Blair Williamson of Richmond, VA on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Blair Williamson shared her story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Blair, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in monitoring six active sea turtle nests on a nearby island with my family. My kids and I created a notebook to record our predictions, observations, nest numbers, and crawl dates—gathering every detail we can in hopes of experiencing the hatchings. This summer, at high tide in the middle of the night, we were lucky enough to witness two nests hatch so far. Watching those tiny turtles make their moonlit crawl to the ocean was absolutely magical. It’s been an unforgettable experience for all of us—my husband included—and has filled our summer with such wonder and connection.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Blair Northen Williamson, a retired 200-ton boat captain and PADI Master Scuba Diving Instructor turned children’s author and ocean advocate. My work blends my lifelong love for the sea with a passion for storytelling that inspires kids to care for our planet. From playful picture books to middle-grade adventures, I aim to celebrate our oceans through laughter, curiosity, and action. I’m currently launching several new titles: Birthday Bash (Sept 2025) and The Ocean Protectors: Colors of the Coral Reef (Nov 2025), two stories that spark wonder and raise environmental awareness in young readers.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was in sixth grade, I went scuba diving on the wall in the Cayman Islands. The water was so crystal clear, and I remember feeling the smallest I had ever felt in my life. I had no idea such a vast, breathtaking world existed beneath the surface. Ever since, I’ve sought out moments that make me feel that way, tiny in the face of something so big. It’s incredibly grounding. That perspective shifts how I see myself in the world and reminds me how much more there is beyond my own circle.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In short, yes, I’ve thought about giving up, more than once. Publishing can be tough: rejection, long waits, and the kind of self-doubt that sneaks in when you least expect it. But every time I question why I’m doing this, I come back to the same thing—storytelling lights me up. Even on the hardest days, there’s a deep joy in creating something that might connect with a child, spark their imagination, or make them laugh. That spark keeps me here. Publishing is not for the faint of heart, but if you can weather the storms, the moments of connection make every struggle worth it.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is meaningful time with the people I love, my friends, my family, and going on adventures together. I truly enjoy living, experiencing, and connecting. I care deeply about the physical and emotional well-being of those around me, and I’m always looking for ways to bring people together. I’m happiest when I can share my passions—whether it’s the marsh, waterskiing, sailing, shells, tides, or the publishing industry. I love discussing writing, sharing tips and tricks, and connecting people to make things happen. I’m a doer, a connector, and a coach at heart. I also love watching others succeed—whether it’s catching a crab, getting an agent, or learning a new skill, I do my best to lift my people up!

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Oh, those were the days! I’ve definitely had times in my career when I was tap dancing to work, like when we were setting out on a new adventure in Thailand. Sailing into the unknown, or diving into uncharted waters, brings a kind of adrenaline rush you can’t replicate. There’s this electric mix of excitement and curiosity when you know you’re about to do something epic. I felt it leading dives, and even during the cutthroat, long hours of working on a private yacht, if we were headed to an incredible destination, I’d be tap dancing the whole way there.

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