Raising Simba takes readers on a journey from the dim corners of the South Side of Chicago to the bright lights of Broadway.
The idea of starring as one of the world’s most beloved characters on one of the world’s biggest stages seems like a far-fetched fantasy. Mom, arts education advocate and fashion designer Falisa Ray made it a reality.
In Raising Simba, readers will discover:
- Practical parenting guidance on helping creative children discover and tap into their gifts
- How one woman goes on her own journey of faith, fashion, and fortune
- Encouraging and motivational insight to lead a life of meaning and purpose
For Falisa Ray and her son Aaron, going from the Chicago projects to Broadway wasn’t so much about the fame, but the pursuit of a divinely orchestrated purpose. Throughout her entire life, Ray faced several traumatic experiences and what seemed like insurmountable challenges. From dealing with sexual assault as a teen and enduring toxic family relationships, to escaping spousal abuse and facing devastating failure and evictions, Raising Simba is an empowering story of resilience and beating the odds.
A woman with bold dreams and an indomitable spirit, Ray shows what it takes to make it and see God’s promises fulfilled. No matter the challenges and disappointments, she found strength in her faith. Ray’s intimate relationship with God combined with a gift of prophetic dreams guided her along the way. At every step, the right people and opportunities reassured her that she and her son were on the right path.
Not only did this determined mother use prayer and hard work to design a better life, she also instilled these principles in her son to help him land the acclaimed role of Simba in Disney’s The Lion King-the third longest-running show on Broadway. In Raising Simba, she offers practical advice on nurturing artistic gifts and navigating the wildly unpredictable entertainment industry without sacrificing your integrity. Ray recounts how she invited God to order her steps and built the confidence to fight for her and her son’s dreams. In this powerful memoir, you will enjoy heartfelt stories that spotlight the power of unforgettable ‘God moments, ‘ unshakable faith, and undeniable creative gifts.
About the author
Falisa Ray’s light is undeniable. Creative, bold, and resilient, she is on a mission to make artistic career paths more attractive and accessible in the African American community. As the founder and CEO of Lisa Lisa, LLC, she is a fierce advocate for arts education and passionate about bringing access to this essential learning experience back into schools. As a go-to resource, Ray connects talented, diverse young performers with pivotal opportunities in the arts and entertainment industries.In her first book, ‘Raising Simba, ‘ she highlights her journey from the Chicago projects to guiding her son Aaron to Broadway, where he landed a role as Simba in Disney’s The Lion King. In it she shared tips on developing the right mindset, commitment, and skills for a successful career in arts and entertainment.She blends her experience and expertise to empower other parents seeking to help their children realize their artistic dreams. Throughout her personal and professional life, she has always emphasized the power of prayer and purpose-driven decisions to make the impossible possible. For her, the key to overcoming adversity, rejection, and disappointment lies in her faith in God.Her passion for the creative world began at an early age when she fell in love with dancing, music, and fashion. She learned to cut and sew patterns at age eight and later began designing clothes, specializing in evening gowns. Her unique style and keen eye attracted the attention of others who requested she create custom designs for them. In 2010, Ray established her fashion studio, Lisa Ray Fashions, and has designed clothes for a variety of clients, including Grammy Award-winning musician Kirk Whalum.In addition to her creative endeavors and entrepreneurial pursuits, Ray continues to work as a respiratory therapist. Even in this role, she motivates patients to pursue their artistic dreams. For example, she inspired and helped a woman once named the world’s tiniest sibling by Guinness World Records to design beautiful clothing to fit herself. In 2022, the FACES Foundation presented her with a PHIL Award for outstanding care and treatment for patients with respiratory illnesses.Originally from Chicago, Ill., Ray currently lives with her husband Wendell in Wisconsin.WEB: www.falisaray.com SOCIAL: @falisaray EMAIL: [email protected]
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