Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimi Edwards.
Kimi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Sqwad Kimani LLC was created for my daughter Pop/R&B artist and actress Kimani who I manage. When she first entered into the entertainment industry, there were very few people that were welcoming… and it seemed to be from other artists. She wanted a brand that others who were seeking careers in the entertainment industry would be encouraged, motivated, and inspired. She wanted them to know that when you have positive people around that are encouraging, brainstorming ideas, critiquing, and really wanting your dreams as well as theirs to come true, magnificent things can be accomplished! That’s what being a part of a sqwad is about helping each other… allowing your resources and my resources to meet and we create a solid team to reach our goals. We want to encourage each person interested in the entertainment industry to add one of these adjectives before their name and we gave life to Strong, Quality, Work, And Dedicated (S.Q.W.A.D.) = Sqwad Kimani.
Entering into the industry was and still is tough.
We experienced alot of mishaps in the beginning because I didn’t know anything about the music or acting world besides what I saw on television myself! But those mistakes pushed me to learn more, research, and connect with others who have been in the industry and a mind to see us succeed.
Kimani’s dad is retired from the United States Army as well as a Pastor, musician, play writer, and an actor! The apple did not fall too far from the tree with Kimani. I wasn’t really big at first on her being in the industry until I saw for myself her gifts and talents. I grew up in a small town Thomasville, GA and in my house, you were going to college to be a doctor, lawyer, nurse, but no actress or singer. Unless you sang like Patti Labelle or Whitney Houston you were not making it. I had to shift my mindset. After much praying and going through some changes my heart and mind was made up to assist in pursuing her career in the entertainment industry and many doors have been opening. A wise man once told me that “there is an audience for everyone.” Kimani has “it” she has what it takes to draw others to her music. I always tell her to push through. If you want something in life, it’s not enough to say it… you have to allow your actions to align with your faith! Kimani has been in various movies, stage plays, web series, short films, and even a teen soap opera. And has written and co-written her own music! She has two singles out on all digital music platforms such as Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, etc. Her single “Rider” produced by Jazze Pha, Shoulder Werk produced by Mr. 217 of Atlanta. This year she recently dropped her new single “So Gone” produced by 24k and was the first track that she had written on her own. It’s available on Soundcloud. We are currently working on her 2nd EP and a new campaign. Her first EP will be dropping soon this year with some of her earlier unheard soundtracks.
Kimani has been booked for pageants, birthday parties, music conferences, to perform but she has also been booked to speak at youth conventions and conferences as well. She was bullied when she was in school and is really big on anti-bullying. She is also a brand ambassador for a couple of incorporated companies. She recently graduated from High School with honors from Georgia Connections Academy in Atlanta GA.
Managing her, being a mother of three, having a full-time career, managing a part-time teaching position, and being the owner of another business Visions by Kimi, was and still is tough. Visions by Kimi is a unique accessories boutique that I started about eight years ago. I do more vendor events than anything but I’m also on Facebook and have a small location in Columbus, GA. I no longer have the part-time teaching position but juggling those things and family can be a little overwhelming sometimes. I have truly been blessed with strength from the Lord and a good support system at home. Every day has not been peaches and cream but at the end of the day, he is there for me and for his family. I never knew managing could have so many ups and some downs. But it has taught me a lot. I’m so excited to be a part of a new reality show “Atl Moms” working title. You really get a chance to see the sacrifices that are made and what we endure being in the music industry and just supporting our children’s dreams. But I wouldn’t change anything… it’s a part of the process.
Sqwad Kimani LLC is growing with a T-shirt line, unique sassy accessories, and more! You can visit www.sqwadkimani.com for music videos, events, her music, and more about my artist Kimani. You can also go to my Facebook page Visions by Kimi and Instagram @vbkboutique.
I have two beautiful girls Maya Edwards, Kimani Edwards and 1 handsome son Myles Edwards.
My husband is Ronald Edwards we will be married 22 years this year. I was born in Waycross, GA grew up in Thomasville, GA.
I am a finance manager, office manager, and scheduling manager for Dr. Robert Vazquez D.D.S., P.C in Columbus, GA.
My education: Bachelors Degree in Business Healthcare Management at Bellevue University
Associates Degree in Health Studies Columbus Technical College
Certified Dental Assistant D.A.N.B. (Dental Assistant National Boards)
Kimani was born in Germany and will attend Clark Atlanta University in the spring.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely not a smooth road. Time management was a struggle for me. Just managing to be that wife, mother, manager, pastors wife and have a career was a challenge. My advice to other women would be to not only take care of others but also find time for you. Always move at a steady pace… don’t move to fast and make irrational decisions off of emotions. Take a step away sometimes from a situation pray, think about it, and then move forward. Also, do not let other people who are not a part of your team and have no clue about your business make any decisions or give advice pertaining to your business. The plan may change but have a plan a goal.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sqwad Kimani LLC & Visions by Kimi – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
So, Visions by Kimi is a unique accessories boutique for those who want a little pop of color, a classy accessory or just something different for their wardrobe. We bring your Visions to Life for any occasion and the cost is not over the top, it’s reasonable. I also like that I don’t have several of the same sets which allow it to be more exclusive to fit you and your style without seeing yourself everywhere!
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I think that a barrier for female leadership is that there is a large number of female leaders that are in competition with one another instead of being in leadership to help each other grow. Growth is stunted in some female leadership positions because they don’t want others to outgrow them or succeed higher than them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sqwadkimani.com
- Email: sqwadkimani@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thekimaniedwards, @vbkboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekimaniedwards/, Visions by Kimi
- Twitter: Check out Kimani (@KimaniEdwards2): https://twitter.com/KimaniEdwards2?s=09
Image Credit:
SLV photography
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
