job of self-care and taking care of my skin (I am frugal in this department). However, after meeting Ithiopia Meekeda at an event and seeing her products, I tried her Let My Mango body butter and fell absolutely in love. Not only did it smell amaaaaaaaazing but it moisturized my skin well too. She then sent me more products to try when I was a giveaway winner and I continued to buy because her products are Grade A quality. Her body butters are not just ideal for dry winter skin but I used them on my son who suffers with eczema. One of the body butters “Naked” comes with no smells or additives so this was perfect for my son’s sensitive skin. Ithiopia has now branched into other products such as scrubs and raw African black soap so there is more than just body butter for you to try to combat winter skin. I recently ordered a coconut sugar scrub from her and I can’t wait to smell it or try it! Her skincare products are just as sweet and soothing as she is when you meet her. She embodies her line of skincare and again it is just as important for me to support the person as it is the product.

As you can see, all these recommendations are products I have tried out myself and can stand behind. I received no monetary compensation for these endorsements and have no reason to lie to you about the quality of these products I am recommending. I pride myself on highlighting companies with not just great products but high ethical standards that go along with those businesses. If there are some black owned businesses and products that you also love, please make sure to comment below so that others can know about them too. I receive a significant amount of traffic to this website so it is important to me that all great black owned business are highlighted and receive the appropriate recognition they deserve. As I saw in a recent Instagram post, “supporting black owned businesses is not about vengeance, it is about economic empowerment.” If you consider yourself an ‘ally’, then it takes more than some social media posts; you must be willing to take action to level the playing field. Supporting black owned businesses with your dollars is one way you can do this.

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and see you in the new year!

Love and light,

Kira

First and foremost, my latest book “The Barrel” will be coming soon. The illustrator is very meticulous and is taking her sweet time on these illustrations but it’s all good because she does good work. I LOVE what she has so far so I know you will too. It’s almost like something out of a cartoon or Pixar movie. It’s THAT good. So, patience is a virtue and I will be patient and hope you will do the same. If you don’t follow me on social media, this ebook will be about collective cooperation. It is intended for children between the age of 6-8 but I think that all children older and younger can grasp this concept. The Barrel is about the demise of a family of crabs who unfortunately can’t get it together to help one another. This book does not have a happy ending so if you are looking for a fairy tale type story, this is not it! It emphasizes the importance of working together for the greater good. So, I hope you like it. I leave it up to interpretation what exact concepts I am referring to with the story I have told.

The next book that will coming out after this is Carrie the Photographer in the fall. Now this book will be in print version and ebook version. It is the story of a Latinx girl who has an eating disorder. It encourages girls to look deeper within as well as love their natural bodies too. With social media, there is so pressure to be perfect and fit this body image that is unattainable. So, I want young girls to embrace their authentic selves and realize that their uniqueness is what makes them beautiful. I have an illustrator who shares the same background as the lead character so there will be all those LatinX touches in the book that will highlight the aspects of this culture. I can’t wait….

I have a vendor event coming up where I will be selling my books. I will be at The Black Flea Market at the Kappa Center in Raleigh on Sunday, August 30th. This will be my third event there, so I am excited. I enjoy working with Queen Hustle and find the whole Black Flea Market experience to be so inviting and exciting. I have had some bad experiences with certain vendors (they will remain nameless) but Queen Hustle is A1; both professional and personable. I thank Queen Hustle for making me a part of their regular lineup.

Coming very soon, I will be on 103.9 The Light; at least my voice will be. The radio station will be running regular radio ads about my business from 8/23-8/30. So, make sure to listen up to hear more about my business and SUPPORT, SUPPORT, SUPPORT! I can’t say this enough…I can not do what I do without money so please make sure to support. The ebooks I provide for free were not illustrated for free. Illustrators cost money and yes, even though I get some good deals it is still hundreds of dollars. I am not going to beg because I have too much pride for that, lol, but I do want you to understand that when you can and if you can, please support with your dollars. I want to be able to continue to offer free ebooks to you to spread my books among the masses but can’t continue to afford to do that if you don’t buy my books that come with a price. I try my very best to also use my dollars to support other small black businesses and would appreciate any support that can be offered in return. Thanks in advance!

Finally this month, I will be doing an interview centered around the viral Coronavirus ebook “Why We Stay Home” by medical students, Samantha Harris and Devon Scott. It has had over 40,000 downloads, translated in multiple languages, and was actually featured on the PBS news hour. In addition, it is inspired the two medical students to create a whole Millie and Suzie series, where they discuss various type of doctors and parts of the body. I love this! They are medical students writing children’s books about health and black to boot? I knew I had to interview them.

Well that’s about it. I am glad you tuned in and hope to see you back soon!

Love and light,

Kira