Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberlisa Best.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been writing poems, plays and short stories ever since I can remember. Outside of modeling, acting, producing, and hosting TV, Radio, Broadcast, and Podcasts I have always wanted to be a writer. In 2007 I began writing a 4-book series about a character named Hazel. It took me a while to believe that anyone would be interested in reading my books. After many years of toiling with the idea of me being a published author, I finally gave in. My first book There’s Something about Hazel was published in August of 2020. I ordered a few copies of my book and gave them to family and friends to read and give their honest opinion. Everyone who read my book was astonished. They ranted and raved about how great my book was. One friend even told me I owed him some ice cream and therapy. His exact words were “your book had my emotions all over the place. I was happy, sad, angry, frustrated, disappointed and even outrage. Another said, “my book was a complete page turner from beginning to end they just could not put it down.” None the less, their heartfelt responses and overwhelming amount of encouragement was all I needed to keep moving forward with my next book “A Family for Hazel.”
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Wow! That is such a great question. I believe that of all the things I have accomplished in my life; this journey to be a published author has been my toughest. I strongly believe we can be our own worst critic and I was definitely that for myself. For years I struggled with the idea of being good enough to write a book. This was hard for me because I knew I had great storyline. I knew there was something in my books for everyone to enjoy. Yet still I lacked the confidence required to put my work out there for the world to see, read and critique. F-E-A-R is said to be False Evidence Appearing to be Real and I had a lot of it. I am sure you have noticed my last name is “BEST”, what a name to live up to. Carrying around such a name is like being weighted with a mantle, you cannot be anything but the absolute best at everything to attempt. When you are the best there is no room for failure there is only room for success.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Well, I am an author/ entertainer if you will. It is my desire that we all learn to have healthy relationships, friendships, companionships, situationships and even marriages. I believe my books, though entertaining, helps you do that. As you are reading about Hazel and her life challenges, the obstacles, the up and downs. You are getting insight to what healthy relationships look like. We all have moments in our lives where we wish we could get a do over. Although a do over may not be possible for many of us we can do our best to become a better version of who we were yesterday. Through the eyes of my characters, you can live vicariously. You can adopt many of their mannerisms and characteristic to overcoming the drama and chaos that we all experience from time to time. It is never too late to better yourself and others. I like to think that getting to know Hazel and the others will light a spark for you to want to better yourself in all aspects of your life. As far as competition they are of no concern to me. There are many talented writers and authors out there who all have their own niche and are trying to reach a particular group of people. My niche is healthy relationships, and my group of people is anyone who desires to live a life free of unnecessary bickering and fussing over things that hold absolutely no value.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
My best advice would be to get out of your own way. Many of us have not achieved the level of success that we desire because somewhere in us we believe it’s just not possible. If we were to ask people who have achieved their goals and reached their level of success. Many would say they had to conquer their owns thoughts of self-doubt and disbelief. They would tell you that first they had to believe that they could do it. Sometimes you have to believe it before you see it. Belief is extremely important when going after one’s dreams in fact it is downright vital. Knowing that you have the ability to be successful is great. But if you do not believe with every ounce of your being that you can achieve the level of success you desire. You probably never will. Many people’s dreams have died when they died and they were buried right along with them. If you are passionate about it, do it. If you can’t stop thinking about it, do it! If it keeps you up at night, do it! If the dream just will not die, by any means necessary do it! Create your legacy so that your dreams will live on and continue to inspire others long after you are gone.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success to me is healthy relationships with friends, family and even co-workers. Success to me is self-love and the ability to inspire others. Success is longevity in a world where achievements are short lived. Success is creating a system that produces generational wealth for my loved ones. Success is after years of blood, sweat and tears being able to stand tall with my head lifted high. Success is never giving up even when things are at its worst. We all have our own version of success and what that looks like. My version looks like financial freedom, multiple streams of income. Positively impacting the lives of others and giving back to my community. Success is watching my family grow up healthy, happy and with peace of mind. Being that bridge that keeps my family connected through the good the bad and the ugly. Success for me is God and His will for my life, because exactly what is success without God!
What’s next for you?
There is so much creativity that is in me, dreams, goals, plans and ideas I have yet to birth. But writing that’s definitely at the top of my list. Both “There’s Something about Hazel” and “A Family for Hazel” are now out and available for purchase on Amazon.com. There are two more books that will be added to this series. Eventually I plan to relaunch my TV/Radio show. I’m sure I’ll also delve back into Broadcasting and Podcasting. Too many people have told me that they see me speaking on stages to a multitude of people. I enjoy sharing and encouraging others, I believe I have a heart for the people. It is my desire that those that want to win … WIN. If I can help you, motivate you, push you, inspire you or even walk with you, I am there. I will be your biggest cheerleader. What is next for me? It is to be a positive footprint in the lives of every person I come into contact with both directly and indirectly. Lastly, I plan to launch my online faith-based T-shirt and apparel website.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more.
I am on Facebook and Instagram under my artist name Kimya Dew. To reach me via email KimyaDew@Yahoo.com and via telephone 626 765 5353. To find my books visit Amazon.com and search There’s Something about Hazel and A Family for Hazel.