You might not have heard of Kandise Carlisle but I guarantee after reading this interview, you'll want to know more about her.
This Alabama native developed her love of writing at a young age. In fact, her imagination grew strong enough to author her first novel, Open Heart with Closed Eyes, receiving outstanding reviews on Amazon. But this mother of two have many layers to her talent -- playwright, fashion designer, praise dancer, and businesswoman. Fortunately for Carlisle, the God-given gifts she been bestowed are only the beginning; 2015 will be full of surprises in the literary world.
Kandise's sheer will should be an inspiration for "dreamers", proving it's never too late to grow up and be what you want to be.
Imani: Today, The Lounge has a special New Year's treat. Joining me is author, playwright, and fashion expert, Kandise Carlisle for this one-on-one interview. Welcome Kandise, tell the readers about yourself?
Kandise: Thank You so much for giving me the opportunity of having this interview with you it's an honor. Well...Imani, who is Kandise? Kandise is a daughter, mother of two beautiful daughters, a sister, aunt mother-in-law and great friend. Humble, love God and family, a go-getter when I put my mind to something I go hard at it making sure that it's complete the way it should be. A writer, dancer, fashion lover and love to encourage others to go after what ever it is that they want to do.
When was that "ah-ha" moment you knew you were a writer?
I found my nitch for writing as a young child in the third grade. I would take a pen and begin writhing out plays I would let my teacher look at what I wrote she loved it. We begin to act out the play that I wrote so I would say it started with me in elementary school.
What's your writing process? Do you outline by chapter, or just go with the flow and write?
I just go with the flow Imani. Once I see the characters in my head and have that visualization of what's going on I get that paper and pen and begin to write.
From what I read of your work, you are immensely talented. Where do you find the inspiration to write such eloquence?
I find inspiration from personal experience, pain, joy and being a survivor. Each day driving in and outside of Alabama I see, hear and meet so many people with all types of issues. I can't help but be inspired to change a life through my writing.
Tell us more about your book, "Open Heart with Closed Eyes". What's the inspiration behind the story and its characters?
Open Heart with Closed Eyes was very touching to me. Even though it was six characters all having their own personal issues Sharon and Darryl were the main characters. Sharon, feel in love with a marry man not only did this successful woman fall in love with this man she became pregnant by him. These six characters had to go through something, but what happen God coms in and take place in their lives. What inspired the readers is that God reveal his self in this story. They all had to go and repent asking for understanding and help. The had to go back to a place where they left and that was the church. This book starts out hot, juicy and messes, but in the end God got the glory.
"Each day driving in and outside of Alabama I see, hear and meet so many people with all types of issues. I can't help but be inspired to change a life through my writing."
Now I understand one of your goals are to open a boutique for petite women, tell us more about that.
WOW!! this was nothing but God. KUBBS Fashion was create in March 2014 and in November 2014 God open a door of opportunity for me to be able to put my cloths in a beauty shop. I now not only shop and sell to petite woman but plus size women as well. Right now I share space in the beauty shop with another young lady that does jewelry and I do the cloths and shoes. But with Faith and continually prayer God will allow me to have a building of my own. I feel that all woman of size should feel and look beautiful in their clothing. If KUBBS could touch one petite or plus size woman and make them feel good and walk with confidence KUBBS have done her job. Just to let you know KUBBS stands or Kandise Unique Books and Boutiques.
Your faith is first and foremost in your life, and it shows in your work. But I'm fascinated with your other gift -- praise dancing. How did you discover this craft, or did it discover you?
Your faith is first and foremost in your life, and it shows in your work. But I'm fascinated with your other gift -- praise dancing. How did you discover this craft, or did it discover you?
Yes!! My love for dancing is like a high. I love it dearly it started with my mom she was a dancer she loves it and at the age of 88 she stills likes to dance. It plays a big part in my family. I was a dancer in high school in the band so that's something that I have in me dancing on all types of level to music. But praise dance is something more of a love to me the church that I belongs to I visit it one Sunday twelve years ago. They had these young ladies to come out and praise dance I was in awww when I saw up there dancing. I visit three more times and on the fourth time I join the church became a part of the dance ministry. As of March of this year I became the leader working under me I have to co-leaders and about thirty dancers ranging from 4-50 I have five different groups so I'm putting dances together just about every week except for the mimes dancer.
"I feel that all woman of size should feel and look
beautiful in their clothing. If KUBBS could touch one petite or plus size woman and make them feel good and walk with confidence KUBBS have done her job. Just to let you know KUBBS stands or Kandise Unique Books and Boutiques."
Where do you see your writing career going in five years?
See my writing career going to another whole level of being all over. Not only will you be able to purchase my book from my website, but stores even in my clothing store you will be able to purchase my book. I will be connecting with two other ladies getting our business going to you will be able to get books from there as well. I not only see it selling in the states but outside of the states as well.
What are "Kandise Carlisle's" literary plans for 2015?
My writing goal is to reach a broader audience. As an author I want to appear to all readers from various cultures, background and race. Writing is universal and my goal is to touch various souls.
On a relaxed note, if you were to plan a dinner party and invited three distinguished guests (living or not), who would they be and what one question you would ask of them?
Cicely Tyson- How do you prepare yourself for the roles that you play in movies?
Luther Vandross- Would you still be writing and singing love songs are retired from it now?
Denzel Washington- How do you stay so sexy? lol
You can google me for my website at www.kubbspublications.com
facebook.com/KUBBS Fashion
Thank You again Imani for having me.
Thank you, Kandise. Have a happy and prosperous New Year.
Thank you, Kandise. Have a happy and prosperous New Year.
No comments:
Post a Comment