We were lucky to catch up with Aleisha Kelly recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aleisha, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

My kids inspire me every day to write empowering stories for young boys. I started sketching story ideas and researching children’s literature, dedicating late nights to writing and learning about publishing. Setting up a home workspace, networking with illustrators, and creating a website were key steps. It took about a year to go from idea to execution, but seeing my first book in print was a dream come true.

Aleisha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a devoted single boy mom who writes children’s books aimed at empowering young boys. Inspired by my faith in God and the love I have for my children, I ventured into this industry to create literature that resonates with young minds and hearts. My journey began with the realization that there was a need for more diverse and empowering stories for boys, particularly Black American boys, sparking my passion for writing children’s books.

I offer a range of creative works, primarily children’s books that focus on themes of empowerment, confidence, and imagination. These stories are designed to not only entertain but also inspire young readers to see their unique potential. By diversifying children’s literature, I aim to address the lack of representation and provide stories that all children can relate to and learn from. Additionally, I am committed to helping increase the literacy rate among Black American boys through my work.

What sets my work apart is the heartfelt inspiration behind each story. My kids motivate me to write, and each book is a reflection of their experiences and dreams. This personal connection adds authenticity and depth to my stories, making them relatable and impactful.

I am most proud of the positive feedback I receive from parents and children who find joy and inspiration in my books. Hearing that my stories have sparked a child’s imagination or boosted their confidence is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces my mission to create meaningful literature that makes a difference.

The main thing I want readers to know about my brand is that it’s driven by love and a genuine desire to empower the next generation. My books, featuring Black American boy leads, are crafted with care, aiming to foster a love for reading and learning. Through exciting and empowering tales, I hope to inspire young readers to embrace their unique potential and dream big.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding my business has been a journey of determination and careful planning. From the outset, I decided to bootstrap my business, working diligently to ensure that I could run a debt-free operation. My goal is to maintain financial independence and avoid debt as I scale and grow my business.

To gather the initial capital, I relied on my day job, carefully budgeting and setting aside savings specifically for my business. This meant making sacrifices and prioritizing my spending to ensure I could allocate enough funds to get my children’s books off the ground. Each paycheck, I dedicated a portion to cover the costs of writing, editing, illustration, and self-publishing.

In addition to my savings, I also sought out cost-effective solutions and resources. I networked with other authors, joined writing groups for support, and learned as much as I could about the self-publishing process to minimize expenses. By leveraging free or low-cost tools and platforms, I was able to reduce costs while maintaining the quality of my work.

Bootstrapping has allowed me to retain full control over my creative vision and business decisions. It has also instilled a strong sense of discipline and resourcefulness. While it hasn’t always been easy, this approach has given me the flexibility to grow at my own pace without the pressure of debt.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Certainly! Here’s a concise version:

Building my audience on social media, particularly on YouTube, has been an exciting journey. I started by creating a YouTube channel where I read my stories out loud to my viewers. Some may question this approach as it gives my stories away for free, but my goal is to build a following that trusts my writing and connects with my work.

By sharing high-quality, engaging content and interacting with my audience through comments, I’ve fostered a loyal community. My advice for those starting their social media presence is to be authentic, consistent, and not afraid to share your work for free to build trust. Engage with your followers and listen to their feedback.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire young readers and their families. By sharing my stories on YouTube, I’ve been able to reach a wider audience and make a positive impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://3koolkings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3koolkings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3KoolKings
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleisha-kelly-473865249/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@3koolkings881