Kayisha Online

A few weeks ago, I filmed the official We Know What Love Is Fun Trailer. With the book's target market being adolescents/ pre-teens/ young adults, I thought it should star my 12 year old nephew/ actor Shaqai White and his childhood friend, Calli. I love them both and was so happy with the trailer just being them having fun. SIMPLE! Their children and the smiles on their faces said more than I could have said. 

Whilst promoting the release of the trailer on the Kayisha Online YouTube channel, I posted a photo on the Zurie and Zaria and Kayisha Online Instagram accounts, and looking at the photo made me smile. It captured a very special moment in my life, and one that I worked hard for. I posted the photo above of my nephew reading the book, and here are the captions that followed.

"I loved seeing my nephew @shaqaiwhitetalent reading my new book, Mum And Dad, We Know What Love Is. For one, its dedicated to him and two, he contributed a lil something something which makes it even more special. Follow @zurieandzaria for regular updates and get your copy on Amazon, Kindle or Kayisha Online. KO ⭐❤⭐"

"A quick shot from the newly released We Know What Love Is Fun Trailer for the book that's all about us. Mum And Dad, We Know What Love Is by Kayisha Thomas @kayishaonline is OUT NOW. Watch the video and treat your son, daughter or yourself to a new book. Oh and get a t-shirt to go with it. VIDEO LINK IN BIO!"

The love of books and reading is so important, so it felt marvellous to see my nephew so engrossed in my first children's book. It felt tremendous to see my nephew read a book that I've dedicated to him, simply because of my love for him, my love for reading and our new found love for reading books together. 

In 2018, we started an aunty-nephew book club and its truly a blessing. Now, my suggestion that follows is not just because the book is mine, its because I know it has the power to spark the love of reading in our children. I suggest you get a copy for yourself, and one for your son or daughter. The characters are boy, girl twins so both genders can relate. Then I'd like you to take a selfie with the book and send it to me so I can smile like a cheshire cat. Get your copy on Amazaon, Kindle or the books page of this website. Thank you in advance for helping me spread love. My mission is not impossible! #MissionNotImpossible

Check out the trailer, its innocent, natural, unproduced and spontaneous. 

I'm pleased to say that He knows what love is and look, he made it to the video thumbnail as well.

Be Inspired!

Kayisha

www.kayishaonline.com

Be Inspired! Testimony Time!

I'd like to introduce my "Be Inspired Testimonies" to the Kayisha Online Blog. I experience dfferent things as we all do, and when I see God's hand in it, I feel compelled to share it because it proves that God Will Do It, All The Time because He Is Good. So here goes...

Saturday 9th March 2019 proved that when God says something is for you, nothing and no one can take it from you. No matter how hard a person tries, when something is for you, it's definitely for you. Yesterday, meaning March 8th LOL, I was on the phone and I was told that due to a very small, trivial mistake (on my part), I had lost something that I worked hard for. I was advised that I could appeal the matter, but it wasn't guaranteed. The appeal was put in on March 8th on my behalf, and as I put the phone down; ending the call, I left it all in the very capable hands of God.Trust me when I say that I had a very good sleep that night, I trust God and His miracle working powers.

Less than 24 hours later, the appeal was successful. I got an email on Saturday afternoon which stated and I quote...

"I am pleased to confirm that the appeal was successful!"

Jump for joy with me because I'm getting what I was told I couldn't have. Isn't God good? God is good, All the time, Won't He do it is all I could say upon reading the email, but actually that was sufficient because it was all down to Him. And the moral is... I didn't have to fight for it, get angry or frustrated. God gave me the victory, a sweatless victory because He said it was mine in the first place. You Can and will always WIN with God on your side! The battle is not yours, it's the Lord's so have faith. For more Faith And Inspiration visit the books page of this website for more info on my books!

P.S.

I have since received what I was told I lost. Hallelujah! In fact, I received it on March 15th and this whole situation had me thinking:-

*What God says is for you, no man can take from you

*Who God bless, no man curse - Proverbs 3:33

*God opens doors that no man can shut

*What God delivers, no man can bind

Be Inspired!

