We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Portia Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Portia, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I keep my creativity alive by always staying curious, just like the characters in my books! I explore new places, try new things, and ask lots of questions. I also read a variety of books and play imaginative games to keep my mind buzzing with new ideas. And of course, I spend lots of time chatting and playing with my children, who are the real masters of imagination and creativity!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Portia Smith, a passionate advocate for diversity and representation in children’s literature. My mission is to fill a significant gap in the market by creating engaging and relatable content for African-American children, subtly infused with mental health themes. My brand is a unique blend of storytelling and therapeutic intervention, offering young minds tales of discovery, growth, and resilience.
What makes this venture truly special is the dual impact – the intertwining of commercial opportunity with profound societal contribution. It’s not merely about creating stories; it’s about sculpting narratives that resonate with children and foster a sense of identity, belonging, and mental well-being. By addressing these themes early on, we are paving the way for stronger, more resilient future generations, positively affecting communities at large.
I’m thrilled about the potential reach and impact of these books. The response from both the market and the community has been heartening, indicating a real thirst for content that mirrors the diverse experiences and heritage of African-American families. This venture is not just a business; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and mentally healthy society.
In terms of new developments, we are excited to announce upcoming events aimed at community engagement and interaction, where families can immerse themselves in these stories and experience their transformative power. Additionally, we are exploring collaborations and partnerships to expand our reach and make our books accessible to a broader audience, ensuring that more children can see themselves in the stories they read and learn from.
It’s an exciting journey, and I feel incredibly privileged to be at the forefront of this transformative intersection of art, literature, and mental health advocacy.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I recognize the pillars that have held me steadfast are:
1. Unwavering Resilience:
The loss of my husbands brought unimaginable challenges. Embracing my beautiful children, each with their unique abilities and personalities, has been a journey filled with continuous learning and boundless love. It was resilience that held our hands, whispering hope into our hearts through nights immersed in silence and tears. Resilience became my beacon, enabling me to navigate the darkest times and emerge with strength and purpose.
2. Empathy and Understanding:
Walking side by side with my children and witnessing their courage and love deepened my empathy and understanding. Their light and strength were the whispers behind every word I wrote, every story I shared, crafting a symphony of hope and connection for other families traversing a similar path. This insight was foundational in creating content that resonates on a profound level, extending solace and support to those in utmost need.
3. The Power of Affirmation:
Affirmations became our family’s mantra, a source of strength and positivity. They were pivotal in our healing journey and have since been integrated into my books, extending hope and encouragement to other families waging their battles.
Advice for Those Starting Their Journey:
1. Embrace Your Struggles:
Your personal experiences, no matter how painful, can be the source of your greatest strengths and insights. Embrace them with a warm, loving heart. Learn from them, and let them be your catalyst to drive change and make a meaningful difference.
2. Believe in Your Purpose:
The road may be fraught with challenges, but maintaining belief in your mission and the impact you can make is crucial. Affirmations were my beacon. Find your beacon and let it guide you through your journey.
3. Seek Support and Provide It:
Connect with people who understand your journey. Share your experiences, learn from theirs, and build a supportive network. It’s this mutual support that sustains and enriches our paths.
Being featured on the Forbes Next 1000 list was a testament to the transformative power of personal pain channeled into purpose. It underscored the impact that empathy, resilience, and positive affirmation can have, not just on an individual or a family, but on the world.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My family and friends, and especially my children, have been my rock. They’ve been there to believe in me and have my back through everything. My children, they’re my little teachers, showing me new ways to see the world and helping me learn.
Connecting with like-minded people has also been huge for me. Sharing stories and advice with others who understand the journey has made such a difference. It’s comforting to know there are others on the same path, and we’re all supporting each other.
It’s the love from my family and the shared wisdom from new friends that have turned challenges into steps forward. This blend of support and learning has been my guiding light, helping me stay focused and move ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.imaginemecbp.com
- Instagram: @portias_bookshelf
