An Interview With The Deaf Queen Boss, Kellina Powell!

Join me for an interview with the Deaf Queen Boss, Kellina Powell! Kellina is an entrepreneur, coach and author of the book “Everyday I am Just Deaf”. Kellina loves to help people with their personal growth and educate others about the deaf community. At the age of 4 she lost her hearing in both ears. She did not let anything stop her from what she wanted to accomplish.  She received her psychology degree from York University and her post graduate certificate in mental health and addiction.  

You can find Kellina Powell at: 

https://www.kellinaempowerment.com/

https://www.instagram.com/deafqueenboss

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellina-powell-b66b5b1b4/

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You can listen to this episode wherever you stream podcasts and at www.3cdigitalmedianetwork.com/empowear-audiology-podcast

For more information about Dr. Carrie Spangler- check out her Linktree at https://linktr.ee/carrie.spangler.

For transcripts of this episode- visit the podcast website at: https://empowearaudiology.buzzsprout.com

Transcript

Announcer: [00:00:00] Welcome to episode 67 of empowEAR Audiology with Dr. Carrie Spangler.

Carrie: [00:00:13] Welcome to the empowEAR Audiology podcast, a production of the 3C Digital Media Network. I am your host, Dr Carrie Spangler, a passionate, deaf and hard of hearing audiologist. Each episode will bring an empowering message surrounding audiology and beyond. Thank you for spending time with me today, and let's get started with today's episode. I just want to say welcome to Kellina Powell, who is known as the deaf Queen boss. Kellina is a young entrepreneur who loves to help people with their personal growth and educate others about the deaf community. At the age of four, she lost her hearing in both ears. She did not let anything stop her from what she wanted to accomplish. She has received her psychology degree from York University and her Post Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction. She is also an entrepreneur, starting her online life coaching business, and she is the author of Everyday I Am Just Deaf. Welcome Kellina to the podcast. It is such a pleasure to have you.

Kellina: [00:01:28] Thank you for having me today. Thank you for the lovely introduction.

Carrie: [00:01:31] Yes, well, I know that we kind of connected through LinkedIn, and I am just really excited about this conversation today and to learn more about you. And I can't wait for our listeners to learn more about you as well.

Kellina: [00:01:48] Thank you. I'm excited.

Carrie: [00:01:50] Well, I know we're going to talk a lot about the book, and I want to ask you more about your coaching business, too, but would you mind just giving everybody an overview of your hearing journey and how that started and any other feedback you want to give about that?

Kellina: [00:02:09] Yeah, honestly, I actually became deaf at the age of four. I was not born deaf. So they were things shift for me at a young woman had a baby. So I, a young girl, and I actually became deaf due to an infection due to the daycare not following the infection for the eardrop, unfortunately. So I did became deaf within that same day. So when I went home I was watching TV. My mom tapped me on my shoulder and that's when I realized that I couldn't hear my mom. My mom freaked out. She called my family doctor, actually, before she called my family doctor, she called my grandma, who was the nurse at the time, thankfully, whoa I wouldn't know what I'd be without. My grandma and my grandma knew instantly that I was deaf. She knew. And so over time when I got my hearing loss, I just struggled a lot with, um, being like having mental health in terms of anxiety, nervousness, confusion. Actually, that was a big thing I learned when I was growing up, especially going to a deaf school and a hearing school. And so my family really wanted me to learn how to communicate in two different hearing communities, to let me know who I am as a person. Especially, especially knowing that knowing my familyis deaf. So it was very hard, especially growing up, going into middle school and high school and learning who I am as a person, because I ended up going to the deaf school after grade three, so I actually ended up going to school full time. So it was a very hard, a little bit of struggle, but it was definitely worth it to help me shape who I am today. And, you know, now going to University, it was really great. Um, but yeah, so that's pretty much about me for now. That's the backstory, but we'll get into the rest of the story.

