We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kat Bailey & Porter Alawoya. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kat & Porter, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
Honestly… Canva! I know it’s not a “who,” but it’s been one of the most valuable tools in my entrepreneurial journey. Before launching Porter’s H-Town ABCs, I had never used Canva — now I’m learning to design my own flyers, social media posts, promotional materials, and even one-sheets. It’s empowered me to creatively market the book, tell our story visually, and build my brand without relying on outside help for everything.
As an independent author and small business owner, being hands-on and resourceful is key — and Canva has truly been a game-changer in helping me bring the vision to life.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Kat Bailey, a Houston author, entrepreneur, and mom of three — including my youngest, Porter, who co-authored our first children’s book together, Porter’s H-Town ABCs. I’m also the founder of Gemini Consulting, where I specialize in team growth, communication, and leadership development through workshops and training experiences.
What makes this season so special is that I’ve stepped into my author era — and it’s personal. Porter’s H-Town ABCs is a love letter to our city, celebrating Houston’s culture, landmarks, and icons through the ABCs. From A to Z-Ro, we’re teaching kids (and adults) to embrace local pride, literacy, and legacy — all from a culturally rich, Black-authored perspective.
This book is more than a project — it’s a family collaboration, a creative journey, and an intentional effort to put Houston’s culture in children’s hands. Right now, I’m focused on sharing the book with schools, libraries, and families — and inspiring others to bring their creative dreams to life, one page at a time.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
In my experience, bonds are broken by disrespect, dishonesty, and disloyalty — those three sum up nearly everything that can erode trust and connection. Whether it’s personal or professional, when those core values are violated, it’s hard to maintain a healthy relationship.
On the other hand, I believe bonds are restored — or at least honored — through accountability, forgiveness, and consistency. Accountability is key because it shows maturity and ownership. Forgiveness is essential too, but I’ve learned it’s not always about repairing the bond with the other person — sometimes forgiveness is about freeing yourself and finding peace. And consistency? That’s what rebuilds trust, little by little, if a relationship is worth salvaging.
Even when a bond is beyond repair, how we show up with accountability and forgiveness says a lot about who we are — and that’s where real growth happens.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely — creating Porter’s H-Town ABCs was the most recent time I truly felt like giving up. I started this journey with zero knowledge about publishing, formatting, or any of the technical pieces — I was literally learning everything as I went.
The biggest hurdle came when I tried to get my manuscript approved for publishing. After over a dozen rejections, I hit a wall. I remember crying — not just out of frustration, but because I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I could actually finish what I started. But honestly, those tears helped me push through. After I let it out, I told myself, “Okay… let’s try again.”
Now here we are — Porter’s H-Town ABCs is officially published and available on not just one, but two major platforms. That moment taught me that perseverance often shows up after the breakdown. You just have to be willing to keep going.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Authenticity. In everything I do — as a mom, an author, and an entrepreneur — I protect the value of showing up as my full, real self. I believe in celebrating who we are, where we come from, and making space for our culture, stories, and voices to exist unfiltered.
Especially as a woman of color and a creator, I’m intentional about honoring our truth, our legacy, and our joy. I don’t believe in watering down culture to make it more “palatable.” I believe in elevating it and protecting it — because authenticity not only builds connection, it builds confidence in the next generation.
That’s a cultural value I’ll always stand on — no matter the room I’m in.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I actually did. When I created Porter’s H-Town ABCs, I poured my heart into it — with no fanfare, no audience, and no external motivation. I didn’t tell anyone what I was working on until it was done.
This wasn’t about chasing praise — it was about following through on something meaningful. My resilience didn’t come from applause, it came from within. I believed in the idea, I believed in myself, and I stayed motivated by the vision, not validation.
Now that the book is out in the world, I’m proud — not just of the finished product, but of the process and the quiet determination it took to get here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.HtownABC.com
