Authentically You, A Place Where Kindness, Imagination and Being Come Together

Battersea resident Kaitlyn MacCallum has started a web tv series, “Authentically You”, that is inspired by her own life and home, and by the long running children's tv shows Mr. Rogers Neighbourhood in the United States, and Mr. Dressup in Canada.

The show is called “Authentically You”, and the first nine-minute episode, on a Halloween theme, was uploaded last week.

In an interview with the News this week, she said that her show is dedicated to celebrating kindness, compassion, belonging and the beauty of being wonderfully yourself.

Kaitlyn moved to Battersea a couple of years ago with her husband Matt and son Gabe. Her husband is in the military, so they have moved around over the years, but have settled permanently in Battersea. She has worked in a number of industries, including as an operations manager in the technology industry. Last summer she ran the home-based Battersea Bake Shop and had a farmstand set up at her house. This year she has bee particularly busy, having given birth to daughter Eden just a few months ago.

Starting up “Authentically You” is a passion project for her, a change in her work career for sure, and a chance to produce something that she feels is missing for young children right now, something less noisy and less hectic than other kids programming.

She describes “Authentically You” as something, “beautifully simple: a gentle reminder that kindness still matters, little hearts make a big difference, and there is always room for a little more love in our everyday lives.”

Older viewers of the show will notice that the show starts in a similar way to how Mr. Rogers neighbourhood started, with Kaitlyn coming into the house, which in this case is her own home and not a studio set up to look like a home, and welcoming the children viewing the show into her space.

“Through heartfelt conversations, imaginative dollhouse adventures, beloved family pets and the simple beauty of everyday life, I encourage children to look at the world through what she calls her heart-centred glasses,” she said, in a media release this week.

Her special glasses represent seeing beyond differences, choosing kindness, understanding one another and recognising that everyone deserves to feel safe, loved and accepted.

“Each episode explores meaningful topics in a gentle, age-appropriate way. Whether it is remembering those who have sacrificed for peace, learning to care for animals, helping our neighbours, celebrating differences or finding comfort in difficult moments, the message remains the same: we can all help make our little corner of the world a kinder place,” she said.

In the first episode, viewers are introduced to Katilyn's dog and two cats, who are characters in the show, as well as some of the collection of items she has gathered over the years that she pulls together to gently explore the theme. In the first show, there were pumpkins, both real and crafted, and a doll's house that will certainly return in upcoming Christmas episodes, with other items.

Episode 2, Peace & Kindness, which is coming out this week, is an exploration of the meaning of Remembrance Day and the importance of peace.

“Through the symbolism of the red poppy, a little dollhouse Peace Garden, peaceful moments with family pets and the quiet beauty of an autumn backyard, children are invited to discover that peace is not just something we hope to see around the world. It is also something we can practise every day.”

The series will not pretend that the world is always perfect.

“Instead, it gently acknowledges that some children and families experience difficult circumstances, while reminding young viewers that it is okay to have feelings, that caring people are working to make things better, and that children deserve the freedom to play, learn, rest and simply be children.

“At its heart, “Authentically You” is about creating a safe and comforting space where children can feel included, valued and understood. There is no expectation to be perfect. No need to fit into someone else's idea of who you should be. Just a place where differences are welcomed, kindness is encouraged, and every little heart has a place.”

She said that she hopes that her show can “touch all the little hearts in the world,” and that she is very much invested in its success. She expects to put out episodes periodically, at least once a month, and with Christmas coming, a few shows could be uploaded on the “Authentically Yours” Youtube channel before the end of the year.

“We are Growing Peace Together — growing kinder hearts, one little moment at a time,” she said.

In addition to the @AuthenticallyYouAlways Youtube channel, Kaitlyn is on Instagram and Tik Tok with the same handle.

Episode 2 of “Authentically You” will be out on Friday.