Today we’d like to introduce you to Khalaya Amos.
Khalaya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story is a beautiful tapestry of storytelling, evolution, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. Over the last few years, my world has expanded in the most rewarding ways. First and foremost, I stepped into motherhood—embracing it with the same fierce dedication, love, and protective energy that Batman holds for Gotham City. Becoming a mother completely shifted my perspective, teaching me to approach both life and creativity not with a heavy hammer, but with patience and grace.
That shift inspired me to take bold new steps in my professional journey. After publishing my first book, “KRAVE: Poems of a Mocha Colored Woman, who Despised Failure,” I realized just how deeply I love using my voice to connect with others. To take that passion to the next level, I am currently attending Tyler Junior College, pursuing a degree in Sports Media & Broadcasting. I want to merge my love for storytelling with the dynamic world of media.
Ever since I was a young girl, I looked up to trailblazers like Maya Angelou and Martin Lawrence—visionaries who moved with passion, creativity, and a deep sense of duty to their audience. Following in those footsteps, I am currently deep in the process of writing my second book, which I am incredibly excited to share with the world soon. Ultimately, I want my journey to stand as proof that no matter where you start, you are the creator of your own happiness, joy, and success.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I firmly believe that without struggle, there is no real development. The roadblocks we face aren’t meant to stop us; they are designed to teach us lessons that we can eventually pass down to lift others up.
For me, some of the greatest hurdles have centered around navigating the complexities of womanhood and mastering the art of “staying in my lane.” It takes real discipline to keep your eyes on your own path when the world throws distractions at you. To navigate those seasons, I intentionally shifted my focus toward prioritizing my mental and spiritual wellness. How we show up in our inner life directly reflects in our outer environment—and that truth becomes magnified ten-fold when you become a parent.
I’ve learned that a struggle is simply a workout that prunes you for greatness. Cultivating sharp discernment and unwavering determination keeps you grounded. Ultimately, the challenges haven’t broken me; they have revealed exactly how much I want out of this life, and they’ve built a solid foundation for the legacy I am building for my family and my career.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Honestly, I do a little bit of everything because I love connecting with people. For my 9-5, I work from home as a Healthcare Advocate, where I get to help our seniors and elders navigate their insurance to make sure they’re getting the benefits they actually need and deserve. Outside of that, I’m a student pursuing Sports Media & Broadcasting at TJC, a painter, and a published author.
Back home, people know me for coming from one of the biggest families in town, for my big, bright personality, and for publishing my book. But if you want to know what I’m most proud of, it’s the generational curses I am breaking day by day. Trust me, it’s not an easy task, but I know I’m going to prevail. I don’t walk this path alone—God holds my hand through it all, and honestly, sometimes I am carried, for we are yoked together.
Humbly, what sets me apart is just my raw truth and realness. I respect people, but I also have the confidence to stand up and speak up for myself and the people I love. Mix that with my creativity, my way with words, my artwork, and my unique taste in music, and it’s almost like being an eighth wonder of the world. I just bring my full, authentic self to the table every single time.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
At my core, the simplest things bring me the greatest joy. First and foremost, my sweet sons make me incredibly happy. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing my family and friends thriving, smiling, and genuinely thrilled—their energy completely feeds mine.
On a personal level, happiness looks like a perfectly cooked, medium-rare steak served with broccolini and mashed potatoes. It looks like taking some time for myself to go on a total shopping spree at AtHome or Michaels to fuel my creative projects and binge watching my favorite Anime shows. I find joy in the balance—loving on my people, taking care of my peace, and enjoying the beautiful, simple flavors and moments life has to offer.
Pricing:
- KRAVE Poems on Amazon 25.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/KRAVE-Poems-Colored-Despised-Failure-ebook/dp/B0CKJYGQ9V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3O0PMPKCQODQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-q0qvtzw4h2wvICe2p2zcHboSTxUbozc083hWrBgRw4.svBHFQ7hT-F8G0r8zHLCpU7VrwAXhdr-J7Ppo4uyI94&dib_tag=se&keywords=krave+poems&qid=1788972535&sprefix=krave+po%2Caps%2C979&sr=8-1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somaayalahk/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khalaya.mcmahon