Carrie: [00:03:52] Oh, wow. Wow. Just hearing a little bit of your backstory, um, we definitely have some, some similar connections in, uh, certain ways. So just a little feedback. I, um, was born deaf, but I, they didn't find out who I was four, so that's when I was first identified and fit with hearing aids too. So I can relate, um, about going through, um, a more mainstream school and middle school and high school and some of the challenges that go along with that.

Kellina: [00:04:26] Yeah, yeah.

Carrie: [00:04:29] So as, um, did any of your experiences as an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing help you decide what you wanted to do now in life? And can you share a little bit about your job?

Kellina: [00:04:44] Yeah. For sure. So, um, so what happened was like now growing up, graduating from university and going to college, I did come across a friend of mine who is hard of hearing person, and we were talking about how there is a lot of lack of awareness about the deaf community and how there's not enough professionals in the mental health space field. And that's when I realized that, oh my God, it's so true. Because when I was in high school, I did look up for deaf or hard of hearing therapist for to help me with my anxiety, and I couldn't find nothing in my. For those who probably just wondering, I'm from Canada Toronto, so it's very hard to find, um, deaf and hard of hearing therapists in Canada. So what happened was I realized that I wanted to do something to make a difference in the deaf community walls and let them know that their voice can be heard, especially if those who are struggling with their mental health. And so that's what impacts me to really start my coaching business, and even working as a social worker as well. And that's because I wanted to make an impact on other people and really help those who need a voice and actually help them to get the access and the tools that they need.

Carrie: [00:06:02] Wow. I love how you kind of took your own experiences and were able to kind of further your education, but also help others too. And I would agree with you that there are not enough, um, professionals who are deaf and hard of hearing in the mental health space, whether it's social work or counseling, psychology, coaching, there's just not very many people. And do you feel like your experiences and going into this field has what's the impact that it has on your clients or the patients that you get to see?

Kellina: [00:06:45] Um, so I made a huge impact. And a lot of people I came across, um, I learned a lot more about myself, actually, while I'm doing the job. Right? Because sometimes everybody, every client, every patient you meet with are totally different. And every single one person I've ever worked with, they all think to me, you know, Kellina, you're very open and you are very honest. And you give me a voice. I always ask different question for everybody and let them know, like, okay, well if you can do this, how can we do this? How can we get a solution out of the problem? And that's something I love doing, is solving problems with a lot of the people I work with. And so that's what made me impactful on people to make them realize that their problem can be solved.

Carrie: [00:07:29] Yes. And I know we're going to get a little bit into your coaching in a few minutes. But before we do that, I do want to ask you a couple of things about your book, which I am so excited to have in front of me today, and it is titled Every Day I am just Deaf. So can you just share a little bit about your journey of becoming a writer and what inspired you to write?

Kellina: [00:07:58] Um, yeah. Oh, my God, that story is very funny. A lot of people. So what inspired me to write my book is basically, I realized, not growing up once again, that every time I pick a book, it's not by a deaf author. It's very hard to find that. And I realized that there are not enough books for teenagers or those who are young pre-teen who can relate to their story. So that's why I said no, let me write a book for those next generation, to let them know that their voice can be heard. If I can do it, you can do it as well. There's no way that you can't do it. That's because you are deaf and that's not. And because for me, I never had a role model, I never did. When I grow up, it was very hard. Like, for example, on TV Hollywood, there's nothing, you know, just recently, now they just started having deaf actors, deaf producers. They just started that slowly. It didn't happen when I was growing up, and I wanted that to change so much. And how I start writing my book was actually due to Covid. I was like, what? Yeah, so I actually wrote my book within three months because of Covid. I was very bored. I had to work from home, I quit a few jobs and it was just a lot of transition I have to do because of Covid and just because of the mask. So it was very hard for me to communicate while I was working. So I ended up having to work from home. And so my book took me three months to write because again, I was bored. In Covid, you can't go anywhere. And, um, I find a lot of, uh, resources through, uh, friends. Close friends. They refer me to a lot of editors, um, graphic designer, which is amazing. And. Yeah, and that's really how I started my book.

