We were lucky to catch up with Khadijah Fair recently and have shared our conversation below.

Khadijah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Once I had the idea of creating a children’s book, I was filled with excitement and anticipation. I knew that I wanted my son, Khalil, to have a book character that looked like him. A character he’d love to follow along with. So, it made perfect sense to share Khalil’s animated personality with young readers everywhere. However, I had no idea where to start or what the process would be like.

My first step was to research and understand the world of children’s books. I delved into different genres, styles, and themes to better grasp what would resonate with young readers and their families. After careful consideration, I concluded that a humorous and adventurous sprinkle with learning surprises throughout the story would perfectly fit the Oh Khalil book series.

Next, I had to find an illustrator who could bring Khalil’s vibrant character to the pages. Through networking and online platforms, I connected with a fantastic illustrator who shared my vision and believed in the idea. Despite the challenge of being in different time zones, we communicated strictly through email and worked together to overcome any obstacles that came our way.

During this process, I constantly brainstormed and developed the storyline for Oh Khalil’s first adventure. There were about four different story ideas I started before finally locking down the plot for “Oh Khalil and the Color Block Bandit.” It was important that the story had a strong foundation and would captivate young readers’ imaginations.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a Black American woman, children’s book author, and mother, my passion for storytelling, nurturing, and literacy, specifically in the urban community, led me to embark on a journey in the industry. I aim to create diverse and inclusive children’s books that reflect the experiences and backgrounds of all children. Through my stories, I transport young readers to magical worlds, introduce them to various characters, and foster a love for reading that transcends race.

I am committed to providing engaging and age-appropriate content that captivates young readers in today’s digital age. My creativity, dedication, and attention to detail ensure that each book is visually stunning and immersive. I am proud of the positive feedback and reviews I have received, knowing that my stories have brought joy, laughter, and a love for reading into the lives of children.

I am committed to this work. My primary goal was to create engaging and entertaining stories that captivate young readers and spark their imaginations. I wanted to provide them with adventures they could embark on from the comfort of their own homes, fostering a love for reading and learning.

I strive to create stories that not only entertain but also educate and broaden the perspectives of young readers. By offering diverse children’s books in every genre, I hope to positively impact young readers and contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth. Primary school educators who love my book have played a crucial role in creating a domino effect among children, sparking their interest in creating their own comic books and stories. This enthusiasm and engagement with the book have led to recommendations and referrals from educators to other parents, schools, and community members. The book’s popularity among children, who read it repeatedly, has also contributed to its visibility and positive word of mouth.

Additionally, being present on various platforms such as my website and attending different events has further helped in attracting new clients.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that illustrates my resilience is when I faced numerous rejections from funders during the early stages of my career. Despite the setbacks, I refused to give up. Instead of becoming discouraged, I used the rejections as fuel to improve my writing and storytelling skills. Learned ways to scale and project my influence.

I sought feedback from mentors, attended workshops, events, and continuously honed my craft. I didn’t let the rejections define my worth or deter me from pursuing my passion.

This experience taught me the value of resilience and the importance of believing in myself even when faced with adversity. It reinforced my determination and inspire young readers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ohkhalil.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/khadifair?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhKhalilOfficial?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khadijahfair
• Other: [email protected]