Today we’d like to introduce you to K.A. Wright.
K.A., let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Raceland LA, with my mother in a single parent home. Even though my father didn’t live with us, he was still in my life. My mother worked two jobs to make sure I had the necessities. Growing up, I was exposed to all walks of life. My experiences were both positive and negative. Nevertheless, they have shaped and molded me into the man that I am today. Early on, I discovered that I had a passion for the arts, but once I revealed it to my family, that flame was quickly smothered. I don’t believe they thought I couldn’t do it, but because of their life experiences, they simply couldn’t see my vision. Crushed, I found myself working tons of dead end jobs—Anything from the oil field, to grocery stores, to fast food restaurants, to roofing and sheet rock. You name it; I’ve probably done it.
Feeling like I needed more than just a dead end job, I attended school for massage therapy, where I became nationally certified. Hungry for more knowledge, I then enrolled into college to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. Shortly after, I moved to Houston Texas to continue my education. Out of money and resources, I found myself at a fork in the road. I remember telling my grandmother that I wasn’t as passionate about Physical Therapy as I was about being an artist. She had no idea that’s what I wanted to do. She told me to take some time out and pursue my craft, and that school would always be there. Thankfully, I took her advice.
Fast forward, years later, my greatest support comes from my family, and I find myself paying closer attention to my environment and its influence on our minds. Instead of complaining about the ills of the world we live in, I decided to become a problem solver by writing children’s books. Publishing my first children’s book meant even more when it was brought to my attention that my little 5 year-old cousin had trouble with identifying with black baby dolls. Understanding the importance of imagery and representation, I figured she just needed to see herself as a character, and in a positive light. So, I decided to name my character “Kaleah” which represents her and every other little girl who shares her struggle. I told my little cousin that the character was her, and her mind was instantly changed. It didn’t stop there. After digging a bit deeper, I realized that children everywhere were dealing with some of the same issues in relation to self-love, self worth and self-esteem. This led me to develop various characters for children from different walks of life, in hopes they too would find value within themselves.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? Lol, the road was not smooth at all. It had twists, turns, potholes, old tires, etc. but it was all for a greater good. It started with going to war with my own thoughts. I remember feeling a deep sadness and heartbroken. There were times when I used to jump a fence to sleep in an abandoned roach infested apartment, spending nights in my car, office spaces, basically anywhere I could get comfortable. Keeping clean was a priority, so bathing in the sinks of gas stations and gyms were never beneath me. Some of the worst pain came from being mistreated and kicked out of the homes of people who I thought were my friends. I even had a close encounter with death. Nonetheless, It all happened for a reason. It strengthened my character and led me to deeper understanding of life and meditation.
Creating Perfect, Just Like You was a job in itself. The job was very tedious. It consisted of very long nights, lots of editing, outlining, strategizing, defending my “why”, and even clashing with my illustrator, The GREAT STARVOS PIERCE AKA STARVOS THE ARTIST! It was all out of love. In fact, I couldn’t have done it without him. He’s a phenomenal artist and human being, and I will be working with him again in the near future. Above all else, I am grateful.
Perfect, Just Like You! – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from others?
I am the Author of Perfect, Just Like You! and its companion Coloring Book/Workbook. The reading book was written to help children struggling with any disability or disease, low self-esteem, bullying and self hate love themselves unconditionally while also respecting and embracing the differences of others. Its companion coloring book/workbook was created as a tool for parents to monitor the thoughts of their children. I am not only an Author, but also an Actor and Poet. I am proud that my work has been well received and has made a difference in people’s lives. The thing that sets me apart from others is my attention to detail, messaging, and the pure love and intention I put into my work.
If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
If I had to start over, I don’t think I would change anything. The accumulation of lessons I have learned are invaluable. Everything along my journey happened and is still happening in divine timing.
Pricing:
- Perfect, Just Like You! $18.95
- Perfect, Just Like You! Coloring Book/Workbook $14.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.perfectjustlikeyou.com
- Email: k.a.wright@perfectjustlikeyou.com
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