Meet Kamilah Van | Higher Education Administrator & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kamilah Van and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kamilah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process for founding Kavanity Public Relations stem from my deep passion for storytelling and empowering others to shine in their unique brilliance. With a strong background in communication and higher education, I have seen firsthand how effective messaging can change lives. My goal is to help individuals, businesses, and organizations craft compelling narratives that reflect their values while connecting authentically with their audiences.

My experiences as a mentor, sorority committee chair, and advocate for student success have instilled in me a desire to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly those of Christian Black women. I also see this as an opportunity to combine my sassy yet motivational voice with practical strategies for growth, ensuring my clients stand out in a saturated market. Ultimately, Kavanity PR is a manifestation of my vision to merge creativity and strategy while honoring God’s plan for me to serve as a beacon of inspiration.

The thought process of creating Queenscript Stationery and Gifts reflects my belief in the power of writing as a tool for self-discovery, empowerment, and legacy-building. My love for journaling and storytelling inspired me to design products that resonate with Black women like yourself, who strive to balance faith, ambition, and self-care. With the tagline, “Your Story is a Timeless Reflection of Excellence,” I aim to remind every customer that their journey is worthy of celebration.

My motivations are also deeply personal. I want to create a space where women can see themselves reflected in art and words, reclaiming their narratives in a world that often overlooks them. As someone with a creative and entrepreneurial spirit, I see this business as a way to blend my love for writing, design, and community while providing tools that inspire others to reflect, dream, and achieve.

Ultimately, both ventures are aligned with my desire to leave a lasting impact, honoring my God-given talents while building a legacy of service, creativity, and empowerment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud of the resilience and passion I’ve shown in every chapter of my journey. From earning my master’s degree to being promoted to Project Coordinator for Project NET, each step has brought me closer to fulfilling my purpose of empowering others, especially Black women, to live intentionally and boldly. I’m excited about expanding my professional and personal brands, like Queenscript Stationery & Gifts and Prowess Queen, and building something impactful that reflects my faith, creativity, and leadership.

I got to where I am by staying committed to growth and remaining open to God’s guidance. My journey started with earning my degrees in Communication and Higher Education Administration, and it’s been shaped by my work in student success, leadership development, and community engagement. Every role I’ve taken—from Residence Coordinator to Program Manager—has been a stepping stone, teaching me how to navigate challenges and create solutions for others.

It wasn’t easy. There were moments of doubt, burnout, and uncertainty. Transitioning from one job to another and balancing multiple roles while pursuing my personal goals was challenging. I overcame these moments through prayer, reflection, and surrounding myself with people who believed in me, like my therapist. I also learned to give myself grace while staying focused on my “why.” My faith, ambition, and willingness to adapt have been my greatest strengths.

I’ve learned that success isn’t linear—it’s about perseverance and trusting God’s timing. I’ve also realized that my purpose is bigger than any one job or title. Relationships matter, and every opportunity, no matter how small, can lead to something greater. Most importantly, I’ve learned to celebrate my wins, no matter how big or small, and to use every experience to empower others.

I want the world to know that my story is one of faith, resilience, and unwavering determination. As a Christian, Black woman, AKA Sorority Sister, and proud FGCU and Barry U alumna, I’ve embraced every challenge as a chance to grow. My brands—whether it’s Queenscript Stationery & Gifts, my upcoming book, “The Gems She Remembered”, or Prowess Queen— each are all about creating spaces for women to thrive, tell their stories, and walk confidently in their God-given purpose. I’m building a legacy that says, “Your story matters, and your excellence is timeless.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Church at: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens, Miami Gardens, FL

Community Service with: God’s Gift, Broward County, FL

Dance at: Show Stopper Dance Studio, Hialeah, FL

Host my Business Shower at: SuiteOne, Davie, FL

Celebrate the wins at: Nomi Village, North Miami, FL

Eat good with: Brandon’s Bistro, Pembroke Pines, FL

Sip and vibe at: Liquid Paradise, Lauderhill, FL

Be sweet and weird at: Icy-N-Spicy, Miramar, FL

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout-out to American Senior High School for being the foundation of so much of who I am today! It was here that I earned my high school diploma and spent four unforgettable years dancing with the Platinum Dazzlers, our incredible majorette-style dance team. Affectionately known as “Ana Mae” during that time, I grew not only as a dancer but as a leader, learning lessons that continue to shape me. Those moments on the floor—sweat, sequins, and all—helped me step into my confidence, passion, and purpose. Forever grateful for those memories and the sisterhood we built with each other and our schools’ women educators!

Website: https://kamilahvan.wordpress.com/blog/

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Linkedin: Kamilah Van

Twitter: @Kleopatra1908

Facebook: Kamilah Van

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kleopatra1908?si=WgOopTr-RnVERjdq