5 Questions with Kedesha Blake-Huggins

Kedesha Blake-Huggins is a self-proclaimed visionary who hails from the parish of Clarendon. As a dreamer and doer, she now wears several hats: educator, author, motivational speaker, and life coach.

She attained her bachelor’s degree in Science Education at the Mico University-College, where she initiated and led several personal development initiatives. Ever since she has continued pursuing her passion for helping people accept themselves and work towards self-actualization. Her recently launched book, ‘Tally’s Good Hair’ is one such piece of evidence. Kedesha is also an educator in the United Kingdom.

Today, as you read Kedesha’s answers to the five questions we were privileged to ask her, we hope you will not only dream but do. So, we challenge you to some time to reflect on your vision and how to take action.

1. Tell us a little about your professional journey.

My professional journey started at the University of the West Indies, where I was given a wealth of experience in leadership and personal development. I then went to The Mico University-College, where I pursued a degree in Science Education, specializing in Chemistry.

The UWI gave me roots, and Mico gave me several opportunities to grow and exercise my leadership skills. I was an active part of the Guild of Students in the capacity of a committee member, the Science Faculty Representative, and the Vice President of the Guild of Students, where a team of seniors and I initiated over 500 young ladies into college life.

I went on to teach at Kingston College, where I had an opportunity to put theory to practice; some worked, some didn’t, but again I got an opportunity to grow as an educator and exercise my leadership skills. There was a point that I felt that there was a need for more growth and experience, and so I said farewell to KC and went on to become an educator in the United Kingdom, where I teach a diverse group of students from years 7-12. I wear many hats in my professional life, including being an educator, motivational speaker, life coach, and author. My professional journey continues.

2. What would you say is most fulfilling about being an educator?

It is important that we prepare our students not just for examinations but for life, so I would say that the most fulfilling part about being an educator is seeing my students become confident learners. I enjoy experiencing that beautiful moment when students realize that God has given them all the tools to succeed. When students gain confidence, it creates a new positive neural pathway for them, and they become empowered.

3. What inspired you to become an Author?

I wrote pieces for the ‘Children’s Own’ in primary school, and my grade three teacher would keep them as souvenirs. As a preteen, I had a blue exercise book where I wrote advice columns about navigating friendships and relationships (Which I had no personal experience with). However, my older cousins would run to meet me when I visited my grandparents’ home so that they could read my latest advice. I would say that, for the most part, writing has always been a passion, and my teachers, Mrs. Janice Julal and Mrs. Porter, were very instrumental in my appreciation of the English Language and my love for books.

4. Tell us about your recently launched book, “Tally’s Good Hair,” and how interested persons can access it.

‘Tally’s Good Hair’ is an inspiring book for children between ages 3-9 years. The book was encouraged by my childhood experience with my kinky hair, as there was a time when that I did not feel beautiful with my God-given hair. I intend to share a positive message to little black girls and other children who wish to learn about black hair. This children’s book will inspire and teach the importance of loving one’s hair and reinforce the message that all hair is indeed good hair. ‘Tally’s Good Hair’ can be found on all Amazon platforms, including the Kindle store.

5. How do you create a balance between being an educator, author, and YouTuber, among other things?

For the most part, I try to decide what the next best step is, but having a very supportive family, taking care of my mental health, taking breaks, and creating an action plan for each week helps. Sometimes it is doing many things at once and sacrificing social time to work on personal goals without compromising my value added in other areas.