Student Author Lili Chantel Launches Debut Book

On Friday 25 May, West London College hosted the debut book launch celebration for our very own HND Business student, Lili Chantel.

‘Just Like Magic’ tells the story of a young girl who faces adversity towards her natural hair and how family unity can provide a great support system to young people. The story is inspired by Lili’s real-life experiences and how she overcame challenges to embrace her own hair. Written for 5-9 year olds, the book promotes the ideas of self-awareness and self-acceptance, encouraging girls from different ethnicities with different hair types to embrace themselves.

The event took place at Hammersmith & Fulham College and included music from special guest, Gareth Esson, and refreshments courtesy of our student-run TASTE Restaurant.

Lili treated students and staff to a reading from ‘Just Like Magic’ and led a Q&A session with the audience. Lili also spoke to us about the business course she is studying at WLC and how the college has helped to launch her very first book.

How has your HND Business course helped you to launch your first book?

“The course has helped me with setting up my business, understanding the business model I wish to use, how to be socially enterprising and make a realistic business plan to achieve long-term goals.”

How did the college support you in your book launch?

“The Learning Centre was hands-on and contributed a great deal to make it the success it was, they helped with live music, organising the lineup, as well as marketing. Student services played a part and contributed to creating awareness as well as planning the event. Also, my lecturers Anita Singh and Zara Bokhari supported me by proposing to have the book launch in the college, as well as singing appraisals of my achievement to other staff; they literally are the most amazing and devoted lecturers ever.”

What advice would you give to others considering studying business at WLC?

“Use the assignments to make sense of your business ideas and don’t shy away from discussing your ideas with your lecturers especially if you’re starting up on your own, more than one perspective from experts can be very crucial to one’s decision-making process. They have broadened my knowledge and vision for my business, I will forever be grateful.”

What has this book launch taught you?

“The book launch itself was a nerve-wracking experience but at the same time, it has empowered me to achieve much more in regards to the book. I have never planned an event before, so to have a go within college has taught me a lot and was great practice.”

At the event, Lili kindly donated a copy of ‘Just Like Magic’ to the college, which is available to borrow from our Learning Centre at Hammersmith & Fulham College.