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Kevin Grant is a well-known children’s author, artist, and entertainer. He is also the Owner of Gifted Grant Productions bringing anti-bullying presentations across the globe with his buddy, Nelish the Peacock the Face of Health and Anti-Bullying.
Kevin was born in Orangeburg, SC., and is married with 2 children (boys). “My interest is to publicly speak to live audiences because it is my passion to perform outreach to our children. Simply put, I want to share my experience with bullying and talk about providing solutions from the effects from it. In efforts of doing so, I created a superhero through my book series that will boost positive morale with kids.
Bullying is a serious issue, and I believe that if I can reach one student, that is one life that we have reached for the better. Just imagine how much more lives can be positively impacted! Our children needs to see and hear something extraordinary and I believe that with your help, this will be a wonderful opportunity to do so!”
We (Gifted Grant Productions) have recently gone to Queen City Stem School and plan on many schools this fall. I represented Read Across America as Ambassador for Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Links to the nation for the week of Mar 2-5 2021.
I am nationally accredited to perform and entertain!
FMM: You have a gift of bringing storytelling and entertainment to children. What led you to become a popular children’s author?
At the age of 5, I always wanted to be an artist and inspire the world. I expanded this feat through writing and drawing. During my senior year in high school in year 2000, my English teacher, Ms. Barbara Delac realized that I had a hidden talent: creative writing. I kept this development in my back pocket, and then years later, roughly 2016, I realize the time was right to tap into. From HS grad year 2000 – present, I always served in the military or onducted civil-service, which required most of my time. I’m also married with two kids, which requires the rest of my time. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in business, so I don’t have the exact artistic degree skillset just yet to apply my talents through animation or digital enhancements, so I focus all of my talents through self-publishing my books.
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FMM: Share with us your book, Nelish Daring Quests and a few valuable lessons.
Nelish Daring Quests is actually the trademark brand of the life of my main created character: Nelish the Peacock, who goes on quests to determine his true life purpose. Nelish is considered a hero and champion defender who defends prey and other considered prey against predator bullies.
FMM: You entertain and educate children in schools globally with your buddy, Nelish the Peacock. Tell us about Gifted Grant Productions and the fun and educational shows you are bringing to schools.
Gifted Grant Productions is a LLC formed by me which is a combination of my last name combined with the artistic ability to create stories. I believe this was God’s plan for me all the time and our desire is to provide quality entertainment to the world. I’m the owner and founder of the company and as we expand, we will continue to tell wonderful stories through books; media and other forms of entertainment. Nelish the Peacock is the company’s mascot, and he defines exactly what we embrace. He is also identified as the Face of Health and Anti-Bullying. NELISH is the Acronym for Never Ever Let Invaders Show Harm and it’s our desire for schools and other available community services to allow us to motivate and provide positive encouragement to the public. Initially, our primary focus was on anti-bullying, but we are also sensitive to need to promote health, so we decided to expand our universe and provide outreach and encouragement to promote and raise positive self-esteem worldwide!
FMM: How much fun is it entertaining the kids?
Entertaining kids is the core of our mission. I always felt that if kids have a wonderful childhood, the world will be a better place! Prior to Covid, we were able to perform at several schools, some examples include Loonie B. Nelson Elementary School, and Queen City STEM School. We’ve also conducted virtual performances nationally via the NEA, National Education Association- Charter of the Links.
FMM: You have brought Nelish the Peacock stuffed animals onto the scene. Tell us more!
Absolutely! Nelish, the Peacock mascot is such a lovable character and kids couldn’t let him go easily, so, it was my mission to make sure that kids can always have a personal Nelish item to hold on to, so I decided to create plushie replicas of Nelish the Peacock for kids and adults’ personal use!
FMM: How excited are you for going back to school?
It’s been a lifelong dream of mines, so the permission to enter schools and other accessible spaces would be a dream come true! I definitely would like to entertain any interested personnel.
FMM: What have you learned along the way?
Important lessons learned along the way is to never hesitate to respond to an exciting opportunity and to stay connected with your contacts. Last but not least, never burn bridges because it takes a village to be successful.
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FMM: Share your vision for 2023.
My vision for 2023 is to provide quality entertainment to the world be performing in schools; selling merchandise publicly and promoting health and safer social climates effectively. We are available upon request. Feel free to contact us via email at giftedgrantproductions@yahoo.com for more information. Thanks!
