We’re looking forward to introducing you to Aleisha Kelly. Check out our conversation below.
Aleisha, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What battle are you avoiding?
I’m avoiding the battle of settling for less. Too often, we accept less than we deserve—whether it’s in opportunities, partnerships, or how people value our work. I’ve learned that settling can quietly drain your purpose. I’m in a season where I’m learning to fully value my time, speak up for myself, and not allow others to take advantage of my kindness or passion. Refusing to settle isn’t arrogance—it’s self-respect and a reminder that excellence requires boundaries.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Aleisha Kelly, and I’m the founder of 3 Kool Kings, a children’s literacy brand and online bookstore created to make reading exciting, empowering, and relatable—especially for young boys of color who rarely see themselves in stories. I’m also the founder of the nonprofit Leaders of Literature, where our mission is to inspire a lifelong love of reading through community events, school partnerships, and author-led workshops.
What makes my work unique is that it was born from my own journey as a mother of three sons who struggled to find books that reflected their experiences. I decided to create the stories that were missing—stories that celebrate confidence, character, and culture. Today, my brand has evolved beyond books; it’s about representation, empowerment, and impact. Whether it’s our literacy kits, author visits, or upcoming mobile bookstore, everything I create is designed to remind children that their stories matter.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve learned to approach every task with the mindset: do your job as if you’re working for God. That principle has guided everything I do. It reminds me to show up with excellence, even when no one’s watching, and to keep my integrity at the forefront. My faith has taught me that the way I work is a reflection of my gratitude, discipline, and purpose. No matter the role or the project, I give my best because I know Who I’m ultimately working for.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
I’ve learned that quitting is not an option. There were times when things didn’t go as planned—when the setbacks felt heavy and the obstacles seemed endless. But as a single mom, I don’t have the luxury of giving up. No one else is here to show up for my kids but me. Every failure has taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of pushing through even when I’m tired. I’ve realized that failure isn’t the end; it’s just feedback—and the only real failure is stopping before the breakthrough.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is absolutely not the real me. The real me is the woman who walks around my house audibly talking to God when no one else is around. That’s my sacred time of fellowship — when I ask Him questions, seek guidance, and speak to Him as if He’s standing right in front of me. It’s intimate, it’s personal, and it’s something I could never fully share publicly because most people simply wouldn’t understand it. That private time is where I find peace, clarity, and the strength to keep showing up as the woman everyone else sees.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say, “She did it!” — because those three words would mean everything. They’d mean I didn’t give up when life got hard. They’d mean I turned obstacles into opportunities, dreams into reality, and faith into impact. I want my story to remind others—especially my children—that anything is possible when you trust God, stay consistent, and keep moving forward. If people remember me as the woman who actually did what she set out to do, that’s all the legacy I need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://3koolkings.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3koolkings/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleishakellyyouthliteracyadvocate/
