Meet Jalisa Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalisa Smith.

So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My name is Jalisa Smith and I am a children’s author and Inspirational Speaker for the youth in my community. I lost my dad at the age of eleven and I am now In my twenties and I have seen how so many children lose their parents and close spouse and how it affected them and the emotions I once felt when I lost my dad.I wanted to be apart of helping a child during their loss because I know how it feels at such a young age. I first started jotting down things as my own personal journal and then, it flowed into a book and I thought the content was so amazing I decided to go ahead and publish it. The book is entitled “I’m his Absence I can Still Feel His Presence” which helps children to cope with grief through prayer, scriptures, and word of encouragements. It also allows the children to write and add pictures of their loved ones like a journal/ keepsake book! It’s about a little girl named Rose who lost her father but this book can help any child in need one day at a time. This book at the end will have the reader to say “I’m his Absence” I will make my loved one proud because “I Can Still Feel His Presence.”

Has it been a smooth road?
Publishing my book with Blueberry Illustration was the easy part. I enjoyed working with the publishing company as well as the illustrator who made my story come to life. It was so nicely illustrated, I re-lived the whole moment again but this time proudly, I was finally able to speak on my father’s death. The hardest part is being an independent author and keeping your name in the light and booking your own gigs/events to sell your books! My first book sign was was a success and I have been on many platforms such as 92.5 the Bear, Streetz 94.5fm, author showcases, discussion panels, inspirational speaking at many schools. I am now hoping for more and greater opportunities to expand my business and sell more books!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Christian Children’s author of the book “ In His Absence, I Can Still Feel His Presence” that helps children to cope with grief through the loss of their loved ones. I  most proud that my children’s book has touch so many young children that was grieving because of their mother, father, grandparents, and spouse passed away! One girl Mariah loved my book so much she turned it into a school project as me being her favorite author! I am also proud that parents trust me to encourage their children with my own personal experience of loosing my father. So many parents thanked me because they did not have the words to say to their child and it has overall has been an amazing experience.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the city of Atlanta it is so many opportunities and many door openers for entrepreneurs like myself to get involved. I get inspired by so many people who lived in Atlanta and are making a difference not only in their city but around the world!

Pricing:

• Hardcover with Spanish version 20.00
• Paperback 12.99

Contact Info:

• Website: www.authorjalisasmith.com
• Phone: 6783344963
• Email: smithjalisa.js@gmail.com
• Instagram: authorjalisasmith

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