Kayisha

www.kayishaonline.com

SOS

LOL

So, Instagram is down (the app and the website because of a major outage) and it's funny because 10 plus years ago, apps weren't a big deal to us. We used Facebook and BBM, but that was it. 10 plus years ago people still had flip phones and brick Nokia phones that we could only play Snake on - there was no Candy Crush. But fast forward to 2019 and Instagram and Facebook being down is an inconvenience. No offense to the elderly, but even they have smart phones and use social media. Seriously, no offense, I love old people.

Every day I post something on Instagram and Facebook, and when I say "I post something", I mean I post at least one photo on @KayishaOnline, @SophisticatedKK, @PCBphotography and the new addition @ZurieandZaria. Actually, how can I forget the even newer addition @ShaqaiWhitetalent (an account I'm managing for my nephew's acting career). Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter etc are not just apps and platforms that I/ we use to promote ourselves and our businesses, document our lives and share our experiences. We also use them to socialise, learn and explore - explore through other people's lives. It's quite amazing how things become such a big part of our lives in a blink of an eye, and then we miss them when their gone. 

Last night I prepared the photos I wanted to share this morning before going to work, but when I got home from work, I wanted to check my accounts and possibly post more photos, and that's when I saw "Couldn't Refresh Feed" Dunn dunnn durrrr!!! OMG!!!! WHAT ON EARTH!!!! Is my internet down I thought.

It was a little annoying at first, but I thought to myself, and this is what I actually thought. "If Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter went offline and never got back up and running, the world might be lost for a while, but atleast I'd still have my own platforms. I'd still have my website, my blog and I'd be more than content with sharing my images on KayishaOnline.com." Right here, because that's what my websites are for after all.

I think the moral of the story here is not to get so dependent on other people's platforms - especially as a business or public figure. Create your own, build your own space and attract an audience to YOU. I always look for a moral or a lesson in things that happen because I think it's important to do that. As a Business Woman, but also a Human Being, I'm always looking to learn, seek new knowledge and new ways of doing things.  Because of that, and because of today's traumatic event LOL, I'm going to start posting more things on here, the Kayisha Online Blog. Sometimes I want to write a long post under the photos I post on Instagram, but refrain and stick to a powerful caption. I'll start posting the more indepth messages along with the photos on here, so keep an eye out for more regular posts. 

My aim is always to uplift, inspire, entertain, spread love and joy and that's what I've been successful doing thus far through my photography, youtube channel, t-shirt collection and books. If you like what you get from me, Kayisha Thomas, keep following me and send me a message. I'd love to hear from you.

Be Inspired!

Kayisha

www.kayishaonline.com

Do You Know What Love Is?

If you follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, you’ve seen all of my promotional content, and you know that the Kindle version of Mum And Dad, We Know What Love Is, is available for pre-order on Amazon. The ebook version will be released on February 14th 2019 and the paperback copy will be released on February 10th 2019, so that copies can be ordered and delivered in time for gifting on Valentine’s Day. I’m so excited for the release. Valentine’s Day is the international day of love, and I’m looking forward to something that I’ve created being another source of love in the world.

At the start of January, I was looking for strangers/ unbiased people to read Mum and Dad, We Know What Love Is and give me honest feedback prior to the release. I was in Tesco doing my healthy food shopping and I bumped into an 11 year old girl (perfect age) and her mum. I approached them and her mum said “Yeah, she loves reading.” The little girl said “I would love to read your book”, so I gave her my business card and she emailed me. It was a sweet little email, so I sent her the preview copy of my book in pdf format and yesterday she emailed me. Her email made my heart smile, made my face smile and relaxed my brain. See her email below.

If you and children you know are e-book readers, pre-order your copy now. Pre-orders are good for my soul. Each one will help Mum And Dad, We Know What Love Is move closer and closer to the number 1 spot on the Amazon Best Sellers List. It will ensure that this book becomes a part of the culture, it will assist me with my mission to spread love, to uplift and encourage children, and really just love on them. I hope you get your copy, whether its e-book or paperback. Its time more people found out what love is and we need to shape the next generation in love.

