Meet Koya Bell | Self Published Author of Children’s Literature

We had the good fortune of connecting with Koya Bell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Koya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Back in January of 2019, I wrote on my vision board “write a children’s book”. At the time I had no idea what my children’s book would be about. A little background about myself, at the time I was working a 9-5 job in the medical field and I LOVED what I was doing. I would say around 2020, the year of “vision” something within me desired more and I knew that it was more out there for me. My entrepreneurial spirit was calling and I wanted to become my own boss!

About this time my youngest daughter was three years old. My family and I had moved to another city, I had changed jobs and things were a little hectic. Something in me had drawn me back to my vision, to write a children’s book. I researched online and Youtube was a great resource that really helped me out a lot with knowing what I needed to do as far as getting my book published.

Taking inspiration from me and my daughters every day routine when she started childcare, one day at work I took some paper out of the printer, folded it and started writing. I completed my book before the end of my shift that day! I was so amazed at how the story just flowed and came to me. When I got home I shared it with my husband and he absolutely loved the story. He really supported my idea and encouraged me to pursue it further.

My first children’s book was completed in May of 2021. I stepped out on faith and quit my 14 year career as a medical professional June 10th to become a full time entrepreneur. I Self Published and released “Nia’s Big Day” June 13th 2021. Nia’s Big Day is a story about Nehemiah my youngest daughter aka Nia starting her first day of school. My book was created to help children become less fearful but excited about their big day! I am so thankful to God for blessing me with an idea and creativity. I would have never thought in a million years that I would be a children’s book author.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart is my work ethic and my perseverance to succeed. Being a wife, mom and a full-time authorprenuer it can be stressful however I have strengthened my time management skills in order to have balance. What really helps the most is that I’m not doing this alone GOD is collaborating with me!

I’m most proud of myself because I accomplished something that I never thought I would. I am a author! I’ve been on the Read With Carylee Show and I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of the Black Child Book Fair Tour. It just makes me feel so good that other children enjoy my book. I love reading the reviews and receiving pictures from parents of their children with my book, loving a story that I created. I’m excited that “Nia’s Big Day” is also now available on Barnes & Noble.com, which was one of my goals. I am so thankful to God and I give him all the glory for where I am today!

My faith in God, my supportive husband, the people who God placed in my life has helped me to stay motivated through those tough times and remembering my “why” when I wanted to give up. I have learned that failure doesn’t define my work ethic, procrastination does not define my ability and that anything is possible as long as I keep God first and put my best foot forward. To whom much is giving much is required and I have to encourage myself daily to always believe in myself no matter what. Staying the course and knowing that God aligns purpose. I am thankful for this journey, I have other projects that I’m currently working on and am very excited about what’s coming next…..

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Attractions:

Helicopter Tour of Downtown Nashville
110 Tune Airport Dr
Nashville, TN 37209

National Museum of African American Music
510 Broadway
Nashville, TN 37203

Bella Selfie Bar
142 Rosa L Parks Blvd #3709
Nashville, TN 37203

Brunch:

Hampton Social- Nashville
201 1st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37201

Anzie Blue
2111 Belcourt Ave
Nashville, TN 37212

L.A. Jackson
401 11th Ave S
Nashville, TN 37203

Lunch/Dinner:

Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria
5056 Broadway Pl
Nashville, TN 37203

The Southern V
1200 Buchanan St
Nashville, N 37208

Wille B’s Kitchen & Lounge
918 Buchanan St
Nashville, TN 37208

Sweet treats:

The Cupcake Collection
1213 6th Ave N
Nashville, TN 37208

Rolled 4 Ever Ice Cream
1120 4th Ave N Suite #102
Nashville, TN 37208

Nightlife:

Bar hop on Broadway (Downtown Nashville)

Minerva Avenue (Cocktail bar)
1002 Buchanan St
Nashville, TN 37208

Culture Bar & Lounge
119 Madison Station Blvd
Madison, TN 37115

Vibes Bar & Lounge
1524b Demonbreun St
Nashville, TN 37203

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I met Kimberly Bell aka Kim Bella or Bella. January of 2020 at her annual women’s empowerment Brunchin with Bella event. It’s funny how God places people in your life at the right time because months later she became my mentor. Kim’s spirit is absolutely unmatched!! Her vibe, energy, laughter and smile are contagious. Our first mentor session, we talked for hours. She makes you feel so comfortable it was like I’ve known her all my life. Kim was so encouraging. I mentioned to her that I had written 2 children’s books. Her exact response was “WHAT!! You wrote 2 books!? KOYA! that’s soooo dope! Where are your books?” At the time I had explained to her they were in my drawer “my nightstand”. Honestly procrastination had set in, you know I kinda doubted myself and wondered if people would really support me and my book. Kim gave me all the reassurance that I needed that day! Her words of encouragement definitely gave me that extra PUSH that was needed! I left her office feeling like I could conquer the world! She has that effect on people! After my book was completed Kim allowed me to use her platform to presale my books and surprised me with the “Girl You So Dope Award”!! I appreciate Kim so much for who she is in my life. She always gives me the best advice. She’s a wife, dope mom, serial entrepreneur, fashionista, and motivator of women! I just love her. Thank you Kim!

Website: koyabell.com

Instagram: lady_bell15

Facebook: Koya Bell

Other: iamauthorkoyabell@gmail.com