In this conversation, we will discuss why representation matters especially for children, how you can expand the perspective of someone as a mom or in other ways by being the first person in any category to use your special voice and get a look at what asking for precisely what you want is a good thing and how that contributed to the children’s book Your Special Voice. 

Temi Adamolekun is the author of Your Special Voice. This empowering board book inspires young readers to use their own special voices to make a difference in the world.

If you want to make a difference, 

but you don’t know where to start 

Begin by searching way deep down 

to find what’s in your heart

Whether your voice shines through singing, drawing, or dancing—whether it’s soft or loud, kind or proud—everyone has a voice that can effect change. This empowering and heartfelt message is conveyed through a beautiful, lyrical rhyme that will encourage even the youngest readers to think about what’s important to them.

Temi is from Nigeria, grew up in England, and now lives in San Francisco with her husband and son. Temi runs her own communications agency and is an active and vocal member of her community. She has written essays on topics such as anti-racist parenting and the importance of Black protagonists in children’s books. She is an avid reader who has dreamed of writing books for children for a long time, and she is delighted to have made that dream come true.

This conversation not only provides a deeper understanding of the importance of representation in children's books but also encourages us to leverage the power of our unique voices to create a significant impact in our lives and those around us. Tune in to be part of this compelling conversation.

In this episode, you will hear these ideas expressed:

The difference between those who achieve and who don’t is…. Why done is better than perfect Do moms really not have time to read? How Temi - a voracious reader - keeps it up The reason why it’s sometimes easier to focus on other people’s wants How did she partner up with an illustrator who met her specific criteria…a black woman with Nigerian roots? And how to ask for what you really want. What Nigerian cultural nuances were at play whilst writing the book or partnering with a fellow Nigerian on the topic of using your voice as a woman The superpower of bringing cross-cultural perspectives, UK, US, and Nigeria Why representation matters in children’s board books The courage to use your voice: Does your special voice need to be loud? Is whispering impactful? Exactly how does Temi run a business and mother a son and still stop her workday in time for dinner? Inspiring courage to share, and teaching her son the publication process How did writing this book affect her son? What’s now possible and normal for him? A Simon & Schuster published mom is now his normal…. Sharing unique voices takes courage and can have a positive impact. How Temi’s book, “Your Special Voice” encourages children to use their unique voices, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and structure

SHARE this episode with a mom founder, entrepreneur, or creator who is seeking a children’s book to read that celebrates the diverse and inclusive voices of many children. 

Similar episodes:

David Roberts, New York Times Best-Selling Illustrator, Talks About Imagination, Following Our Children’s Lead, and the Importance of Constructive Feedback, Episode 18

https://www.melissallarena.com/david-roberts-talks-about-imagination-following-our-childrens-lead-and-feedback/

Jane Egerton-Idehen, Nigerian-based STEM Advocate & IT Executive, Speaks About Gender Equality in the Workplace and How to Discover and Use Your Voice, Episode 38

https://www.melissallarena.com/jane-egerton-idehen-speaks-about-gender-equality-in-the-workplace-and-how-to-discover-and-use-your-voice-episode-38/

Supporting Resources:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Your-Special-Voice/Temi-Adamolekun/9781665912280#:~:text=About%20The%20Book,a%20difference%20in%20the%20world.&text=Whether%20your%20voice%20shines%20through,voice%20that%20can%20effect%20change.

https://www.instagram.com/tigertemi/

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Book Launch Fall 2023! Join the Collective Of Moms Who Seek More Imaginative Solutions For Maximum Impact While Inspiring Their Kids To Do The Same

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Melissa is an inspiring display of tenacity and motivation. Whenever you’re feeling stuck, peruse Melissa’s thoughtfully compiled tips and exercises and you’ll be creating magic in no time.” – Suzy Batiz, Chief Executive and Visionary Officer, ~Pourri, The Makers of Poo~Pourri, supernatural, Alive OS®.

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Moms like us with big dreams and school-age kids:

For moms like me, the pandemic was an opportunity to re-evaluate and course-correct things in our lives we weren’t thrilled with. Coming out of this period, sluggish yet motivated, so many of us can use this book to help us wake up! If you’re looking to refresh, reenergize, and yes, reimagine a better version of your life, this book is for you. I loved the hilarious, yet poignant stories about motherhood today and the window into the world of those who’ve gone for it – and did it. - Macollvie Neel, Brooklyn, NY

“The words: imagination, play and fun are not the usual things we as mothers think of when wondering how to get a grip back on our career and I believe it provides a really fresh take and lots of food for thought for mothers reading it. Its tone is so energetic and fresh!” – Alejandra Molina, Coach, Miami, Florida

“Melissa is a mom of three with big dreams who tells it like it is. She draws on her own experiences and the experiences of professionals she’s interviewed for her podcast to reflect on the plight of the mother. How do women conform to or challenge the traditional “mom script”? If you’re a mom, what can you do to break the “cultural glass ceiling” to be yourself and a great parent, all without having to force yourself into a mom mold that doesn’t fit you? Melissa is like a great friend, honest and wise and funny, telling you about her life and asking you to reflect on yours. This book is a great purchase for moms in every stage of life.” – Maureen Turner Carey, Librarian, Austin, Texas

“In her book, Melissa shows us that motherhood does not have to be a pause or an end to your pre-child self. With guidance from her podcast guests, she encourages us to think big, find what lights us up, think big, and move towards our goals with the steps that fit the reality of our lives as they are today. In doing so we honor and inspire our child(ren), and our own inner child.” – Katherine Howell, Museum Administrator, Queens, NY