If you have any questions about the book, feel free to email me. I'd love to answer your questions and share more information about it. Oh, and feel free to follow Zurie and Zaria on Instagram - @ZurieandZaria

Be Inspired!

Kayisha

www.kayishaonline.com

Two years ago today....

Today is November 24th 2018. Yesterday was Black Friday, the most expensive, but cheap day of the whole year LOL!!!. The day before was Thanksgiving Day and you already know this so why am I telling you?

Two years ago I was counting down to this day in a big day. It wasn’t because I was eager to eat turkey, roast potatoes, collar greens and stuffing (I’m a Pescetarian so minus the turkey), it wasn’t because I couldn’t wait to get major deals on Amazon, Walmart, Nike or Best Buys; NO! It was because I had taken a leap of faith, I jumped into the unknown, I had worked hard consistently for weeks and created a powerful piece of literary art. I wrote a book, promoted it, and released it on Thursday 24th November 2016. It was Thanksgiving Day and I had become an Author.

I always knew that I would publish a book, I used to write little stories, poems, articles and blogs, but this was official, it was REAL. I was holding my first printed and published book in my hand. I can’t forget that I cried because it smelt good, it had my name on it, it had a barcode, an ISBN number, it was my words on paper, it had a book cover and funnily enough the book cover is my face (the side profile twice). I Did It!

Last year I celebrated the amazing year I had as an Author, with a special flashback video and an event “The Faith And Inspiration Meet-up” that brought me and my family, friends and readers together. It was December 2nd and in Nottingham, UK so it was absolutely freezing cold, but it was a fantastic celebration of what I had achieved. More importantly, a celebration of what God had done in my life. What He had allowed to take place following His promptings to write this book.

Now, 2 full years after publishing Ounce Of Faith And Inspiration, I am the Author of 4 books. When I started writing in 2016, I didn’t imagine saying that 2 years later, but God is GOOOOOOD! I’m the Author, Self-published Author of 4 books and the 4th one is the Black And White Edition of my baby, of my first book. I have a special bond, and connection to each book, so there’s no favouritism around here, but this book started my journey and it was worthy of a second edition and that is FACTS. It’s changed my readers lives, and its changed mine.

To mark this day, November 24th 2018, I have published a special book reading video on the Kayisha Online YouTube channel. I’m reading from Ounce Of Faith And Inspiration Black And White Edition and it’s a very themed video, so check it out and you’ll see what I mean.

The message I want you to get from this blog is that one decision you make to do something great, on one specific day pays off in many ways, weeks, months and years after. Procrastination is an act, if I can call it that, encouraged by the enemy. It stops you from achieving anything. It prevents the journey from even beginning. Step out and do great things, so just like me, you can look back and say “Oh My Grapes..... I did this 2 years ago, 5 years ago and look at all that’s happened as a result of it.” Believe in yourself and the power you have. Don’t listen to what people say. Do what you need to do, do what God has placed on your heart, do what brings you joy, create what the world needs to be a better place, and in years to come you will have no regrets.

Be Inspired!

Kayisha

www.kayishaonline.com

All Things Kayisha

The STUDENTpreneur Conference 1:0 presented by The Sheeo Alliance

On November 17th 2018, I attended the Studentpreneur Conference 1.0. Now you may be thinking, “I’ve watched videos on the Sophisticated K YouTube channel, I’ve seen Kayisha Online videos, she shared her age and she’s not a student.” But let me tell you this. I’m not a student in an educational institution, but I’m a student in L.I.F.E. I’m always learning, I’m always developing and building my knowledge. I make an effort to extend my vocabulary and to understand the background and inner workings of literature and language; since I am a 4x Published Author. I learn on the job, whether it be my self-employment (photography, graphics design, fashion or videography) or my employment (my work in the corporate world, HR and Administration). I learn from reading books, watching intellectually made media (TV series, movies etc) I choose what I watch wisely. I learn from conversations with people, a lot of people hold a wealth of wisdom in their brains, and its just dying to come out. #IKeepLearning

I believe that we are always learning, always students and as long as you don’t think you KNOW-IT-ALL, you will always be open to learning something NEW.

