She’s Empowered: Young author offers support to siblings with “I’m a Big Sister Now, Lucky Me” book

It’s common for children to experience different emotions – from jealousy and nervousness to excitement – when a new baby arrives. For 12-year-old Aubrey Holly, a big sister to three siblings, her experience was all of the above.

“Though some days are challenging, I love being a big sister and I love my sisters,” said the author and self-professed big sister expert. “They are my friends. As a big sister, the responsibility to be a good example, be the bigger person (all the time), and share literally almost everything can be overwhelming and sometimes feel like too much to deal with. That’s why I decided to share my story.”

When she was seven, Aubrey told her mother she wanted to start a business. At the time, Aubrey’s little sister was four years old. She knew she wanted to write and decided that becoming an author would be a way to make a difference. 

“Becoming a big sister was one of the biggest changes that she experienced in her life at the time,” said Aubrey’s mom, Queala Holly. She said I’m going to write on Tuesdays and she did – every Tuesday for a month.”

Aubrey turned those words into the book “I’m a Big Sister Now, Lucky Me,” available at www.aubreykam.com.

“She would write her thoughts down and I would review,” mom said. “She has three younger sisters now. And thinking about the impact big sisters have on the younger siblings, we’re working on developing a community for big sisters.” 

In addition to the big sister book, Aubrey has published the “Be Yourself___You’re Amazing Notebook” and the “Goal Writing and Productivity Planner.”

When Aubrey grows up, she would like to be an orthodontist. 

We know Aubrey will be successful in whatever she puts her mind to. She’s emPOWERed!

Connect with Aubrey:
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She’s EmPOWERed: Seven-year-old Arlington author and entertainer uses creativity to educate and inspire kids around the world

Zoey Robinson is a seven-year-old girl on a mission to spread joy and creativity around the world. As a children’s book author, entertainer and kidpreneur, she’s using her gifts and talents to inspire others.

A Star is Born
If you visit her YouTube channel, you’ll quickly see why Zoey is a rising star. Her bright smile and enthusiasm will not only melt your heart but also motivate you to learn.

As the host of Zoey TV, Zoey uses her creativity to encourage kids to follow their dreams while promoting literacy.

Her very first feature – an anti-bullying challenge video – was filmed and published when Zoey was just a year old. A year later, she expressed her desire to be on YouTube. Her mom, Kesha, followed through with the request after watching Zoey re-enact her own show segments.

“I’m inspired most by Zoey’s confidence, her positive attitude and her ability to dream big without limitations,” said Kesha Robinson, Zoey’s mother.

Kesha, who’s also an entrepreneur and author, believes that parents can best support their children in following their dreams by being their biggest cheerleader and finding programs and activities that would help cultivate their gifts and talents.

The Future is Bright
Zoey has not only become an exceptional actress, but a phenomenal dancer, and model as well. She has been featured nationally and internationally in magazines as well as radio shows.

She is an established author as well. From “Zoey’s Book of Manners” to “Zoey’s Book of Affirmations,” Zoey has an impressive catalog of books that empower and educate.

In the future, Zoey plans to continue creating and promoting more books and businesses. With her drive and talent, we’re sure she’ll make it happen!

You can follow Zoey on Instagram and YouTube at @zoey_tv.

Be a mentor in 2018

If you’ve resolved to make a difference or dedicate your time to worthy causes in the new year, I encourage you to consider mentoring.

You may have thought about it in the past but weren’t sure if you’d have the time or qualifications. But chances are – you do!

January is National Mentoring Month – a time for individuals and organizations across the country to bring awareness to the need for caring adults to serve as role models for youth.

I’ve been inspired to mentor for the past 16 years. While I have no biological children, I am dedicated to positively impacting the young people in my family and in my community.

According to MENTOR, the national mentoring partnership, 1 out of 3 children will grow up without a mentor.

There are many benefits for children and teens matched with mentors. These young people are less likely to engage in risky behaviors and activities such as truancy, drugs and gangs. They also are more likely to graduate high school and attend college.

Consider this.

It only takes a few hours a month of face time and a phone call a week to help increase a child’s self-esteem. In addition to the mentee’s development, the mentor benefits in many ways. My mentees have helped me aspire higher in my career and in life. And knowing that they’re looking up to me, keeps me living in integrity.

Still not sure about mentoring?

Visit www.rashedakamaria.com to download your copy of my FREE mentoring guide. 

Rasheda Kamaria Williams is an award-winning mentor, author and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl LLC. Check out her TEDx talk to learn how mentoring makes a difference. 

Mentor Empowers Teens to Live Above Bullying, Drama and Societal Pressure with New Book

efg-angled-book-imageFrom cyberbullying to societal pressure, 21st century girls face challenges that generations before them may have never imagined. But they also have unlimited resources and opportunities to live powerfully.

Rasheda Kamaria Williams, an award-winning mentor and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl, explores how girls and young women can use their personal power to make a difference in her new book, “Be EmPOWERed: How to Live Above & Beyond Life’s Drama.”

Written for and inspired by girls, “Be EmPOWERed” is an interactive guidebook and journal packed with inspirational prose, thought-provoking questions and written activities.

Once teased and bullied by classmates for being weird and different, Rasheda found a way to embrace and ultimately celebrate her uniqueness.

The book reveals her journey from excluded to emPOWERed and how she got there with help from trusted adults, mentors, friends and ultimately herself.

“Life isn’t always easy or fair. But if you’re equipped with the right tools, it makes the process more meaningful,” Rasheda says.  “You can learn a lot – especially from yourself.”

“Be EmPOWERed: How to Live Above & Beyond Life’s Drama” is now available on Amazon.com.

A book release and 6-year anniversary celebration is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Good Cakes and Bakes in Detroit. Admission is $15 and includes a copy of the book, sweet treats, a special gift and raffle ticket for prizes. Tickets are available here.

Born and raised in Detroit, Rasheda Kamaria Williams is a communications professional and award-winning mentor on a mission to transform the way young people relate to one another. She is the founder and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl, a social enterprise that works with schools, communities and families seeking solutions to cyberbullying, drama, relational aggression and other social/communications challenges facing youth. A survivor of bullying, Rasheda was featured in Cosmopolitan magazine in the article “Being bullied changed my life.” 

Be Kind …. Especially to Yourself

During International Random Acts of Kindness Week, we typically ponder ways to be more generous, friendly and considerate of others. This year, I invite you to consider adding yourself to the equation.

Being kind to yourself is an important step in empowering others. You can’t help others if you’re not well. Mentally and physically, be good to you.

Our Valentine’s Act of Kindness to You

1604688_10152551573269942_998539466_nAs part of Empowered Flower Girl’s commitment to kindness, we invite you to download your FREE Kindle edition of the new book “SHINE…It’s Like Glitter for Your Soul.”

I have the honor of being one of 38 women around the world featured in this inspiring book by Kathie Holmes. Ms. Holmes is an Australian entrepreneur and founder of the Creative Ability Network.

Holmes gathered 38 amazing women who have all had the darkest of days but drawn on their inner strength to create the brightest of lives. We share our journeys through love, loss and life.

Don’t have the Kindle app? Download it for your iphone for free. “SHINE” free download available through Sunday, Feb. 16.