Meet Kimani Haley

We were lucky to catch up with Kimani Haley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimani, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience came from being told “no” and being knocked on my behind by repeated rejection throughout my life. It seems as if Rejection has plagued me throughout my life, whether it was in relationships, social opportunities or professional advancement. It’s something about people letting you know that they don’t want you that makes you find your own way.

We all have strengths and weaknesses. My weaknesses are weak, but my strengths are very strong! I allowed people’s, organizations’, and institutions’ perceptions of me and/or responses to me to determine whom I thought I was. I’ve been angry, sad, bitter, and resentful because I wasn’t accepted. I knew what I brought to the tables with my personality, character, skills, work ethic, etc., but they didn’t see it. I didn’t understand how they couldn’t see it when I (and everyone else) could see it.

After the last “no”, I got out of the “rat race” and went my own way. I didn’t need a team or a panel of interviewers to tell me to go ahead and start my own business, which is an extension of what I’d already been doing for 20+ years. My true passion and joy is in reading and writing, which is why I love being an English teacher, but as the face of English education starts to change, my job as an English teacher has changed as well. I know that change is inevitable and necessary, and it doesn’t have to always happen to me. Change can happen for me and can be initiated by me, so I bounced back.

The “no’s” and disappointments made me uncomfortable with trying to be accepted within certain spaces. I was tired of feeling woeful and decided to continue to do what I love but in my own way. I began KNotED (not knotted) by Kimani, an editing business! I can still teach and help people with their writing (outside of state testing requirements). My business is mine, and no one can tell me that I can’t have it or that I can’t be in it. I am strong and powerful and will always bounce back, as long as there is breath in my body!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am currently working as a high school English teacher and also serve as the founder and CEO of KNotED (not knotted) by Kimani, which is an editing and writing service. My journey in education began in 2001 when I started teaching 7th-graders, and I have been passionate about teaching ever since. However, last year, I made the decision to explore my love for editing and writing on a different level.

While teaching is fulfilling, it also comes with various demands that can sometimes limit the creativity and freedom of educators. As the editor and writer for my own business, I am able to engage in reading, editing, and writing while maintaining my personal freedom of expression and creativity.

Writing holds a special place in my heart as it allows individuals to express themselves, teach, learn, and reflect. It serves as a powerful tool for those who may be hesitant to speak their thoughts aloud or communicate with others directly. Through writing, we can truly showcase our authentic selves, and our words continue to resonate even after we are gone. The impact of words is truly remarkable and captivating.

Whether it’s a journal, book, essay, dissertation, social media post, poem, resume, letter, bio, obituary, song, or advertisement, the written word is essential. Just think about authors and writers who share their stories with the world. Without writing, they would have to repeatedly retell their stories, which would be exhausting.

To showcase my writing skills, I have recently started a blog section on my website, www.knoted-by-kimani.com. This has opened up opportunities for me to venture into freelance writing. In addition to editing and proofreading for clients, I have also begun offering freelance writing services and will soon be providing ghostwriting services as well.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
In my journey, I have found three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had a significant impact on me. Firstly, my ability to establish and maintain connections with people from diverse backgrounds has been invaluable. This skill allows me to engage in meaningful conversations and learn from others. I particularly enjoy conversing with avid readers, as their insights expand my understanding of the world beyond my immediate surroundings. Secondly, my knowledge of writing conventions and the writing process, coupled with my ability to be creative with writing, has been instrumental in my professional growth. This combination allows me to effectively communicate my ideas while maintaining my unique voice and style. Lastly, my desire to be a lifelong learner has been a driving force behind my personal and professional development. I believe that learning is a continuous process, and the more I read and explore, the more I realize how much there is to discover. This thirst for knowledge fuels my growth and motivates me to constantly improve.

These qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge have played a crucial role in moving my business, KNotED by Kimani, forward. Additionally, I have learned the importance of investing in oneself, both financially and emotionally. Taking advantage of trainings and classes and being open to learning from others, have been keys to my success. I also believe in the power of networking and building connections outside of one’s immediate circle. By reaching out to individuals who are already successful in your desired field, you can gain valuable insights and opportunities. It is important to approach these interactions with humility and a willingness to learn from others.

Remember, there is enough room for everyone to succeed. If you find that there is no space for you at the table where you are seeking to sit, have the courage to build your own table. By investing in yourself, seeking knowledge, and expanding your network, you can create your own path(s) to success.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest area of growth in the past 12 months has been in stepping outside of my comfort zone. For most of my life, I followed a safe and traditional path. I graduated from high school, went straight to college, completed my degree in four years, and began working as a teacher at the age of 22. I diligently saved for retirement, obtained my Master’s degree, had my son, got married (in a non-traditional order), and even earned my principal’s license. While I am proud of my longevity in my career, I must admit that I started to feel a sense of stagnation. With more years behind me than ahead, I felt a growing disappointment within myself and a need for change.

Since my teenage years, I have always had a knack for editing people’s writing, even without their request. Over the years, I found myself constantly editing for others, often for free. Additionally, I spent countless hours at home (and at friends’ houses) grading student work and planning lessons. While I enjoyed these activities, I realized that I could have been investing that time into my own editing business, catering to adult clients.

My dissatisfaction led me to create my own business, KNotED by Kimani. In April of 2023, I took the leap and officially started my own business. I was scared, as I had never ventured into entrepreneurship before. However, I remembered my friend’s advice to “do it scared”, and that’s exactly what I did. I established my LLC, set up my website, sought guidance from a business coach, and pushed myself to promote and network with other business owners, both established and starting out. Despite my initial discomfort, I embraced the concept of pivoting and thinking outside of the box to change the trajectory of my path and enhance my self-worth.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jasmine Robinson – ssphotography31.mypixieset.com

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Where does your generosity come from?

Over the years, we have consistently been blown away by the examples of generosity we’ve

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your