We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kewanta Brooks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kewanta below.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I began my journey as a classroom teacher. I taught 5th grade in all subjects. Then 5th Science. One of my biggest challenges was finding educational, relevant, and engaging resources that were rigorous and met the unique needs of my students. So, like many great teachers, I had to create those resources myself. Then in 2017, I became a first-time mom. I wanted to expose my child, now children, to fun and kid-friendly characters that looked like them. I did not want them to shuffle through low-value kids’ content mindlessly. So, I found myself, once again, creating resources for my children.
It is important to note that I was a model classroom teacher and trainer. I left the classroom in 2014 and started my own education consulting firm. I traveled all over the country speaking at different conferences. I also trained teachers on district-wide and campus-wide levels. I paused all business to have a family. Then in 2019, I was finally ready to relaunch my firm with a new website and a renewed vision.
Then Covid.
The streets were closed. The schools were closed. And no administrator or teacher wanted to learn about how to manage a classroom or teach students with different learning abilities.
So, I had an “aha” moment.
What if I created a brand for parents and students who were now stuck at home?
Enter… Elite Kids TV.
Elite Kids TV is a comprehensive learning platform enhanced by entertainment and diversity. Or, “Edtech with a whole lot of Excellence!” We have screen free learning- books and flashcards. We have school essentials like backpacks and notebooks. We have home essentials like throw pillows and shower curtains. We also have screen learning. All of our videos are available on our YouTube channel. All products and videos feature members of the Elite Kids crew. A group of four brilliant and black kid characters. Kids 10 and under, which include toddlers, can learn everything from phonics to space science. How to make a sandwich to how to start a business. Kids are learning core subjects, literacy, and life skills.
Since launching Elite Kids TV in April 2020, I have won grants and pitch competitions. I raised over $30,000 from my efforts. Elite Kids TV has been featured in Forbes, NBC, and The Dallas Morning News.
Elite Kids TV is a love letter from an award-winning educator and loving parent to not only my children but to children all over the globe.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
I sell on my own site, Amazon, and Etsy. For me, it is important to be present everywhere. You just never know where potential customers will discover your brand. I picked BigCommerce over Shopify because at the time to launch BigCommerce had fewer fees. I think it is important for new companies and start-ups to consider cash flow over sparkle.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I am still working on staying consistent with a newsletter. However, I think it is important to take advantage of social media. I am establishing Elite Kids TV on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. I also have a Bonjoro account. This has been huge for my business. I can send personalized videos to paying customers. They love this. I have received a lot of reviews that I can then use as social proof.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elitekidstv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitekidstv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elitekidstv
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/64930475
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncDG6fmNEZn86JwjPBjl1Q