Biographical note

Ashanti is a Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter, actor, author, and philanthropist who over three decades has built a groundbreaking career in music, film, television, and beyond. She reigns as one of Billboard’s Top Females charting in each of the last three decades from 2000’s, 2010’s, and 2020’s. Her record-breaking self-titled debut album “Ashanti” celebrates its 20-year anniversary on April 2, 2022, and she is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest selling female debut artist for this album. Throughout her career, Ashanti has sold over 27 million records worldwide. My Name Is a Story is her first book for children.  Monica Mikai is an author and illustrator of books for children. She is passionate about creating beautiful stories and illustrations that inspire the reader to see life from a new perspective. She has a BA from Rider University and received her MFA in painting from the New York Studio School. She lives in Virginia Beach with her husband and two sons. Books Monica has illustrated include Build a House, My Name Is a Story, Thank a Farmer, and more.