Meet Sherrelle Holmes | Children’s Author & Hip Hop Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sherrelle Holmes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherrelle, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am most inspired by the love and positive feedback I receive from all of the young fearless readers around the world. Rather I am conducting author visits for “I Never Knew That I” or performing songs from the “I Never Knew That I” Rap Along Album, there is no better feeling than seeing kids smiling and excited to have me in their presence. Their positive energy is the driving force behind me being wanting to share my story because, my ultimate goal for the book has always been to motivate and uplift children everywhere.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from other children’s authors is the fact that I am very diverse. For one, I am a hip hop artist as well. I do my best to make my book readings and author visits highly entertaining and engaging because, as a performing artist, I understand the importance of my making meaningful connections with the audience. I never want anyone to just hear my story. I want them to feel my story. I want them to understand the importance of every word that I wrote because words have power. I hope my story will translate into them developing a feeling that will inspire them to tap into their own greatness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Coming from Philadelphia, one thing I really enjoy about living in Southern California is the outdoor activities. Manhattan Beach is one of my favorite spots to go to. From the local restaurants, relaxing on the beach, to meditating, or exercising (play hoops, biking riding, skating, walking, etc). It’s really a one stop shop and must do for people visiting from out of town.

Another recommendation is Kenneth Hahn Park. It’s a great place to do a lot of things that I previously mentioned. It’s also great place to host a family reunion or picnic. The view there is beautiful and parking is great.

In addition, both Kenneth Hahn Park & Manhattan Beach are wonderful recommendations for African Americans history lovers. Manhattan Beach historically known as “Bruce Beach” is one of the very first beaches and beach resort area’s for African Americans. You can read and learn about how successful this vacation area was for the Black Community during the early 1900’s. You can also take some really cool pictures and see an amazing Dr. Martin Luther King monument at Kenneth Hahn.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The success of my book would not have been possible without the support from my family & friends. After many years of discussing my dreams of becoming an author, as a birthday present last year, my family, particularly my beautiful wife, made that a reality by surprising me and getting my children’s book published. It was very thoughtful and one of the best gifts I ever received. I can not thank her enough for taking the initiative in helping me achieve my goals.

Another person that I have to credit is my manager and friend Yuki “YB” Hawkins. It’s one thing for people to say “I believe in you”, it’s another thing when people show you they believe in you by investing their time and every resource they have in promoting your product as an artist. I am very grateful to have him on my team and truly appreciate his wisdom.

To this day, every time I see a copy of my book or listen to my music, I get a little emotional because I am reminded of all the efforts from my loved ones in making my dreams come true.

Website: ineverknewthati.com

Email: ineverknewthati@gmail.com

Instagram: @ineverknewthati

Youtube: @ineverknewthativideos

Image Credits
Photo Credits: Yul Hawkins