In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, we had the privilege of speaking with Kellina, an inspiring entrepreneur, international speaker, and best-selling author. Losing her hearing completely at the age of four didn’t stop her from chasing her dreams. Instead, it fueled her passion for advocacy, accessibility, and empowerment.
Kellina, a vibrant advocate and coach who’s all about empowering the deaf community. Imagine, she began her journey as an international speaker and a best-selling author after losing her hearing completely at just 4 years old! But that didn’t slow her down one bit.
Kellina’s zest for life shines through her story. Despite the challenge of losing her hearing at the age of 4, she rocked her academic journey, grabbing a Psychology degree from York University and a diploma in Mental Health and Addiction. Plus, she’s a certified life coach, international speaker and advocate, and the genius behind the Amazon bestseller, ‘Everyday I Am Just Deaf.’ Her mission? To sprinkle hope and courage into the lives of young adults with disabilities facing similar hurdles.
As a Deaf entrepreneur who has overcome significant challenges, how do you leverage your unique perspective to empower other young adults with disabilities in their personal and professional lives?
As a Deaf entrepreneur, I have faced and overcome many challenges, and I use my experiences to empower young adults with disabilities in their personal and professional lives. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and breaking down barriers, which I now share with others.
I leverage my platform to educate individuals and businesses on disability inclusion, accessibility, and the power of diverse perspectives. Through speaking engagements, books, and social media content, I raise awareness and inspire change. By sharing my own story, I show others that success is possible regardless of the obstacles they face.
Mentorship is another key way I support young adults with disabilities. I provide coaching and workshops that help them build confidence, develop career skills, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Many of them struggle with self-doubt or limited access to resources, so I offer guidance to help them turn their challenges into opportunities.
I also work with organizations to create more inclusive environments where individuals with disabilities can thrive. By advocating for accessibility and equitable opportunities, I help break down systemic barriers that often hold people back.
Ultimately, I empower others by proving that limitations exist only when we accept them. My mission is to help young adults with disabilities embrace their strengths, pursue their goals, and build successful futures on their own terms.
Your business offers workshops on disability inclusion and mental health. Can you share a success story where your guidance helped a company create a more inclusive environment, and what were the key takeaways?
One of my most impactful success stories involved a school that wanted to create a more inclusive environment for Deaf students but wasn’t sure how to support them effectively. They invited me to lead a workshop for parents and school staff to help them better understand what it’s like to be Deaf and how they could foster a more accessible and supportive learning environment.
During the session, I shared my personal experiences as a Deaf individual and educated them on common barriers Deaf students face in the classroom. I provided practical strategies, such as ensuring visual accessibility, using clear communication methods, and incorporating assistive technology. One major takeaway was the importance of not just accommodations, but also fostering a culture of belonging where Deaf students feel valued and included.
After the workshop, the school made significant changes. Teachers started implementing visual aids and ensuring they faced students when speaking. Staff and parents became more intentional about using accessible communication methods, and the school even introduced Deaf awareness initiatives to educate students. A few months later, they shared that these changes had improved the confidence and engagement of their Deaf students, making them feel more included in school activities.
The key takeaways were that true inclusion requires education, small efforts can make a big difference, and when Deaf students feel understood and supported, they thrive academically and socially. This experience reinforced my passion for bridging the gap between the Deaf community and the hearing world through education and advocacy.
You’ve participated in over 200 podcasts in the past three years. How has this experience shaped your business strategy, and what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to leverage media platforms for growth?
Participating in over 200 podcasts in the past three years has been a game-changer for my business. It has allowed me to amplify my message, build credibility, and connect with diverse audiences beyond my immediate network. Each podcast appearance has provided an opportunity to educate others about the Deaf community, disability inclusion, and mental health while positioning myself as a thought leader in these spaces.
One of the biggest ways this experience has shaped my business strategy is by reinforcing the power of storytelling. I’ve learned that people connect more with personal experiences than just information, so I now incorporate storytelling into my workshops, content, and brand messaging. Additionally, podcasts have helped me secure speaking engagements, book collaborations, and partnerships with organizations looking to improve accessibility and inclusion.
For entrepreneurs looking to leverage media platforms for growth, my advice is to be intentional and strategic. Identify podcasts that align with your expertise and audience, craft a compelling pitch, and focus on delivering value in each interview. Consistency is key—showing up regularly on different platforms increases visibility and establishes credibility. Lastly, repurpose your podcast content by sharing key takeaways on social media, blogs, or newsletters to maximize reach.
Media exposure isn’t just about promotion; it’s about building trust and positioning yourself as a leader in your field. When done effectively, it can open doors to opportunities that accelerate business growth.
Your journey from losing your hearing at age 4 to becoming an Amazon bestselling author is inspiring. How do you translate your personal experiences into actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities?
My journey from losing my hearing at age four to becoming an Amazon bestselling author has taught me valuable lessons that I now share with aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities. I translate my experiences into actionable advice to help them navigate challenges and build successful businesses.
First, I emphasize self-advocacy. I had to learn how to communicate my needs, access the right resources, and create opportunities for myself. I encourage entrepreneurs to do the same—whether it’s requesting accommodations, finding mentors, or using assistive technology. Advocating for yourself is essential in both business and life.
Second, I stress adaptability. The entrepreneurial journey is unpredictable, and flexibility is key. Instead of seeing my disability as a limitation, I turned it into a strength by writing books, sharing my story on podcasts, and educating others. I teach entrepreneurs how to leverage their unique experiences to build their brand and create impact.
Third, I remind them that mindset is everything. Many people with disabilities are told what they *can’t* do. I challenge that by encouraging them to focus on what they *can* do and turn limitations into opportunities. Surrounding yourself with a strong support system, seeking mentorship, and continuously learning are crucial for success.
Finally, I share practical business strategies—such as networking, using social media for visibility, and monetizing expertise—so entrepreneurs with disabilities can build sustainable businesses. Success isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about finding ways to navigate them while staying committed to your goals. If I can do it, so can they.
As we conclude, what’s your vision for the future of Kellina’s Empowerment Inc., and what final piece of advice would you offer to small and medium-sized business owners striving for inclusivity and success?
My vision for the future of **Kellina’s Empowerment Inc.** is to create a global movement that empowers individuals with disabilities, educates businesses on accessibility, and fosters a more inclusive society. I aim to expand my workshops, launch more books, and collaborate with organizations worldwide to break down barriers. I also plan to open more **Deaf-friendly schools** and build a strong community that supports entrepreneurs with disabilities in achieving financial and professional success.
For small and medium-sized business owners striving for inclusivity and success, my final piece of advice is **to take intentional action**. Inclusivity isn’t just about policies—it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Start by listening to underrepresented voices, implementing accessible practices, and fostering a culture of belonging. Small changes, like providing captions for videos or ensuring accessible communication, can have a big impact.
Most importantly, **embrace the learning process**. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be committed. True success comes from building a business that not only thrives financially but also makes a lasting difference in people’s lives.
