MixedKids&Co Multimedia Platform

Being 'mixed' in America is confusing. It shouldn’t be, given that the mixed race population is growing exponentially. Yet there is a great lack of representation and understanding of what it means to be mixed and I believe people of all cultures can learn from the unique perspective of people who straddle the line. I started MixedKids&Co as a blog to explore and express the nuances I experience and also as a way for me to learn from others by highlighting creatives and entrepreneurs who fit into more than one box. 

This led to a podcast. Which led to meeting with community leaders who are igniting real change in their community. Which led to inspiring me to expand my art into directing and publishing a children’s book. Naturally, I need a full blown brand for all of this!

Why Am I Seeking Funding?

It’s been an organic process shifting from seeing MixedKids&Co as solely a passion project towards a business opportunity which makes me feel so confident in the process. I’d love to get the base of the platform up on its feet and that is only possible through continued hard work, focused leadership and of course, financial support. I believe this brand is a perfect platform for new stories to emerge that highlight the mixed experience and cross so many cultural barriers which can lead to brand partnerships, distribution deals and developing new talent. 

So check out what’s in store for MixedKids&Co and be a part of a multimedia space that is sure to bring unique storytelling in a myriad of ways. This is a space for ALL SHADES. That’s why it is called MixedKids & Co. People of color and those who love us too.

What does MixedKids&Co the brand look like beyond the blog?

PODCAST 

Season 1 is in progress! Seven out of ten episodes have been released with the final three coming out soon. 

The Goal: Begin planning for Season 2 and pitch to podcast companies and sponsors as potential production partners. 

Listen on Spotify or iTunes! 

CHILDREN'S BOOK

My first children’s book is currently in development! 

The Goal: Complete illustrations and independently publish to bring to market in time for the holidays. 

Synopsis: Cake Mix: A Recipe for Mixed Kids, is a picture book for children ages 5-8. The story features a young mixed-race girl named Remy who is starting her first day at a new school. Remy is asked the question, “What are you?”, by a boy in her class that leaves her feeling confused about where she belongs. Remy’s mother teaches her what it means to be mixed while doing her favorite activity - baking a cake! Remy discovers being mixed-race is something to be proud of and she returns to her classroom with newfound acceptance and confidence. 

Check out early sketches of the book illustrated by Victoria Lewis.

DIRECTING

The final area I’d love to expand the brand is through a visual medium. I am a working actor and have been developing new skills as a director in the last year. I’d love to bring these skills into the advertising world, given that less than 10% of commercial directors are women (with fewer being women of color) as well as the digital space through narrative and social activist pieces. 

I’ve proven to be on the right path towards directing by recently making it as a top 10 finalist in Paxeros’ Women of Color Commercial Directing Program out of over 100 applicants. 

The Goal: Complete a directing reel using footage from shooting specs and for-hire projects. 

Watch my short films Hoops and House on Fire.

What Does the Funding Cover?

Funding will directly go to early stages of establishing the brand. 

• Covering first year of LLC California state fees 
• Logo design 
• Marketing and ad spend to promote the podcast on social media 
• Professional branding and graphic design 
• Equipment and business materials (i.e. editing software for videos, computer upgrade)
• Production costs for children’s book and podcast 

Thank You For Your Support! 

I know my goals are ambitious and cover a lot of ground, but I believe that is in line with what it means to be a mixed race creative. This is an opportunity to build a culture that fully supports “check all that apply”.