Community Highlights: Meet Layla Sanaa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Layla Sanaa.

Layla & Friends, Co. was established by myself, Kia, mother of Layla Sanaa. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Layla and I collectively decided that she’d write and publish her first children’s book, entitled ‘Brown Baby, Little Lady’. The vision behind establishing Layla’s book and business were merely determined by Layla’s admiration for learning, reading, art/design, and self-esteem building.

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?
Given our country’s economic environment, several traditional marketing channels are closed. That being said, the road has been a rather bumpy one.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Layla & Friends, Co.?
Layla & Friends, Co is a children’s book publishing business, created by six-year old Layla Sanaa. Layla initiated her first business mid-Covid-19 pandemic in an effort to uplift, affirm, and encourage esteem building for the multitude of little brown girls, just as herself. What sets Layla and her business apart are the ideas in which are conceptualized from a six year old child, in which are not only applicable to children just as herself, but adults as well. While there is belief that life lived should of quality, there are also crucial elements necessary that perpetuate self-love, confidence, affirmations, and understanding how to relinquish negative thoughts and struggles of anxiety. What we are most proud of, brand-wise, is having the ability and means to publish a book in spite of the worldwide adversities we have encountered in the year 2020.

Moreover, persevering despite circumstances, while living a day to day life of uncertainty for what tomorrow may bring, has made us quite proud. Layla & Friends, Co. published its first children’s book entitled, “Brown Baby, Little Lady” released November 2020. ‘Brown Baby, Little Lady’ is a story of a young girl whom is a reflection of little brown girls across the globe, particularly within the African-American community. It is through ongoing processing and disputing of negative thoughts that she grows to master understanding self-worth and value. Although she tends to experience pervasive social anxiety, daily affirmations and self-esteem building have taught her to turn every worry into a self-assurance. Subsequently, self-assurance blossoms into self- efficacy, which in turn allow her to perform adequately at school, home, relationships, and other social environments.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Layla is THE pickiest eater on the planet! Although she loves spending time at the table eating baked goods, in a perfect world, she’d solely eat what she is in favor of. One of her favorite shows is “Nailed It”, a Netflix original bake-off series, in the style of reality tv. Layla has a palette that can sense a 1/8 teaspoon of molasses, should it be an added ingredient in the dish in which she’s consuming. Needless to say, there is no fooling her when it comes to any secret added ingredient.

Pricing:

• $19.99

Contact Info:

• Email: Info.Laylaandfriends@gmail.com

Image Credits
Romero Giovanni Jadotte Illustrations: Umar Zamora Khan
Rashad Baressi, Selective Focus Atlanta