We recently had the chance to connect with Stacey Byer and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Stacey, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Spending as much time as I can outside with nature. I’ve always been grateful as a Caribbean person to live on an island. The green therapy and vitamin sea are great stress relievers, especially after the pandemic.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Stacey and I’m an author-illustrator from the Caribbean. I create books, products and spaces for all children but with an interest in highlighting and sharing Caribbean culture. My newest picture book Will and Krill debuted in June and received a review from the distinguished School Library Journal.
A main focus of my work includes developing culturally-relevant books and illustrative educational materials for some of our local primary schools. It’s important for children to see themselves in books. Representation can help boost self esteem and encourage pride in one’s identity and lived experience. It’s important to prioritize spaces where Caribbean children can play, learn through creativity and have access to books. I’m one of the four founding directors of my island’s book festival and we’re currently expanding this initiative to better serve our community. Our mission is to foster a love of reading, create opportunities for our writers and illustrators and celebrate our Caribbean literature.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I believe I was always someone who was very curious about the world and how things worked so therefore my outlet to learn was through creativity. I was always more interested in what was happening “outside” than sitting at a desk. I learned a lot through exploration, games, art and play.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be as kind to yourself as you are to others and when bad things happen the easiest thing to do is to stop and take a deep calming breath. Everything has a way of working itself out.
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 strongly believe that everyone has the traits, ideas or skills to elicit positive change.
I grew up in a family where being self-aware and empathetic was very important. This has stayed with me and has informed not only my decisions as an adult but also as an artist. While artists can still be undervalued in various situations, our creative tools can really help educate, spread awareness and inspire hope.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I was never told to do art but rather gravitated to it at a very young age. This early influence was the catalyst for me to step onto a creative path. Giving children the freedom to express themselves, problem- solve and generate ideas through creativity will really help build innovative future thinkers and leaders.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.staceybyer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacebyer/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-byer-a90001b/
Image Credits
Stacey Byer
Haron Forteau Media
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