Meet Briantria Smocks and Nakia Montgomery | Editor in Chief & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Briantria Smocks and Nakia Montgomery and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri and Kia, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision we’ve ever had to make is working on our company full-time while having no other means of income and very minimal revenue. We know that what we’re building is necessary for our community and that our contributions will be a huge part of our legacy. Therefore, we have made one sacrifice after another in support of a grand vision that has yet to fully come to pass. With the cost of operating expenses, business taxes, and other necessary expenditures, it can be scary to fully let go of financial worries and pour into your dream in creative and innovative ways; but that is exactly what we’re doing!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets us a part is that we aren’t just publishing board books. Our work is a part of a larger intention to enrich the lives of Black and Brown children whose desire for extended learning may be overlooked or dismissed. Each book is accompanied by four free learning activity sheets. Our blog gives families and communities strategies on how to implement enrichment while at home. Our budding curriculum will one day dismantle antiquated systems and answer the call for an underserved population. Even our ongoing web series, Around the World with Levi, showcases engaging educational and parenting tips as the real Levi explores in his natural element. It has not been easy to incorporate so many essentials, but we are not interested in what is easy. We are more concerned with providing equitable and innovative solutions to uplift our youth. Along the way, we’ve learned to trust the journey and not fret so much about the final destination. We have remained open to opportunities, focused more on networking, and determined to build our creditability as a brand. We want the world to know that Levi&Toonk is not like anyone else, and we are proud of where we’re headed!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Growing up in South Oak Cliff, we were not accustomed to visiting places outside of that area. We had very limited means and opportunity for exploration beyond the borders we were raised around. So, our recommendations would be for people to visit local businesses, especially those that are Black-owned like Rudy’s Chicken off S Lancaster Road. Snow Cone Island #5 in Desoto is a favorite to beat the summer heat. As a child, the Ft. Worth Zoo and Old City Park seemed like luxuries; thus, they are great for children when creating memories. Even staring at the iconic Reunion Tower (or the Dallas Ball as we called it) brings a hopefulness to any date night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our greatest mentors in our head are: Quinta Brunson, Elaine Welteroth, and Tabitha Brown. Each of these women have a story which resonates with us on a deep, personal level. Brunson’s ingenuity, Welteroth’s shattering of barriers, and Brown’s visions of faith have inspired us to continue toward our own goals. As Black women in various forms of entertainment, they serve as examples that we can build the lives we’ve always dreamed of. The impossible is possible.

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Website: https://www.leviandtoonk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leviandtoonk/

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/company/leviandtoonk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leviandtoonk/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ4SFksMvoxLqHT3Hc8UYOQ