Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyatta Scott.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I loved reading books as a little girl. I also knew that, whatever career I was in, it would involve children, in some way. I minored in English in Undergrad, at UIC, and completed a Post-Graduate Fellowship in Child Development and Early Childhood Education at Yale University. I worked at a Children’s Museum, taking snakes out of tanks and holding them for the children to pet. I was a Camp Counselor and School Tutor. I eventually became an SLPA, working for Early Intervention, with children 0-3yo, on the West Side of Chicago. It was through this work that I noticed a disparity of diversity in our community. We were lacking readily available positive images and values for our children of color to aspire to. I also felt compelled to return to my love of books and children. This was my gift. I sat down to write and The Violet Book Series was created, with the assistance of friends and Divine intervention.
Great, 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?
No, the road has not been smooth. I have experience roadblocks, detours, a few wrong turns, and stalls. However, I know that nothing happens by mistake or by accident. Every experience is one we can learn from and our No’s get us closer to our Yes. I had to navigate through a few Illustrators, rewriting stories, publishing hiccups, etc. My advice for young women just starting their journey is to sit down and write. Tell the story you want to tell, being as authentic as humanly possible. Once the story is out, then you can decide where you’d like to go next but you must first put pen to paper or fingers to keys. Also, be kind to Everyone. It costs you nothing. However, to not be, can cost you Everything.
Please tell us about The Violet Book Series.
I am the Author/Creator of The Violet Book Series. This is a Children’s Book Series, featuring Children of Color, with a focus on morals and values. We currently sell books and children’s apparel, which is sold primarily online at www.thevioletbookseries.com I am most proud of the opportunity to provide the world with readily available images and stories of children of color that add to a child’s increased awareness of their own identity and high self-esteem. The first book in the series, “Violet Finds A Dollar”, was featured on WCIU-TV February 2018, celebrating Diversity in Children’s Literature. The Violet Book Series was also a Chicago Parent Magazine Sponsor at The Taste of Chicago July 2018. The Violet Book Series has also created programming that has been taught in Charter/CPS Schools in the City of Chicago. This highly visible, the diverse brand sets itself apart from others by seeking to be everywhere children are so they are surrounded by positive images of themselves on a daily basis.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
I believe in genuine relationships. I initially reached out to other Authors that were already in my social media network for loose Mentorship. I was genuine and already had my book written so I was able to show that I was serious. I advise being open to feedback and thinking of the questions one would like answered beforehand. As outgoing as I appear to be, I am not a fan of networking events or directly approaching someone I do not know so I thrive in the area of genuine connections with other business-oriented men and women that may not work directly in my field but can add value in other areas, such as advising me on marketing strategies, speaking points, etc. These things have worked well for me. Please and thank you also goes a long way. Thank those who support you and encourage those who may not.
Pricing:
- Books are $15
- T-shirts are $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thevioletbookseries.com
- Phone: (773) 709-2045
- Email: kenyattascott@letstalkincorporated.net
- Instagram: The Violet Book Series
Image Credit:
Nikki Scalzitti, Sharla Walford, Amber Green
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