Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Cole.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always felt my story can be summed up in this thought, “I am working to be a great ancestor.” My ultimate goal is to leave the world better than it was before I was born. I truly want to educate and empower people to seek healing and joy for themselves. I created my brand Kickin It With Ki back when I was an elementary educator in the public schools of Washington, D.C. after graduating with a B.S. in Elementary Education from Howard University. I have always always always wanted to be an educator. I loved teaching and empowering those little ones so much, but after three years, I realized that system of teaching didn’t fully accomplish what I believe to be my full purpose in life.
At its inception, Kickin It With Ki was supposed to explore my journey as an educator, lupus fighter, and self-care enthusiast. Over time, it has morphed into a business centered around helping people CUT THE NOISE and get closer to purpose through mindfulness, self-care, and community care. I provide support, workshops, and resources that bring people closer to daily wellness. I truly believe that when you give people the resources they need to take the best care of themselves, the entire community benefits. Through this brand, I created “CutTheNoise, Mindfulness” which is a culturally relevant, pedagogy-enhanced approach to mindfulness and self-care, specifically catered to teachers and students. I seek to bridge the gap between mindfulness and education. I specialize in helping school communities truly be well, make space for their emotions daily, and providing practical tips for self-care and community care. So, essentially, my life’s work is “to light the pathway for others.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Wow. I audibly laughed as I read this question because there have been many mountains, but there have also been many valleys in my life. The true push for the work I do was actually born out of grief and loss. It was the hardest loss I have ever endured. I lost my 29-year-old brother at the beginning of a hectic school year. It was after my bereavement leave and the lack of care that I received in the school system that I fully accepted that traditional teaching was no longer the place where I could truly thrive and practice radical self-care. It afforded the opportunity for me to see the importance of teacher and student self-care practices. Another moment of clarity, but hardship for me has been living with the autoimmune disease, Lupus. Self-care has become increasingly important as I experience new challenges and changes with the disease. Lupus is a constant reminder that my self-care MUST be radical and it is what I deserve. As I still struggle with grief and my health in moments, I see it all as lessons for me to share with others.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I create content, resources, and workshops all centered around self-care, mindfulness, and community care. I am known for helping people cut the noise so they can truly find what they are passionate about and what they should be doing with their time here on earth. What makes my business unique is my experience as a highly qualified educator. It has provided me with a multitude of skills, as well as the ability to plan and cater my workshops/resources to each individual person or group. I am really proud that I also interview different people from various walks of life about how they practice or can practice daily self-care on their life’s journey. Service I offer: Meditation Consultation & Videos Group Self-Care/Mindfulness Workshops Curated Self-Care Routine Guides & Affirmations School /Teachers/Students Mindfulness Workshops One-on-one Journaling Workshops
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The freedom to give breath and life to all of my interests is what truly makes me happy. I don’t believe that I was put on earth to just do one thing. I believe that everything I love can be explored. There is no box around what we can do with our time here. I plan to use my life wisely and do so with purpose and love.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.kickinitwithki.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickinitwithki_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kickinitwithki/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KiKickin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3TbWlnhxBl00Gxhe_zyvig?view_as=subscriber
Image Credits
Frederick Sands IV DaQuaron Dale
