We were lucky to catch up with Beatrice Henry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Beatrice, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
In a short answer… I CREATE! Acts 26:2 says “I think myself happy” I’ve learned that so much of life is what you make of it and how you choose to see it. I’ve made a conscious decision to create what I need for the specific season or space I’m in. Whether that is my thoughts, my environment, my resources or connections; I create what I need or want. And I get JOY from sharing what I’ve created with others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an Educational Consultant and I create Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy curriculum. I also work with parents/caregivers and educators to teach the importance of education through play. I get to use my educational, creative and parenting knowledge to create meaningful experiences that help families build and strengthen academic skills and encourage family engagement.
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?
Three skills that have been impactful in my journey are Creativity, Researching and Education (specifically educational play). These 3 are constant themes that reoccur through every season of my life. Creating is fun and it brings me joy, Researching keeps me knowledgeable and helps build inspiration and Education is a never ending avenue. Over the years I’ve learned how to integrate them effectively and use them for work and personal growth.
I encourage anyone starting or pivoting in their journey to look at themselves for inspiration and answer these questions. What are you drawn to? What do you enjoy doing? What are you passionate about? Where would you like to make an impact? Why do you want to make that specific impact? Use these answers to help form the direction you’d ultimately want to build space in. Allow for adjustments along the way as you learn and always show up as your authentic self.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Over the years I have been blessed to have many impactful people help guide me along my journey. My parents were amazing in their own lanes giving me a foundation in the Lord, building my confidence, allowing me space to explore and the safety needed to take risks.
I’m a fourth generation educator and my grandmother, a teacher for nearly 3 decades, was essential in building a foundation for game play, learning while having fun and educational improv. My husband has been a great help with parent perspective and helping me share what I create so that it reaches more people. And a special shout out to my children who have been such JOY in their own way. They have been the inspiration for many of my creative projects and adventures. Being an educator and parent who creates for parents and educators has a special advantage for the pressure points and specifics that need focus. A lot what I use in my work has been tested and explored with my own family first.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: IamBeatriceHenry
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatrice-henry-323495188
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@BuildEngageAbsorb
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
