Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kanika Mobley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kanika , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
You never know where life is going to take you. And sometimes, you stumble upon your purpose when you least expect it. As a young teacher, I initially focused solely on imparting knowledge, but soon, I realized my role transcended beyond academics. It was about way more than that. It was about nurturing their whole selves—mind, body, and spirit.
As I transitioned out of the classroom and into my role as a teacher coach, a quote stuck with me. “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care”-Theodore Roosevelt. This unearthed a fundamental truth: education is relational. Beyond pedagogical expertise, what truly catalyzes learning is the bond between teacher and student. Yet, it wasn’t just about fostering connections with the students; it extended to empowering fellow educators. Many possessed the skills but lacked the confidence or needed assurance that their well-being mattered. I found myself cheering on fellow educators, helping them find their groove and realize their worth. Thus, my journey evolved into motivating and equipping adults to unleash their potential for the betterment of their students.
A common thread emerged through these diverse roles: a mission and desire to empower. Initially, I didn’t grasp the full extent of this purpose, but gradually, it crystallized: empowering women to prioritize self-care, nurturing children to embrace their innate brilliance, and impacting lives through literature.
At this stage in my journey, literature has become the tool through which I disseminate empowerment. As Stories of a Colorful World, we want children to grow up embracing their bold, brilliant, and beautiful selves, so we believe they should be surrounded by stories as colorful as the world they live in.
In retrospect, my journey has been a testament to the transformative power of education and literature. It has taught me that purpose isn’t a fixed destination but a journey of self-discovery and service to others. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and striving to make a positive impact, however small, in their lives.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Stories of a Colorful World is a pioneering online children’s bookstore committed to fostering inclusivity and representation in children’s literature. We believe in the power of literature to shape perspectives, influence self-perception, and thus, we have dedicated ourselves to curating an exceptional collection of books that showcase Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) protagonists.
In a market where underrepresentation persists, our bookstore stands as a voice for change. Our emphasis is not only on featuring BIPOC main characters but also on promoting works written by BIPOC authors. We recognize the importance of authentic voices in storytelling, and by amplifying these voices, we contribute to a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of diverse experiences.
Our carefully curated collection spans various genres and age groups, ensuring that children can find stories that both captivate and mirror their own identity.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as particularly impactful:
1. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others has been crucial in my journey. It allowed me to connect deeply with my students, colleagues, and the communities I served. Developing empathy requires active listening, putting oneself in others’ shoes, and being open to diverse perspectives.
2. Effective Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential in any role, but especially in education and coaching. Being able to articulate ideas, provide feedback, and build rapport is key to fostering trust and understanding. I do not enjoy public speaking, but I have worked hard to find ways to ensure that people walk away with a message that best serves their growth.
3. Resilience: The journey towards fulfilling one’s purpose is rarely smooth sailing. There will be setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt. Resilience—the ability to bounce back from adversity—is vital for staying the course. Cultivating resilience involves developing a growth mindset, reframing failures as opportunities for learning, and building a support network of friends, family, and mentors. Developing self-care practices, such as exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies, are also vitally important to having the ability to persevere.
Seek out opportunities for growth, be open to feedback, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Remember that every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to your growth and journey toward purpose. And above all, stay true to yourself and the values that drive you forward.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, absolutely! I’m actively seeking collaborations with schools to support them in diversifying their classroom libraries and hosting book fairs. My aim is to provide resources and recommendations that reflect the rich diversity of our world, ensuring that students have access to literature that represents a wide range of voices, cultures, and experiences. By working together, we can create inclusive learning environments where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. If you’re interested in partnering with me to enhance your school’s library or book fair offerings, I’d love to connect and discuss how we can collaborate to make a meaningful impact on students’ reading experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: storiesofacolorfulworld.com
- Instagram: @storiesofacolorfulwrld
- Facebook: Stories of a Colorful World
- Youtube: @storiesofacolorfulworld7581
- Other: TikTok: @storiesofacolorfulworld
