Meet Marie Barret

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marie Barret. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Marie, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I struggled to find my purpose in the early stages of my life. With time, prayer and self reflection I discovered a repeated pattern of behavior. I zoomed in to focus on the times and areas in my life where I felt discomfort. I realized that it was in those moments of vulnerability that transitions would take place. Those decisions that I made during the transitional period always propelled
me towards my purpose. When I take the time to ask questions, I become aware of the problems. The problems that I acknowledge lead to laser focus on my dissatisfaction. Then the uneasy feelings propel me to search for solutions, The journey of problem and solution lead me to my purpose.
I have identified my purpose as an author is to connect people through text. My stories tend to invite the reader to recognize the humanity in us all. I look forward to fulfilling that purpose with every book I write.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have an extensive background in education which has led me to believe that the world is my classroom. I am Haitian born and migrated to the US at age 7. I a have a teaching background that extends across two decades. My educational background began as early as high school with a concentration in child development. I completed my studies with a BS in elementary education and an MS in TESOL, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Over time I developed a love a writing which led to the publication of four children’s books, Ms. Irene Is So Demanding is the first, followed by Sandy Can’t Get Me Down, All In is the third with my latest and first bilingual book titled, The Taste of Freedom/Liberte Gen Bon Gou.
This book is a tribute my mother tongue, Kreyol. The story allowed me to share Haitian history and culture through a beautifully illustrated text. In writing my this book, I was blessed to come together with a group of ladies to form FKS, Fanm Kreyol Storytellers. In collaboration with Room to Read and Educa-Vision a collection of children’s books were published, appropriately titled “the Ansanm Collection. Ansanm means together in Kreyol. This collection features 7 uniquely-written books that come together to take you on a beautiful journey into Haitian culture. We recognized the beauty and power of working together and decided to form FKS so we can continue creating books for our community.
I also had the pleasure of joining fellow authors to put together the first ever Haitian Children’s book Festival in NYC. The festival celebrated books that focused on the culture, history, beauty and heritage of the Haitian people. I love writing and teaching and I plan to continue merging the two together for years to come.

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?

One thing that has been consistent throughout the years is my involvement with children, Choosing child development early on kept my focus on children. Now I teach through my writing which takes my teaching beyond the classroom walls. I love to make connections with people and I get to do that through text. My advice would be to find the core of who you are and continue to do things that stay in alignment with who you are.
The qualities are to know your core values, be consistent and stay in alignment with your core values in whatever you choose. Stay true to yourself and you will never lose your way.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents had a great impact on me becoming who I am. They brought me to America to pursue a life that was better than what they had. I only had one job and I was reminded daily. School was not optional, it was mandatory. They allowed me to choose freely as long as I attended school. I had the freedom of exploration with a push to do great things. These expectations created a drive in me and motivated me to do what was required. I had to do better than they did and that was the perfect recipe to push me to do my best,

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.barretbooks.com
• Instagram: @barretbooks
• Facebook: Mrie Barret
• Linkedin: Marie Barret
• Twitter: @Mariebarret1
• Youtube: @barretsbooks

Image Credits

Wilma Nicole and Sophia Barret photographers