Conversations with Kadija Phillips

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadija Phillips.

Hi Kadija, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began after I lost my sister, Kaliah (Ka-lie-luh) Harper, who was a police officer in Richmond, California. In 2006 she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, which completely devastated our family. A few years later I became a mother which changed my perspective, it was essential for me to make sure my daughter knows the aunt she will never meet; this prompted the creation of my children’s book series, K. Angel. The inspiration for my series comes from the loss of my role model, leading me to create a new role model for children everywhere. Telling stories with my sister as K. Angel memorializes her life—a black, female officer, who promotes peace and education. Harmoniously, I created Kaliah’s Heart, a non-profit organization that encourages literacy. Kaliah’s Heart is a 501c3 that has used literacy to create community engagement. Reading has helped me through so much in my life, so I’m extending the option to others who were never given the opportunity. I am continuing to keep hope in literacy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road—nothing has been. From poverty, grieving my sister, motherhood, marriage, and eventually becoming an entrepreneur, nothing has gone smoothly, but it’s been an incredible journey. I honestly don’t look for smooth roads because, for me, they don’t exist. I take everything a day at a time and don’t expect too much of myself or others. My biggest struggle has been trying to create balance with all that I do; while I have not mastered it, I have learned that with an unpredictable life, one can only do their best every day, because every step forward is purposeful progress.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an author, founder, and life coach. As an author, I have published children’s books, and am currently working on my first couple’s book with my husband, involving relationships with firefighters. My husband is a firefighter of four years, so I am excited to share our journey and insights as a couple within the fire service, as well as advise others on how to create a fireproof relationship. As the CEO of Kaliah’s Heart, I am currently focusing on our summer reading program, which inspires reading and education all summer long, we will be giving away books, entertaining through virtual storytime, and more. As a life coach, I help others navigate entrepreneurship, find their purpose, and ultimately self-publish their own books. Intellect Enterprise Inc. is my newest venture, created to diversify literature with workshops, worksheets, and courses, all surrounding book publishing. Of all the things I do, I am most proud of being a wife, mother of three, and an author; these titles are all unique in my life. As a wife, I keep my husband and our love first which is vital to my success. As a mother of three, my children give me so much love and support in anything I do, so they inspire me to keep pushing myself and be the mother they each need. I adore my kids and I keep creating for them and their enjoyment. For most of my life, I struggled with finding my voice, abilities, and resilience, so writing reminds me of all of the progress I have made, and I hope my journey encourages others to do the same.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to continue writing and creating a legacy that will provide for generations to come. I am currently developing a self-publishing workshop that will provide all the tools for anyone looking to publish their own book because that is my goal, teaching the ins and outs of self-publishing. K. Angel chapter books will be released soon, taking the reading level another step up and discussing important topics surrounding growing and developing as a teen. One of the highlights of writing has been developing my memoir that will be released in 2022, it will truly give a voice to my story, my life, and my future and I am excited to share my life journey with readers to encourage others to overcome whatever stands in the way. I have plans but God has even bigger plans for me, so we will just have to wait and see, many blessings and positive vibes.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.intellect.business/links
• Instagram: @intellectkadija
• Facebook: @intellectkadija
• Twitter: @intellectkadija
• Youtube: @kangellife

Image Credit:
Kayla Chew