Carrie: [00:09:44] Wow. Yeah. I think a lot of, a lot of great ideas did start during Covid, even though it was a lot of negativity in it. There's like some positive things that came out of it.

Kellina: [00:09:57] Right, exactly. Yeah. So, um.

Carrie: [00:10:01] So looking at your book, uh, how did you decide to really come the format of your book?

Kellina: [00:10:09] So I always love reading poetry book. That's number one. I always love reading it. I could not read a chapter book. Believe me when I tell everybody that, like, people like, really? And I said I cannot read a chapter book, I just cannot. So what I said was, what is it? I want my readers to get out of this book. That's the first thing I thought right? Then I realized that I wanted my readers to understand what I went through, to let them let them know that they're not alone. So I said, hmm, maybe I can make it short and make it a poetry just because I love poems and make it like a poem. And then I honestly type it in on Google, um, Google Docs and I just type and I like, you know, I think this is it. I think this is my book. And I did have a lot of doubt because I was like, oh my God, who's gonna buy my book? This book going to look good. I was so nervous. Um, honestly, I was super nervous because I didn't know what to expect. And the editor end up reading the book and she said, this book is amazing. I'm like, it is? I think she and she said yes. So that's how I had that idea.

Carrie: [00:11:22] I love it because it is. It is such a great collection of different poems, like you said. But there's you can see, you know, some of your struggles in the poems, but then you also have a great balance of like building your self esteem and empowerment and resilience built into the book as well.

Kellina: [00:11:49] Yeah. Yes, yes.

Carrie: [00:11:52] So do you have, like a favorite, uh, part or a poem within the book? I know I'm putting you on the spot.

Kellina: [00:12:01] It's all good. Um, I would say the poem was one again. Um, so for everybody, there's so many pages in my book. Um, it was a poem about. I was thanking my family and friends for allowing me to be myself without having to second guess me.

Carrie: [00:12:19] Oh, I love that. So we all have our own journey and no matter what it is but and it's great to have that acceptance of who you are no matter what to you.

Kellina: [00:12:30] Exactly.

Carrie: [00:12:31] Yeah. And then obviously all of your personal experiences really influenced the writing process and the themes of the book. Just kind of the switch a little bit. In your opinion, what are some of the common misconceptions about deaf and hard of hearing individuals, and how does that book challenge those stereotypes?

Kellina: [00:12:56] For sure. So then the one data type that a lot of deaf and hard of hearing get is that we cannot achieve a lot of things in life. For example, we can't get a job right, and a lot of people think that they can't work. And to a lot of times people think that every deaf person knows ASL, where some of us don't know. Right. And so I feel like a lot of people assume that they cannot communicate with a deaf or hard of hearing individual, and that if that comes to me and they just look at my face and I'm like, hi, I can help you. And so they get confused when they see my hearing aids. And so a lot of times people don't know how to approach that. And again, it's not their fault. Right? There's a lot of lack of education about the deaf community and a lot of lack of communication like what it is. So yeah. And remember you have a second question. Remember the second question was kind of two question.

Carrie: [00:13:55] Yeah. And then um, you know, how does your book challenge those stereotypes then.

Kellina: [00:14:02] So it was a challenge, honestly, to writing a book as a poem, because I did not want the hearing community to feel like we are attacking them. But we're not right. We want to educate them and say, hey, this is what we go through. And it is true, right? And so I remember my editor saying, oh, there's something that you shouldn't say because some people may get offended. And I said, no, it's not offended. It's it's about education. And it's very important because a lot of deaf people I know go through the same thing, and it's not fair. Why should we shut a mouth so that other person feel comfortable, which is not fair. And so that's a little bit of a challenge when I write my book, because I didn't want it to be in a bad negative way for the hearing person who was reading the book. And I don't want them to think of it negative, but I do want them to know that it can happen to you as well. You could wake up tomorrow deaf too, or a broken arm or anything. Anything can happen. You're 1% away from being disabled as well. Mhm. Mhm.

