Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Crystel Patterson

Crystel Patterson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Crystel, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Right now, a lot of my joy comes from watching my two sons (ages 8 and 13) grow as athletes. Both of them are very active in sports, and it’s been such a gift to see how their hard work in practice translates into growth on the field/court. I love watching not just their skills improve, but also the way they carry themselves. From showing great sportsmanship to cheering on their teammates, and bouncing back from tough moments. It reminds me that progress is just as much about character as it is about talent, and I couldn’t be prouder of the young men they’re becoming.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Crystel Patterson, and I’m the author of the Inspired to Be… children’s book series, a collection of picture books written in verse and beautifully illustrated to spread Black inspiration to all children. What makes my work unique is that I intentionally create stories where Black children are centered, celebrated, and shown in powerful, positive ways, while still being relatable for all children. My goal is not only for Black children to see themselves reflected in books, but also for children of all backgrounds to experience diverse stories that affirm representation and inclusion.

Beyond writing, I spend much of my time visiting schools, speaking at literacy events, and engaging with educators and parents to inspire the next generation. I started this journey because my own children asked questions at a young age that made me realize how critical it was for them, and all children, to see their brilliance reflected in the pages of a book.

Today, I’m working on expanding my impact in two ways, creatively and strategically. On the creative side, I’m developing a middle-grade chapter book series that builds on similar themes I explore in my picture books. On the business side, I’m investing time into learning online marketing so I can broaden the reach of my books and ensure they land in the hands of even more children, families, and educators.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I was the “ugly duckling.” I struggled with my appearance and carried a lack of confidence in how I looked. In a way, that experience inspired my book, I Am Different, which speaks to the feelings of not fitting in and learning to embrace yourself.

As I grew older, I began to develop confidence in my appearance and realized that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. Today, no one can tell me that I’m ugly and have me believe it. I know that even if one person doesn’t find me attractive, it doesn’t define how others see me, and most importantly, it doesn’t define how I see myself.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in my life has been the fear of taking risks. Growing up, I watched my mom struggle, and she often reminded me that she didn’t want me to experience the same kind of hardship she faced. Because of that, I made it a priority to take school seriously and to play it safe in every decision I made. When it came time to choose a college major, I picked engineering because I knew it would almost guarantee a stable, good-paying career.

That decision led me into technology consulting, where I spent 13 years climbing the corporate ladder… and climbing it quickly. By every outside measure, I was doing well. But even with the promotions and the salary, I didn’t feel fulfilled. Then my children inspired me to write my first book, and publishing it lit a fire in me. One book turned into another, and another, until it became clear that this was more than a hobby, it was my purpose.

Still, I was torn. Leaving behind a career I had built for over a decade, along with the financial security it brought, was terrifying. Writing books wasn’t going to automatically replace the salary I was earning, and there was a real chance I could struggle in ways I had worked so hard to avoid. But I knew I couldn’t ignore the pull any longer. My naturally risk-averse side meant I prepared, planned, and saved before making the leap… and then I did it. I became a full-time author. It’s been a year and a half now, and I haven’t looked back since.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to making sure all children, especially Black children, see themselves reflected in stories that affirm their brilliance and potential. My Inspired to Be… series isn’t just about books; it’s about building a legacy of representation that will impact generations, no matter how long it takes.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For a long time, I was doing what I was told to do. Growing up, I was encouraged to focus on stability and security, so I worked hard in school, majored in engineering, and built a successful 13-year career as a technology consultant. I climbed the corporate ladder quickly, and by all accounts, I was thriving, but deep down, I wasn’t fulfilled.

It wasn’t until my children inspired me to write my first book that I discovered what I was truly born to do. Writing gave me a sense of passion and purpose I had never experienced before. Through my Inspired to Be… series, I’ve found my calling: empowering children to see their brilliance and believe in their potential. Today, I can confidently say I am doing what I was born to do.

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Image Credits
Dante Bland

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