Khalilah Brooks is a 2019 graduate of the Children’s Media program. She started her own media and theatrical production company titled BAM Children’s Entertainment Inc. that focuses on inspiring children through the craft of puppetry. “We teach children how to love themselves and others.”
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve done professionally since leaving the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design?
The most interesting thing I've done since leaving Centennial is create the YouTube web series Aunty B & Friends.
What’s your favourite memory from your time at the school?
Being in the Children's Media program, some of my favourite memories are the class trips and guest speakers. Due to the working relationships of instructors in the industry, we were very fortunate to meet Producers and Broadcasters like Skyship Entertainment, Brainpower Studios and visit Guru, and CBC Kids.
How did your experience at the school shape your entrepreneurial goals?
Taking the Children's Media program enhanced my skills and knowledge by 88%. Being able to work closely and effectively with instructors who also worked in the industry was a huge benefit. Not only was I learning but creating new friendships.
What advice can you offer students who have entrepreneurial dreams?
Being an entrepreneur requires you to have confidence in your work and always keep learning. Make sure you look for opportunities to grow everywhere. Think outside of the box.
What's the best piece of advice you received when starting your business?
The best piece of advice I've received is to be kind, work hard and the days you feel like giving up, work harder.
In one sentence, what does the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design mean to you?
I believe that The School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design creates opportunities to make a passion, a dream and a dream a reality.
How did you come up with the idea or concept for your business?
Our business idea was started by the influence of Oprah Winfrey. Oprah was launching the OWN Network and asked for creative ideas. I quickly evaluated some of her favourite things along with my own and came up with the Aunty B character from there. I submitted the idea and Ms. Oprah said she liked it. However, they weren't going to being focused on children's content. But we kept the dream alive.
What have the results of your business been?
Our business is always evolving and growing. We've had many successes over the last few years such as receiving awards, grants and performing for the National Arts Centre. We are grateful that we continue to inspire our young viewers and their families and look forward to making a positive difference in children's television.
What's next for your business?
Over the next year, we hope to create a trailer for our new live-action preschool series.
It's your call - tell us something interesting, cool, odd, unique etc. about you or your business.
We have a very diverse BIPOC team as performers and behind the scenes. We also use puppets that are up to 6 feet tall.
You can find out more about Khalilah, as well as her series Aunty B and Friends, on Instagram and Facebook.
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GRAD-preneur is a weekly series that highlights some of the outstanding School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design graduates who have successfully started their own businesses. This series shares the stories of our graduates and their time at our school, as well as provides valuable advice about being an entrepreneur.