Carrie: [00:15:04] Yeah. And I think one of the things someone said to me one time is you when you've met one deaf or hard of hearing person, you've met one deaf or hard of hearing person because like you just said, we're everybody is a little bit different. And that's what I really like about your book because you, you do challenge, I think the audience or the readers to kind of be in the shoes, but you have a beautiful way of showing it that, uh, that we are all different, even though we all have a commonality of being deaf or hard of hearing to.

Kellina: [00:15:44] Exactly, exactly. And that's really what I was trying to come across. I did not want people to feel like, okay, only, you know, it's also your truth and anybody else can feel that way as well.

Carrie: [00:15:56] Yes. So I have to ask you, how did you. How did you get your name, Deaf Queen boss?

Kellina: [00:16:05] That's. I get that question a lot. Okay? I get that question a lot. I'm sorry that you ordered that deaf queen boss, but how do you come up with that name? So what I did was, first thing, I just make sure I went on Google type in to make sure that no one had my name. Okay, so I did type in that queen and I actually had a piece of paper beside me also, and I had my little sister with me too. To me, her coming up with a nickname. So my sister wrote down, oh, that queen something, right? But I knew I wanted something in there with the Queen and deaf. I wanted those two words so much. And so we found one person that had, um, deaf, fdeaf queen or something. And then so I'm like, okay, I can't copy that name. And so my sister said, okay, let's change it up to Boss Queen. So I said, okay, well, I don't know. I don't consider myself a boss, but my doctor said, you are because I'm the oldest in my family. So. Yeah. And so I was playing with the words, playing with the names like content consistently for like two hours. And I'm like, I love the Deaf Queen Boss. And I love that. And I stick with it. And I'm not changing no more names because it was two hours. I'm like, yes.

Carrie: [00:17:18] I love it because, you know, it just fits and and the cover of your book and then it gives you that name in the community too. One thing, one other thing about, um, your book, before we kind of move on to maybe a little bit about coaching too, but how do you envision, like, the impact of your book within the deaf and hard of hearing community and then even within the hearing community, what kind of conversation do you hope it might spark?

Kellina: [00:17:52] Um, my hope is really just to inspire people to understand that no matter where you come from, just one, two, that you matter what you have. And number three, it doesn't matter what level you are in life, that you cannot achieve it. And while I wanted to impact, that's the most important thing is the impact. And I know that spark would give a lot of people to really understand. Like, wow, I never read a book by a deaf author. 90% of people I communicate with who I'm hearing, they tell me they're like, you know, you're the first that I've read. I'm like, really? And so that's when I realized that I knew my book was going to spark the hearing community because they never read a book by a deaf author. And a lot of them never interact with the deaf, hard of hearing person. So it's very interesting for the hearing community to see that and be like, oh, wow. So that is what my impact I really, really want my book to have.

Carrie: [00:18:48] Well, I think it definitely will. And I do love that you've targeted kind of I feel like, you know, a teenager or a young adult or an adult could pick this up and, and really gain a lot from it. As an educational audiology audiologist, I feel like there's definitely, um, more and more books for the younger part, like children's books that are coming out, which is awesome because they have that representation in books. But like you said, you know, the adult population or the teen population, there's not a whole lot out there, especially by, like you said, a deaf or hard of hearing author. So thanks to Covid that you got inspired.

Kellina: [00:19:39] Yeah, thanks to Covid. That's the one. Good thing about Covid. Everyone.

Carrie: [00:19:42] Well Kellina I got her book published in three months, which is like a record time for a book, I'm sure. So, but before we wrap up, I also wanted to ask you a little bit about your coaching business, because, again, that is something else that we have in common. I, um, just obtained my coaching certification, and I know you have a coaching business called Kellina Empowerment Incorporated. So can you share a little bit about your journey to becoming a life coach?

