The Story Behind the Books

It all started years ago when I moved to another country. After some time, I returned to the United States in early 2024. When I returned, I brought a set of skills I had developed over the years. As an executive assistant, I supported leaders across various industries, and those skills served me well. However, I quickly realized that the job market had changed drastically since I had left, and finding a role as an admin was a brutal struggle. The job search process was tough, and I began to feel overwhelmed by the number of rejections, which led to a lot of introspection and self-doubt.

During this time of uncertainty, I reflected on the parts of my career that brought me the most fulfillment—the parts where I was tasked with analyzing data, pulling information from spreadsheets, conducting research, and creating presentations to support executive decision-making. I realized that this skill, the ability to synthesize information, was something I was passionate about. This sparked a thought: “What comes next for me?”

That’s when I came across an advertisement for Google Analytics on YouTube, and it piqued my interest. I started to explore the world of data analytics, and the excitement of diving into this new field lit a spark in me. But while I was planning to start my journey as a data analyst, I was still dealing with the pressures of finding a job and handling rejection. I was in a very emotional place.

During this challenging period, I turned to something I always loved doing: writing and indulging in self-expression. I found comfort in listening to poems, reading, and soaking in motivational speeches. These outlets helped me process my emotions and gain perspective, which led me to the idea of writing my first book. I wanted to capture my journey—one that was full of ups and downs—and share it in a creative way. This is how Adam the Gardener Apple was born. The character of Adam, much like me, takes on an impossible challenge despite the doubts of those around him. He is ambitious, open-hearted, and confident—traits that reflected my own journey as I navigated self-doubt and the uncertainties of a new chapter in my life.

While working on my first book, I also came across research showing how coloring can help release stress and improve focus. I thought, why not create a coloring book? Adventures in the American Garden became a therapeutic process for me. As an African-American woman, I wanted to create a coloring book that represented my culture—featuring African-American children discovering the beauty of nature and gardening. But I wanted this coloring book to be more than just art—I wanted it to be a way for families to reconnect and find joy in togetherness. This was something I had to struggle with, having left those I loved behind, and now trying to reconnect with my family here in the U.S. whom I hadn’t seen for years. The coloring book became a symbol of healing, a chance to bring people together despite distance and to rediscover the importance of bonding and shared experiences.

At the same time, I was drawn to the teachings of stoicism, especially its messages of resilience and focusing on what you can control. I decided to write another book, this time in the form of poetry. With A Journey Through Poetry: Finding Peace Through Verse, I wanted to express the profound lessons I had learned through stoicism in a way that would resonate with others, especially during life's most challenging moments. I explored topics like love, motivation, financial struggles, and personal growth, all through the lens of stoic philosophy, woven together with poetry to make the messages memorable.

All of these books came from a place of introspection, struggle, and a desire for growth. I’ve always been someone who seeks creative outlets, whether it’s through writing, coloring, or finding inspiration in motivational speeches. Each of these projects has been part of my journey, reflecting my inner strength, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

But beyond my own growth, it’s my deep desire to help others overcome their struggles—especially those who are traveling this road with little or no guiding light or support. My books are now on Amazon, and I hope that, if you choose to purchase one, it will serve as a source of resilience, offering strength to follow your dreams, comfort in moments of connection while coloring with loved ones, and stoic reflections to guide you through the daily challenges we all face—love, fear, the desire for growth, and more. My journey is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always light, strength, and the power to keep moving forward.

If you're interested in exploring these stories and finding messages of resilience, strength, and inspiration, you can find my books on Amazon. Thank you for supporting this journey of creativity and self-expression.

Books Are Here