Meet Deborah Jefferson

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

Hi Deborah, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience was forged in the quiet moments when no one was watching, when survival wasn’t heroic, it was simply necessary. It didn’t come from having all the answers or always being strong. It came from learning how to stand back up when life kept knocking me down and realizing that giving up was never truly an option for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am an author and poet who uses storytelling as a tool for healing, resilience, and purpose. My work centers lived experience, faith, and becoming—creating space for honest stories that help others feel seen, understood, and empowered.

I am the founder of Harobeds Thoughts, a creative and purpose-driven parent company that houses my writing, publishing, and storytelling initiatives. Under Harobeds Thoughts, I lead Our Words Matter, a literary brand and community dedicated to amplifying authentic voices through books, podcasts, author features, and live literary events.

Through Our Words Matter, I curate meaningful conversations, spotlight authors, and create spaces where stories are not only shared—but honored. Everything I build is rooted in the belief that storytelling is powerful, healing, and transformative.

At the heart of my work is this truth: our words matter, and when we tell our stories, we give others permission to heal too.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Storytelling for Healing & Impact

I have the ability to transform lived experience into meaningful narratives that resonate with others. Through writing, poetry, and conversation, I use storytelling as a bridge—connecting pain to purpose and giving voice to stories that often go unheard.

2. Visionary Leadership & Community Building

As the founder of Harobeds Thoughts and creator of Our Words Matter, I bring people together around shared purpose. I understand how to create safe, intentional spaces—both online and in-person—where voices are honored, creativity is nurtured, and community is built with integrity.

3. Emotional Intelligence Rooted in Faith & Lived Experience

I lead and create from a place of deep emotional awareness, faith, and personal growth. This allows me to approach storytelling, leadership, and healing work with empathy, discernment, and authenticity—meeting people where they are while encouraging forward movement.
Start by honoring where you are instead of rushing to where you think you should be. Growth doesn’t happen all at once—it happens through consistent, intentional steps.

If you want to develop your voice and storytelling, begin by telling the truth to yourself first. Write before you worry about audience or perfection. Journal, write poetry, or reflect often. The more honest you are in private, the more powerful your voice becomes in public. Your story doesn’t need to be polished to be impactful—it needs to be authentic.

When it comes to leadership and community building, focus on service before visibility. Learn how to listen well, create safe spaces, and lead with integrity. You don’t need a large platform to start—you need clarity of purpose. Build slowly, stay rooted in your “why,” and let relationships grow organically rather than forcing growth.

To strengthen emotional intelligence and faith, give yourself permission to heal as you grow. Pay attention to your emotional responses, set boundaries, and seek wisdom—through prayer, mentorship, and reflection. Healing is not a detour from the journey; it is part of the preparation.

Above all, be patient with yourself. Mastery comes through lived experience, not comparison. Stay consistent, stay teachable, and trust that every step—especially the unseen ones—is shaping you for what’s ahead.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m focused on growing the Our Words Matter Authors Expo, a space that uplifts authors, inspires readers, and fosters meaningful community conversations. Sponsors have the opportunity to support literacy, creativity, and storytelling while connecting with engaged audiences who value impact and authenticity.

Partnering with the Expo is more than backing an event—it’s investing in a mission where voices are honored, stories are shared, and communities are strengthened. There’s room at the table for those who believe, as I do, that our words truly matter.

To connect or explore sponsorship opportunities, reach out to me at [email protected] or visit www.harobedsthoughts.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.harobedsthoughts.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/harobeds_thoughts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DfqJrJfJd/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Elizabeth Kyles