Kellina: [00:20:16] Yeah, definitely. So like I said before, everyone, I just spoke about my mental health. So I realized that I wanted to make a change. And so how I started was actually it was because of one of my deaf professors. So I had no idea he was deaf, to be honest. So what happened was he was teaching a lecture and he took one second. I have to change my hearing aid. So I paused for a second myself. I'm like, wait, did you just change your hearing aid in front of the whole lecture? And he and I was like, oh my God, he's deaf. Oh my God, I was so excited. And I honestly spoke to him. And at the end of class, I'm like, how you have the confidence. And we had a really great conversation about confidence and mental health. And he asked me, what did you want to do? And I said, honestly, sir, I wanted to impact people. I want to help the deaf community to get them stuff out there more, just like the way you and I are. And he said, why don't you become a coach or something that in the mental health space. So I said, okay, maybe I'm thinking about it.

Kellina: [00:21:21] And luckily a couple of months later, I met. I met my mentor and she recommended me to be a coach. And I said, okay, this is the time for me to do coaching now. So then I actually went back to school once I graduated from psychology degree to do mental health and addiction diploma or certificate. And so I said, you know what? Let me just go ahead and do it with a six month program. And I did it. And then I started it online. I started using my social media platform to market myself. I had no expectation, and a lot of people realized like, oh my God, you're a coach. Oh my God, you're so good. And I got a lot of referrals, referrals, referrals, like crazy. And I said, oh my God. And so I was very excited. Um, yeah. It was a struggle, especially in the beginning, because you don't know what to do because I was confused. And but I have a great network when I connect with a lot of people, ask them for their advice and how do they market themselves bigger? It was very cool and interesting journey.

Carrie: [00:22:21] Well, that is exciting and I love how you had two important people in your life who kind of directed you and you listened. So you then listen to your heart and you were able to do, um, something that would pass it or pay it forward to others, too. And that mental health space for coaching. I know coaching can be like a wide range of, um, areas too. For you What is your target client base then?

Kellina: [00:22:53] For sure. So I have multiple things in the business side for those who are like, okay, what does Kellina do? So I do one on one coaching for young adults with disability and without disability. So I work with clients from age 15 to 35 years old and had to do a workshop for organization, and I do consulting as well to help others to understand themselves. Um, I do work with organizations in terms of with my coaching. So I do budget with organization. So that's what my company is all about.

Carrie: [00:23:25] Okay and how long do you typically work with a client when you're working with them.

Kellina: [00:23:31] So it all depends on the clients, right. Every clients are different. So I do have two different packets. So I do have a standard package which is the very beginner package for someone who new. So that is the three month program. And then I do have a six month program for those who are interested. Couselor before, who knows what they want out of their goals, especially out of the house. So that is my um. Yeah, that's my 6 month program. So.

Carrie: [00:23:58] Okay. Do you have maybe just a little success story or anything that you can share from your coaching practice that really resonates with you?

Kellina: [00:24:11] Yeah, for sure. Definitely. I actually did coach, um, she was actually, um, a friend of mine who wanted to coach by me, and she did had, uh, struggled with her anxiety. And so she didn't know what to do in terms of how to network and go up to people. And she was afraid of saying no to people. She thought the expert thing. And so what I did was a three month program. We met. We met once a week, and we stood down once a week, and we go through all the things that she struggled through. Who does she have a hard time saying no to? We break it down. And so we practiced with role play. So our role play and she will role play. So that way she has an idea what it is and what may happen next. Because some people were indicted, they have to know what's going to happen next. Right. And they do need to practice. So I did that with her, and I did provide a worksheet for her to work on while she's at home. So this is where she had homework to do. Well, not really homework, but it's like a practice. And it's like activities where I break down, you know, who do I who did I say no to today? Who did I say yes to today? So that way she can visually see how many yeses she's saying in one day for her to realize, oh my God, this is too many. Yes. And I remember she realized and she, she came to me to follow me. She's like, oh my God, there's so many yesterday. This is so bad. Kellina and I just okay, it's practice, right? You learn, you have to register. And she thought about work and she was like, oh my God, this is this is amazing. Because for three months she realized and understood and yeah. And that's one of the story.

