Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Michelle Smith
Hi KayLee Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey friends, I’m Kaylee Michelle. Author, Entrepreneur, Entertainer, & Songwriter
On July 5th, 2024, I celebrated my 12th birthday, and I AM thankful to God for my LIFE 🔥 I’m growing up and learning a lot on every adventure!
Six years ago, I started on my adventure to explore the power of words through affirmations. I also started reading new books while writing the Let’s Be Friends: KayLee Michelle Adventure Book Series.
Friends, let me tell you why I started writing books. It all started when I lost a writing contest at school and was very disappointed. I came home crying to my mom, and she was like, “Girl, that’s nothing. Let’s turn lemons into lemonade.” That was some of the best advice I ever received. I have now written 5 books and released 2 hip-hop singles for kids.
Turning lemons into lemonade made my life shine as bright as a yellow lemon! I was feeling really accomplished after becoming a 6-year-old published author. But I still had obstacles in my mind to overcome. I sometimes had some stinky thinking because everyone wasn’t happy about my accomplishments. I had kids tell me my book was lame, and some adults started calling me a show-off. I was hurt and upset and wanted to stop writing my books. I came home from school and told my mom that I didn’t want to write books anymore. I explained why, and she told me that what other people say about me doesn’t matter. What matters is what I think about myself. She also told me that whenever I’m feeling down, I should speak the opposite of what I’m thinking. So, I started saying to myself, “I AM smart, creative, needed, loved, and me.” It’s been a game-changer for me!
One day, while my mom was playing some beats, I started rapping my affirmations to the rhythm and came up with a catchy hook.”I love songwriting, and over the years, I’ve added more lyrics to my affirmation hook! Recently, I hit the studio with Star Eazy (IG: @stareasy), the Founder of Georgia Day and the McKnight Foundation. We recorded my hip-hop affirmation single, “I’m GOD Nah Body,” and it was an incredible experience! I shared it in Chapter 12 of my latest book and it’s also on all music platforms.
Since I started saying/singing my affirmations daily, incredible things have happened to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“This road has been an adventure, haha!
As I have already admitted, there were moments when I felt a bit low because not everyone was thrilled about my books and music. “Lame” and “show-off” are labels that really got to me. It hurt like a bee sting, or maybe it felt more like the time I fell off my skateboard. Point is, it hurt! But then I started thinking about all the people who I’ve made friends with because of my books, and the people who made friends because of my books.
I remember this one shy girl who came to one of my tour stops. After the event, she left with so much more confidence. Thinking about people like her helps me through tough times and motivates me to have more adventures and make as many friends as possible.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a diverse range of interests, but I focus mostly on being a homeschooler, author, entrepreneur, entertainer, songwriter, and maintaining my honor roll student status. I am passionate about learning and exploring.
In my own little world, I may be seen as a “celebrity,” but in reality, most people know me as the young girl who writes books and raps. However, I can also sing, skateboard, crochet, cook, do hair, nails, and makeup, among many other things. My greatest desire is for people to see me as KayLee Michelle, a good friend. I want to be the young lady who shares her interactive adventure-filled books, the Let’s Be Friends series, and makes a positive impact on people’s lives.
I am proud of my achievements, but what makes me proudest is standing up for myself and others, especially in the face of bullies. As my song says, “Them bullies gonna hate, but you can’t break / Just look up in that mirror (look) and sing / There is more in me, more than you can see; yeah.
I AM SMART! (I am smart)
I AM CREATIVE! (Creative)
I AM NEEDED! (I am needed)
I AM LOVED! (I am loved)
I AM ME! (me me me me)
I love this part of the song! I really want it to encourage shy kids, kids who are being bullied, and kids who move around a lot because I was once in their shoes.
I used to be shy and was bullied. In just 2 years, I attended “SIX DIFFERENT SCHOOLS”!
But look at me now! I am brave, even when I’m nervous. I’ve learned to face my fears because I believe in myself. I also believe that anyone can achieve anything, no matter the obstacles. My hope is to encourage other kids to learn and explore the world around them by sharing my adventures. I can say that this sets me apart, but I can also say that it positions me to contribute a little more love to our world.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As far as monitors: I’m so thankful for my mom, sister, grandmother, cousin, and all my friends and family who have been incredibly supportive in so many different ways. What I love most about each of them is that they always cheer me on to go on adventures and explore. So, my advice to everyone is to find mentors, adults, and friends who let you be you and inspire you to grow into a better person.
When it comes to networking, my advice would be not to limit who you network with. This is part of the reason I created my book series – to connect people who wouldn’t usually be friends. Especially my first book, “Let’s Be Friends,” it’s an interactive book that allows you to learn more about a person. We miss out on so many opportunities because we judge people before we get to know them, when in most cases, we have so much in common.
Pricing:
- Book a Tour Stop $50 – $150
- Books $10 – $15
- Who Me! T-shirt $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepinkgroupgirls.com/kaylee-michelle
- Instagram: @justcallmekk7
- Facebook: @justcallmekk7
- Youtube: @justcallmekk7
