Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Washington.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a singer, I’ve been singing since I was a toddler. I would sing with my dad on Sunday mornings just before going to church. He wasn’t really a churchgoer, but my mother was. She would listen to us as she got dressed. They would eventually divorce a few years later. My mother continues to cultivate the musical gifting in me. She could sing too. While growing up in my uncle’s church, I learned to play the drums and eventually the organ. I was accepted to the Arts Magnet @Booker T Washington H.S. It’s now known as Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. There I was formally trained in vocal production. I met my musical partner, my husband Don, in 1994. Our musical journey took us to Atlanta. It was there that our musical gifts would be challenged but the hard knocks would prove to be fruitful. At that time, we joined the ministry of the late Bishop Eddie L Long. Don was literally recruited to be the organist at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. During this time I had the chance to study under some of the best Praise & Worship leaders in gospel music. People like William Murphy, Darwin Hobbs and occasionally, Judith McAllister would come in. All of this gave me the confidence to embark upon a career in music. I had always wanted to do it but after returning home to Texas, I finally had a clear musical direction. As time passed, and many failed attempts, Don and I decided to open a daycare in 2005. Needless to say, it has been true ministry. It’s been a blessing. We have had the opportunity to influence early learning experience for many children. Music seemed to take a back burner but not completely. In the last 15 years, the two (music & business) have run in parallel. We finally decided to build a music studio and produce our own music in 2009. Finally, in 2016, it was time to put some music out and we did. In April 2017, I released my first single, Triumphant One and since then we have released another single entitled, Worth Living For on April 12th this year.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been easy. We have had some setbacks. It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs. I’m talking true disappointments. But throughout every test, there have been light at the end of it all. It took a while for the music to come out, there’s a reason for that. We had to take on the responsibility of my nephew when he was one. We literally got him out of foster care. I had a medical challenge that set me back for at least a year. We put our children through college. Sometimes, we had to push musical goals back until we had the funding needed.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kim Washington/Storytime Child Care – what should we know?
Storytime Child Care is a DeSoto based daycare. I am the co-owner and Director. We are proud of the fact that we have been opened since 2005 assisting families, nurturing children. What sets us apart is the fact that even though we are a licensed home care, we operate like center-based. We are full serviced. We also have a foundation, iLearn Foundation which offers low-cost summer camp care. It’s called SCC Summer Fun Camp.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband Don, my daughter DeiArecia, our daily staff. They work tirelessly every day to make it all come together. Our mornings begin at 6 am and ends at 6:30p. Faithfully these people work to make sure that the children receive quality care. It doesn’t matter about being a licensed home care. They approach it every day committed to excellence. In my music life, still my husband rallies everyone to make it all happen. Just recently, after the release of my new single, George Huff (American Idol) asked if I could do some backing vocal work for Jennifer Hudson. I said, Ok. A few weeks later to my surprise, I was scheduled to go out on the road with her. First, stop to LA to tape a television show at Sony Picture Studios. I’m like, what is this? Well, it turned out to be a major deal because we were performing on the All in the family/The Jefferson’s episode reboot, Live in Front of a Studio Audience – Kimmel/Lear Live. I was out of town, but my family and work-family totally support this endeavor. I was blown away. This year has been amazing. That particular show actually won a 2019 Emmy. I’m still trying to wrap my head around that one.
Contact Info:
- Email: kimwashingtonofficial@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Kim Washington Official
- Facebook: Kim Washington Official
- Twitter: Kim Washington Official
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