Today we’d like to introduce you to Nkoya Kidd

Hi Nkoya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My story began when I was pregnant, afraid, and feeling powerless. I was constantly anxious and worried about my well-being as a Black woman who was about to give birth to a Black child. I had heard all the horror stories about labor and delivery, and mentally, I was not prepared to bring a human into this world. When the time came to give birth, I allowed discomfort and pain to take over my mind throughout the entire labor. After returning home with my daughter, I suffered from postpartum depression. Motherhood felt very lonely to me. Yet, there was one thing that brought me true joy during that time—watching my daughter master her milestones. She was fearless, courageous, powerful, and determined—everything that I felt I wasn’t during my postpartum stage. I wanted to be just like her, so I set out to do just that. One way I achieved this was by shifting my mindset and saying daily affirmations. This inspired me to write a book series for children that focuses on affirmations. I concluded that we are born fearless and powerful, but along the way, life happens, and we begin to disconnect from our identity. I knew Warrior Nori Books would help children stay connected to their identity. The goal is to lessen the number of children who will grow into adults and have to reconnect with their identity.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

The journey has not been smooth. I’ve faced many hurdles, some big and some small, but I’ve maintained the mindset that life was happening for me. I started writing the book series in the spring of 2022 and officially launched it in January 2023. Unfortunately, the printing company I used caused a significant delay, leaving me without any books at the launch event. To make matters worse, all presale orders were sent out with distorted copies. It was a disaster. Just as I overcame that challenge, I was laid off from my job, which was a shock. It was a bittersweet moment—while it gave me time to bond with my daughter, it also added financial stress. A few months later, I discovered I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, a life-changing event that brought both excitement and a new set of challenges. I then became a full-time mom to two beautiful girls, while also juggling work and entrepreneurship. Life became increasingly stressful, and I found myself spending less time on things I loved, like writing and community involvement. I had to make some tough decisions to create the time to invest in myself and my passions. Looking back, I’m beyond grateful for making those “big girl” decisions.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

Warrior Nori Books is a series created to empower Black and Brown children, reminding them of their inherent self-worth. Each book in the series centers around a powerful affirmation. The first book, Warrior Nori: No Crabby Comments Allowed, focuses on the affirmation “I am perfect!”—a vital message that every child needs to know: they are perfect just as God made them.

But Warrior Nori Books is more than just a series—it’s a community. We provide a supportive space where moms can feel seen and heard, building a village for mothers and their little warriors. We host quarterly Mommy & Me events where moms can connect with like-minded women, share tips, and exchange resources. These events are always a great time!

Through our email list, we share valuable resources with moms, including information on community events, healthy recipes, and fun arts and crafts activities to enjoy with their little ones.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch the second book in the series within the next year. We’re also expanding our read-aloud tours beyond the Chicagoland area and planning to open a play space where children can learn, unleash their creativity, and simply be kids.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

My mind is powerful. By embracing gratitude and positivity each day, I can unlock a lifetime of blessings and happiness.

Pricing:

• Warrior Nori: No Crabby Comments Allowed $21.99
• Warrior Nori Affirmations Coloring Book $17.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://warriornori.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriornoribooks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551938708243

Image Credits

Headshot by Chris Burnett
Social IG: @chrisxburnett