A Family Affair
Giving life to “Reign and her Magical Hair Beads” children’s book quickly became a family project. It brought together the talents of mom & grandmother, Yolanda Hilliard; her adult children and granddaughter Reign.
Pictured (left to right): Makeyda (Educator), Carmelita (Business Owner and Reign’s mom), Reign (Main Character of Book), Yolanda (Poet/Author) and Marco Cuadra (Music Producer).
The family’s professional collaboration provided an opportunity for their individual creativity, and innovation to grow. What better way to support Reign’s imaginary space!
Yolanda Hilliard
(Poet & Author)
Yolanda is a closet poet who captures her life experiences through poetry. Her
passion to write poetry started when she was a young child.
Encouraged and mentored by a well known poet in the Prince George’s County Maryland area: DeePoetic Mistress. Yolanda participated in local Open Mic events. These opportunities allowed Yolanda to hone her poetry skills.
Observing Reign in her imaginative spaces allowed the new grandmother to embrace, and bond with her first grandchild on many levels. Bringing “Reign and her Magical Hair Beads” to life came naturally to the author.
The transplant from South Carolina, and Maryland native loves spending time with family and friends, traveling and helping others. She has also enjoyed an extensive civil servant career advancing the social justice of others.
Reign Precious
(Main Character)
Reign Precious is the main character in “Reign and her Magical Hair Beads - Gardening Day.” At a very young age :-) Reign displayed an interest in fashion, especially her hair. Reign has an imagination like any other kid her age, especially when it comes to her dolls, stuffed animals, playdoh and crafts. Reign loves to learn new things and activities that require movement like tumbling, jumping rope, and riding her bicycle. The Maryland native loves spending time with family and friends, dancing and eating her favorite foods.
Carmelita A. Hilliard
(Creative Director)
Carmelita is the Creative Director of Reign and her Magical Hair Beads - Gardening Day.” Carmelita’s world is filled with the adventures of being Reign’s mom. Reign is the main character of the book who also brings much character to mom’s life. Outside of being a mom, in her day-to-day life Carmelita juggles working both a 9-5 as a Business Analyst, and managing her own Vodka brand “Look Vodka.” The Maryland native loves exploring business opportunities, and when she is not working, spending time with family and traveling.
Makeyda A. Hilliard Soriano
(Editor)
Makeyda supported "Reign and her Magical Hair Beads -Gardening Day" as an editor. As a professional school counselor, she listens to the triumphs and goals of many young adolescents every day. These adventures of her niece Reign are quite similar to the many adventures of growth in self-love and development to the students she supports. She hopes to continue supporting the many adventures of Reign and other adolescents through the years as they mature into kind individuals. The Maryland native loves spending time with her husband Mark and family, dancing and coaching Pom Poms team.
Marco A. Cuadra
(Freelance Music Producer)
Marco supported "Reign and her Magical Hair Beads - Gardening Day" through his musical input for the video trailer. As a professional freelance Music Producer, the Billboard nominee has worked with a wide range of artists who are domestically and internationally located. Providing musical input and direction for the promotional trailer allowed the proud uncle to work closely with Reign. The Maryland native loves spending time with family, traveling, cooking, and meeting new artists to collaborate with.