So, I went to the event and I was very impressed. I could have vlogged, and maybe I should have vlogged BUT I made some notes and I’d like to share them with you. I always say, “If something inspires you, don’t keep it to yourself, share it!" So, here goes...

1. Khadija Hashi - Vitamin D Aware

She shared that the best way to go about building an online brand is to create quality content, and high quality images at that. She said that consistency is important, you have to be consistent, you should have a schedule and a social media plan and lastly, there should be a theme behind your content. Original quality is better than quantity and you should keep business and personal separate.

2. Amaa Amo Agyei - Co-founder of Rice at home ™

She shared that you should document your journey, which she does via her podcast “Rice At Home”. I’m now a subscriber and I’ve already listened to the first episode. I had to go back to the beginning. She advised us to build a personal brand (your brand is who you are) because it influences your business. Have pillar content she said, such as a podcast or YouTube videos, post photos on Instagram/ Facebook during the week, post on Twitter and “Be different and better”. She said you should build a product or a service around what people want and need (people are hungry, feed them your product) – so basically niche marketing is important. She said let people know that your product is for them and lastly, she said JUST START, you can’t be perfect, or be an expert unless you start. Begin the process, start the journey and perfect it along the way.

3. Mohsin Mayfair - Seriel Entrepreneur and private investor

He shared that if focus on why you started your business and stop thinking about numbers and other people you will grow. Focus on the passion that pushed you to start in the first place. If something or someone doesn’t directly affect what you are doing, don’t think about it. Know your WHY! He said that everything is written for you, things happen for a reason, so change your mindset and use it for good.

4. Abraham Adams - ABVlogs on YouTube and Nalu doorags

Aside from the fact that he has an American accent (I made him aware of it on purpose, because when I’m in Florida, everyone does that to me LOL) he shared that his upbringing taught him great things that he is using in life now. He’s from New York, but currently in the UK and he said everything happens for a reason and the goal should always be to be happy, its not just about the money. Fashion is about expression, making a statement. He said “It’s not only black thugs that wear doorags! I’m an Econgrad and I wear doorags. My aim is to change the narrative through fashion.” He openly shared that even though life in business gets lonely at times, he’s not alone. He said he is here to serve, he can’t be greedy, because other people add to his life. He sees that if someone needs help that he can give, he’s willing to help and he understands that he needs everyone to help him get to where he needs to be.

There were many other young student entrepreneurs on the panel, as well as in the audience; whether established or aspiring and it was a great environment to be in. Networking is powerful, but what’s important is that what you learn must be applied. In the introduction of my book, Ounce Of Faith And Inspiration, I said “So when reading this book, you can read one or two teaspoons of faith and inspiration a day, or you can read page after page and ounce after ounce. What’s most important to me is that you experience a blessing, your life is elevated to another level as you take moments to meditate on the words within and put them into action immediately.” That’s the key, putting them into action. Don’t just read the words, listen to what people say and don’t act. The people above did something, the people you watch on TV and in the movies did something, the multi-millionaires you aspire to be like did something, so now its your turn to make a move. DO SOMETHING! Learn And Do Business!

Be Inspired!

Kayisha

www.kayishaonline.com

Notting Hill Carnival 2018

#BackToSchool

Did you get a chance to watch my Notting Hill Carnival 2018 with Sophisticated K vlog?

When I checked the weather prior to travelling to London, it forecasted rain. If you know me well, you know that I don't like rain BUT GOD knows the beginning from the end. I was praying and checking, praying and checking BUT GOD.

Although I was born and raised in London, UK; I know my background and my heritage. I fully embrace my culture and I enjoy what comes with it - the traditions, festivities and everything else. I enjoy being a Caribbean girl/ Island Gyal (Dominican and Jamaican), and so 10/11 years away from Notting Hill Carnival is unheard of LOL!! I last went to carnival when I was 17 years old. I can actually remember my outfit. But anyway, I wanted to share what I learnt from this experience with you, and let me tell you this... The proof is in the pudding. I vlogged it!

