We recently connected with Kamilah Antoine and have shared our conversation below.
Kamilah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My mom has several famous quotes, and one of them is, “Either you fail to plan or plan to fail”. Growing up with a single mom who immigrated from Panama to the US as a child, I was instilled with a strong work ethic. My mother imparted valuable lessons, emphasizing the significance of faith, compassion, hard work, and education for shaping a better future. Among these crucial teachings, she consistently stressed the importance of planning and having backup options. So, when I entered college at 17 and unexpectedly became pregnant with my son, Steven, two years later, I instinctively began contemplating my plans and alternatives once the initial shock subsided. It marked the first time I had to confront my future and make decisions for my son’s life. While carrying Steven, I diligently wrote, erased, and rewrote the blueprint for our future; I’m yearning to find those legal pads now!
My comprehensive plan included timelines, micro goals, and actionable steps. I shared these plans with my mom and sister for accountability, and then I set out to achieve them. Though they might not have fully believed my plan, I had unwavering confidence in myself and they did too. My mom openly shared her own story of becoming a young mother at 19, and I believe it motivated her to urge us to plan and take proactive steps. Perhaps it was also rooted in her father’s success in strategically relocating the family to the US in the 1950s, at a time when this was no easy task for an immigrant of color. Whatever the inspiration, practicing self-awareness and envisioning a future with a solid action plan, was ahead of its time when we learned these tools from our mom in the 1980s and 1990s. These simple, yet powerful life strategies have profoundly influenced my professional career as a school counselor, where I led journaling practices for student groups, as well as my role as a Professional Growth Coach, conducting annual Vision Workshops.
Kamilah, 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?
In my pursuit of reducing my student loan debt, as I School Counselor, I took on a part time role as a consultant with Premier Designs, a direct sales jewelry company. Little did I know that this side gig would bring me so much joy and fulfillment. While I loved the sparkle and the products, what truly captured my heart was the “people side” of the business. Over the span of a decade, I had the privilege of connecting with thousands of women all over the country, engaging in sales, mentoring, and helping them establish their own businesses.
During this time, I was invited to share my sales experiences and business strategies, and it was during these speaking engagements that I began contemplating a different path for my life. I realized that I genuinely felt called to connect with people on a deeper level and support their personal growth and development. With this newfound passion, I decided to explore the world of coaching and training.
After thorough research, I chose to join the John Maxwell Leadership Team, a renowned certification program. However, unexpectedly, Premier Designs closed its doors in 2020. Undeterred, I fully committed myself to launching my JMT practice alongside my full time job as an educator. That’s when I founded Positively Devoted Life, LLC, with a focus on training and coaching.
To further enhance my coaching expertise in 2022, I delved into the art of coaching and obtained a certificate in Personal Development Coaching from The CAPP (Coaching and Positive Psychology) Institute. This additional training has enriched my ability to empower and uplift those I work with on their personal journey of growth and positive change.
As a coach and trainer, I assist my clients in their personal development quest by supporting them with growth goals and action-steps. I help build self-confidence, manage priorities, navigate career transitions, establish businesses, improve communication skills, and develop healthy habits. Through guidance and support, I empower my clients to achieve their goals and lead fulfilling lives.
What makes Positively Devoted Life unique is that I believe in your vision and your ability upfront. I am authentically devoted to YOUR big picture, while also keeping you reminded that it takes one step at a time to climb a mountain. There is no doubt that you will face ups and downs, so please expect that I will keep it real with you, as we plan for obstacles out the gate. I’m all about the fun and work it takes to give your vision legs!
I am most excited by the consistent and successful outcomes that my clients have when they trust me to coach them and they are willing to do the work it takes during (and outside) our sessions. When working with me individually and in groups, expect to lead the way. Remember this is your journey, I’m simply there to ask probing questions, highlight potential obstacles, explore options, and consult where I have expertise.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
For the past year, I have been experiencing medical issues that have disrupted the momentum I have built in my business for the past 3 years. You can never prepare for health challenges, especially in your 40’s, so Positively Devoted Life stalled during 2022 as I tried to make sense of what was going on with my body. During the many appointments with doctors and specialists, I wondered if this would be the end of my business, and if I should shift my focus and “close down”. Many months passed and I still didn’t see any health improvements, leading to an unplanned pivot in my full time professional career. Despite being in physical pain and emotionally feeling like my life was crumbling around me, with the support of my amazing husband and family, I continued to work with coaching clients one on one and kicked off the year with my 2023 Vision Workshop to keep Positively Devoted Life open for business.
After one year, two surgeries, and countless appointments, I am still battling a chronic pain condition that has impacted my lower spine and nerves. Everyday is a mental battle and I find myself using my own coaching strategies to push forward. I am living and healing through my obstacles, with a stubborn yet relentless commitment to live a Positively Devoted Life.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Being a strong entrepreneur means being a lifelong learner. As a certified member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team, every new series in my business begins with a book. So, of course, I will have at least one book from the John C. Maxwell collection on my list. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, by John C. Maxwell, has been game changing when done in a coaching group and with action steps. It helped launch my business with intention and purpose, and when done within my groups, it provides strategic accountability. Disruptive Thinking by Bishop T.D. Jakes is also in my top 3 instrumental reads. It helped me to understand why I have a new “outside the box” business idea every other day, I am a Disruptive Thinker! Lastly, a book by an author that is not as well known. Dream It Live It by Shane Perry Sr. was something I read in the early development of Positively Devoted Life. It helped me to dream big, allowing God an opportunity to show me a bigger vision than I could see with my eyes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kamilahantoine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positively_devoted/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/positivelydevotedlife/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamilah-antoine-4927a8250/
Image Credits
Brian Jones Photography