Meet Paula Banks

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paula Banks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Paula, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I don’t think I’ve fully overcome imposter syndrome—honestly, I don’t think anyone does. It has a way of showing up even when you’re feeling the most confident. I’ve struggled with it for a long time. It’s caused me to miss out on opportunities and delayed me from walking in my purpose.

There were times when I was incredibly passionate about something, pouring all my energy into it, but then I started doing what we’ve all done—comparing my journey to someone else’s. As soon as I began comparing, I lost my confidence and motivation, and I started second-guessing myself. It became a cycle, and before I knew it, I walked away from something I loved because I couldn’t see the value I was bringing to the table.

I promised myself I’d never do that again. I knew imposter syndrome would come back, but this time I wasn’t going to walk away from something I had always wanted—to write and become a published author.

So, what did I do differently? I surrounded myself with people who saw things in me that I couldn’t see or wasn’t ready to believe yet. I focused on my journey instead of constantly watching what others were doing. I channeled my energy into my books, which gave me less time to compare.

Pushing past imposter syndrome instead of giving in to that voice has been one of the best things I’ve done for myself and my brand. It’s still there, but I’ve found ways to combat it and keep moving forward.

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’m a children’s book author, and through my stories, I aim to inspire and empower young readers—especially girls of color. My Peyton’s Journey series is all about showcasing a brave, creative girl who overcomes challenges, celebrates diversity, and follows her dreams. One of the most exciting things about what I do is creating stories that not only entertain but also help kids see that they can be the hero of their own adventures.

What makes my work different is the way I blend representation with my love for hip hop. When kids see characters that look like them in the stories they read, it boosts their confidence and helps them feel like they belong. On top of that, incorporating elements of hip hop culture adds a unique, fun twist that brings something fresh to the world of children’s books—it’s part of my brand and makes my stories stand out.

Right now, I’m excited about my newest release, The Secret of the Golden Clues: Peyton’s Christmas Adventure, where Peyton tackles her first holiday mystery! It’s available for pre-order and is packed with excitement, adventure, and a little Christmas spirit. I’ve also got more coming in the Bright Beginnings series, perfect for early learners, and I’m expanding into creating more activity kits and bundles to engage kids beyond reading.

I’m also working on growing my brand through events and collaborations, especially with educators and parents. My goal is to create products that are fun, educational, and truly reflect the kids who read them—especially girls of color.

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

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a children’s book author are perseverance, creativity, and connection.

Perseverance: Writing, publishing, and growing a brand takes time, and it’s easy to feel discouraged along the way—especially when dealing with imposter syndrome. But the ability to push through challenges and stay focused on the end goal has made all the difference. My advice to those starting out is to embrace the setbacks as part of the process. They’re not failures; they’re learning moments. Stay committed to your vision, and remember that perseverance often sets successful people apart from those who give up too soon.

Creativity: My stories are unique because I bring a blend of hip hop culture, diversity, and adventure to the table. Creativity is key to standing out, especially in a crowded field. For anyone early in their journey, I recommend leaning into what makes you different. Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside the box. Creativity isn’t just about the work you produce; it’s about how you market it, how you connect with readers, and how you build your brand.

Connection: Building meaningful relationships with readers, educators, and fellow authors has been invaluable. Connection is not just about networking; it’s about being genuinely invested in the people you meet. My advice for developing this skill is to engage in communities where your work is relevant—whether it’s online groups, conferences, or social media. Listen more than you speak, be willing to collaborate, and always look for ways to add value to others.

For anyone starting their journey, I’d say focus on building these qualities day by day. Stay patient with yourself, be open to growth, and surround yourself with people who lift you up.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m always looking for opportunities to partner and collaborate, especially with folks who share a passion for empowering kids through stories, education, or creativity. Whether you’re a fellow author, educator, artist, or someone in the children’s space who believes in the power of representation and storytelling, I’d love to explore how we can work together.

I’m particularly interested in collaborations that align with my vision of empowering young readers, especially girls of color, and finding creative ways to merge storytelling with unique elements like hip hop and culture. Whether it’s a joint project, an event, or something entirely new, I’m open to ideas that help uplift and inspire kids.

If you’re reading this and feel like we could be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me via Instagram (@authorpaulabanks) or through my website. Let’s create something amazing together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paulaybanks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpaulabanks/?hl=en