Kanika Mobley shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kanika, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are centered on practices that help ground me for the day. I start with a little reading, followed by a 2-mile walk or some sort of exercise, and then some meditation or journaling. This really helps me to focus. release stress, and give me energy for the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kanika Mobley, co-founder of Stories of a Colorful World. As a former classroom teacher, I saw firsthand how the right book could light up a child’s face, but too often, my students struggled to find stories with characters who truly looked like them or shared their experiences. I wanted kids to have books that mirrored their experiences and windows to help them see others.
That’s why I created Stories of a Colorful World: an online children’s bookstore dedicated to curating books with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as main characters, all written by amazing BIPOC authors. We want every child to feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are. What makes our brand special is that we don’t just sell diverse books; we build bridges, nurture confidence, and provide families and educators with easy ways to create truly inclusive bookshelves.
Currently, I’m excited to share these stories with even more kids through school book fairs, a new monthly subscription box, and partnerships with communities passionate about representation. My hope is simple: that every child finds a book where they feel like the main character, not a side note.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who truly saw me, even before I saw myself, was my fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Sapp. I had just moved to a new town, feeling unsure of how I’d fit in at a new school. But Ms. Sapp created a classroom where I was welcomed and encouraged to explore who I was. She sparked my love for reading and the arts, taking us on field trips to Broadway musicals and leading an African dance class after school. Because of her, I began to discover pieces of my identity and passions I’d never known before. Ms. Sapp’s care and creativity not only shaped the student I was, but inspired the work I do today, helping every child feel seen and celebrated in their own story.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be, “You don’t need to fit in, you are one of one. Enjoy and embrace it!”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the strength of community. I truly believe we are so much more powerful together, which is why I have no patience for unhealthy competition. For me, collaboration is everything. When we support and uplift one another, especially as entrepreneurs, educators, or creatives, we multiply our impact and all move further, faster. I see such incredible value in working together and building genuine connections, and I do my best to bring that philosophy into every part of my business and life.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I don’t think I’ve ever reached a goal or milestone and felt dissatisfied, as long as I’m passionate about the mission, that work always feels rewarding. I’ve realized, though, that over time, even meaningful opportunities can start to feel less fulfilling. When that happens, I’ve learned to see it as the Universe nudging me forward; a sign that I’ve grown too comfortable and it’s time for a new challenge. I’m getting better at listening to that feeling, trusting that it means something bigger is ready for me, and that I shouldn’t be afraid to pivot, evolve, or dream bigger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://storiesofacolorfulworld.com
- Instagram: @storiesofacolorfulwrld
- Facebook: Stories of a Colorful World
- Youtube: @storiesofacolorfulwrld
- Other: TikTok: @storiesofacolorfulwrld
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