I learnt:-

• We should dance in the rain

• Stay close to those that love you

• Strangers support you more than family and friends

• There's a blessing in the storm

• People's opinions are just that, their opinion

• A smile is a ministry

• God is on your side and He does everything for a reason

• Go where God wants you to go

• Everything doesn't have to be perfect

• God sees the bigger picture

Let me just expand on a few of the points

*A smile is a ministry - People always tell me that I have a nice smile. I've also been told many times that there is a shine, a radiance coming from me and I believe that it's a part of my ministry. A smile can bless someone, change their mood and how they feel, it welcomes and sends warm vibes to the person that receives it. I locked eyes with and smiled at so much people and it helped me make connections. It's the little things we do that spreads love and impacts lives.

*Go where God wants you to go - God called us, His people to go out into the world. Me as a person, you as a person is the Ekklesia; God's church, God's hands and feet. No matter where you go in the world, what events you attend, what city you live in, you should represent God and represent Him well. You have been called to go out into the world and spread the gospel. Not only did I WANT to go to carnival, God wanted me to be there. Every year prior, I have been in Florida, but this year I went where God wanted me to be. There is always a purpose.

*Everything doesn’t have to be perfect - We as human beings are not perfect, Jesus is the only perfect person to ever walk this earth, and it’s funny, but we look for the perfect time and the perfect condition or situation. Perfect is hard to find and if we always wait for perfect, (I wanted it to be 20-24 degrees celsius with blue skies and white puffy clouds, but that's not what I got and my experience was amazing.) we miss out on the great things God has planned for us. Let's stop putting things off because its not what we consider to be “PERFECT”!

*Stay close to those you love - For the duration of carnival, I went on Sunday, I had my older sister by my side. She was either to my left or right, or behind me holding onto my arm or my rucksack. I knew she was there every time I looked over my shoulder BUT there was a 4 minute period when I lost her. The police separated us because a lorry was turning the corner and they needed to get everyone out of the way. It was 4 minutes out of about 5/6 hours, but I couldn’t see her or feel her. I love my sister with all my heart and being close to those we love and those that love us is what makes life beautiful.

*We should dance in the rain - You don't know when the storm is going to pass, trials and tribulations, both big and small come, but it's your outlook and how you react that determines the outcome. I checked the weather app countless amount of times, but God is the official Weather Man and I decided to step out in my carnival outfit and enjoy the festivities that I didn't want to miss for another year. I say embrace the rain as it falls, embrace right now and be joyful. I literally danced in the rain, I had no umbrella, but I had a hood to protect my natural hair and my braids and that’s all I needed. The rain didn’t stop my fun.

*God is on your side and He does everything for a reason - You may not think that things that happen are not in your favour BUT trust Him, God sees the bigger picture and He has your best interest at heart. The rain may have put a dampener on the Notting Hill Carnival experience for some, but I began to see God's amazing grace in it. Water is a blessing, it's therapeutic, it’s cleansing, it purifies, it saves, it provides, it brings growth and new life, was used in miracles and water is POWER. I saw the rain as a positive thing as long as my camera didn't get damaged and it made me realise more than ever before that God only has good intentions and we need to alter our vision and see things His way. If we train ourselves to see that God wants the best for us and there is a strategic reason for things, life will be better.

Last but not least...

*People’s opinions are just that, their opinion - People may judge you for going places and doing certain things. In their opinion, you shouldn’t go there, you shouldn't do that, but when God has a purpose for you and He’s directing you to go somewhere, you go. When God is prompting you to do something, you do it #JustDoIt. Disobedience is sin and faithlessness. People are always going to have something to say, people are always going to judge and criticise, but it’s important to know whose opinion counts and who you want to hear “Well done my good and faithful servant” from.

Watch the video below to see my carnival experience and understand why these are the things I learnt.

 

Don't forget to forward this post to friends and family to share the inspiration.

You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for daily motivation.

 

Have a blessed day!

Kayisha

KO ⭐❤⭐

 

www.kayishaonline.com

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