Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Thomas.
Hi Debbie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Although I have always loved writing and storytelling, I never imagined myself stepping into the world of children’s literature until I became a mom to two young children. As they grew, I discovered a passion for simplifying big ideas through stories, music, and characters children could connect with. Knowing how quickly kids absorb attitudes, beliefs, and perspectives, I felt inspired to create content that is wholesome, uplifting, entertaining, and engaging for the entire family.
My journey as a children’s author began with the help of my friend and illustrator, Jobin Daniel. A few months later, I began writing children’s songs as “Ms. Debbie” for the faith-based YouTube channel, Holy Sprouts. Eventually, I expanded into my own channel, Songs with Ms. Debbie, featuring original children’s music focused on fun, faith, learning, and positive values.
Soon after, we launched a spin-off series called The King Kenny Show, inspired by the main character from my very first book — a lion named King Kenny who serves as a kind, encouraging, Barney-inspired role model for children. What makes the project even more meaningful is that the show features my husband, children, family, and friends, making it truly a labor of love and something incredibly special for us to create together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While I am passionate about “Songs with Ms. Debbie” and authorship, I pursue both on a part-time basis. I have a full-time career and a family with young children, which means that most of the time I dedicate to my content creation happens late at night or on weekends when everyone else is asleep. Consequently, I don’t have as much time to invest, which can sometimes slow down growth or make it challenging to maintain momentum. The silver lining is that, since it’s a part-time endeavor and merely a hobby, I can allow my creativity to take the lead rather than solely focusing on growth. This approach has kept my content inspired and driven by passion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a children’s content creator and author. My YouTube channel, “Songs with Ms. Debbie,” showcases original, faith-based, and educational songs and content. The channel features catchy tunes that kids enjoy while offering musically rich experiences for parents, complete with harmonies and full-sounding music that everyone can appreciate.
My setup is quite straightforward. The production process involves me writing songs, which I then send to my talented cousin, Steve Thomas, to play the instruments. After that, I record the vocals. Despite having limited resources, our songs have brought countless smiles to children around the globe.
Since the release of my debut book, “King Kenny & the Fox’s Cape,” my incredible team, made up of family and friends, has brought the story to life through engaging full performances and book readings. These events include appearances by the King Kenny the Lion mascot (played by my devoted husband), costumed characters, original songs, and a dedicated team of talented volunteers who share a passion for positively impacting the community with messages of redemption and hope. In our inaugural year, we performed for over 2,000 children in schools, hospitals, youth centers, churches, and other youth-oriented venues.
“The King Kenny Show” was created out of a desire to expand upon the cherished character, King Kenny, while highlighting his flaws, vulnerabilities, and the valuable lessons he learns. His relatable and humorous personality not only makes him entertaining to watch, but the children in the show enhance its charm and relatability. Witnessing the growth of these children—my own kids, my neighbor’s kids, nieces and nephews, as well as the children of friends and family—while they learn from the lessons being shared is truly what fills me with pride! It’s a rare opportunity for a vision to evolve from its creator to those around them, all united in the desire to nurture and grow it, especially when that vision is inspired by children.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
One of the first questions entrepreneurs often ponder is, “Do I have the resources to bring this vision to life?” When I launched “Songs with Ms. Debbie,” I entered the scene as a new author without experience in the children’s sector, digital design production, or any skills typically required to start a brand, let alone a YouTube channel. I also lacked the necessary equipment to ensure high-quality production. Acknowledging the significant risk involved, I felt the momentum from the book readings was building, and I was eager to expand on what we had begun. Thus, I decided to move forward, despite not having the equipment, experience, or editing knowledge required to successfully create a YouTube channel.
As I mentioned earlier, this is not my full-time endeavor, which meant I had limited physical resources and not much time to invest. While these challenges posed risks, I still felt inspired creatively, and I believed the potential rewards were worth taking the chance. Although I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to produce two videos a week, I was determined to share whatever ideas came to me, hoping for the best and trusting that the children and families who encountered these songs and videos would be positively influenced by their release.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.debbieathomas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbathomas?igsh=cXlpazQzcnVmOGJk&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@songswithmsdebbie?si=VLPgWFKfif9foQMR
- Other: https://www.songswithmsdebbie.com