Carrie: [00:25:50] That's great. So the teach somebody what is the best yes for you right.

Kellina: [00:25:56] Yes.

Carrie: [00:25:58] We don't have to say yes to everything. But what is your best Yes. Right. What advice do you have for individuals who might be seeking out coaching? I mean, who is coaching for.

Kellina: [00:26:10] Um, coaching could be for anybody. It's really depend what the person needs help with. I always tell everybody, before you get a coach, please sit down with them and ask them questions. What are their success stories? How many clients succeed in your program because you do want to make sure that you're not wasting your money? That's the last thing I want people to do when they're working with me. They feel like we did not accomplish the goal. That's the worst thing I want. I know there are some coach who are overly priced and some people are like, oh, but they're the best. They said, it doesn't matter. Price should not be a guide. Price should not define someone's success. Right. And I also tell people there may be better people who may be affordable. And you realize that you get more than the expensive coach. And you realize that happened to me before I remember I hired, I think it was the Instagram coach and one of them wasn't. It wasn't good, but it was okay. And then I ended up having another business coach, and she was amazing. And she was affordable because I was nervous because I thought, oh no, it's affordable. Am I going to get a different result from a different coach? So always keep your options open. Talk to at least two coach when you're deciding, because that way you have better options and understand where can you go with it and what is your take that most likely will look like?

Carrie: [00:27:33] Yeah, that that's great advice to kind of check out a couple of people and meet with them and see if your, um, your connection's good too, right? Exactly, exactly. Yeah. So Kellina, this was such an amazing conversation between, like, meeting you. Um, I know we've met, like, through LinkedIn, but I can tell just from our meeting today that we would just click and I wish we were in real life in person together as well. Is there anything, as we wrap up that I missed or I didn't ask you?

Kellina: [00:28:12] Um, I think you asked me a lot of questions. However, you maybe did not ask me what is one piece of advice I would leave for someone? So my advice I would love to give to everybody who are listening is you have to remember like it's your life and your decision. Whatever you do, it's on you, not somebody else. You have to live your life like there's no tomorrow because tomorrow is not a promise. You never know when God's going to knock on the door for you to go home.

Carrie: [00:28:41] I love that live for today, right?

Kellina: [00:28:44] Exactly. Yes.

Carrie: [00:28:46] Ahh. Kellina if there if any of our listeners, they want to find you if they want to order your book, which I would highly recommend all of my listeners to definitely order the book because it is such a great quick read, but it has so many high points and advice in it that I think anyone should, whether you have a hearing loss or not, should pick up. Um, and gather more information from from the book. So let me know how people can get a hold of you.

Kellina: [00:29:24] Yeah, definitely. I really can get a hold of me on Instagram, which is Deaf Queen Boss. And second, you can find my book on Amazon. You can just type in Kellina Powell and my book would be right there for you. And lastly, if you want to check out my website it is Kellina empowerment. Com.

Carrie: [00:29:40] Okay. Well Kellina, I just want to say thank you for being a guest and the empowEAR Audiology podcast. It was such a pleasure to have this conversation today. And my listener, thank you again for listening to EmpowEAR Audiology. I really appreciate all of you, uh, giving me a five star review if you can, and sharing this podcast with anyone else that may be interested. So thanks again, Kellina.

Kellina: [00:30:13] Thank you for having me.

Announcer: [00:30:14] Thank you for listening. This has been a production of the 3C Digital Media Network.