What inspired you to start your business? What motivates you to keep going?: I noticed a lack of diversity in Children’s books. I rarely saw girls on the cover of books with beautiful kinky, coily hair. My daughter started noticing none of the library books had girls who looked like her, so I decided to create books showcasing the brilliance & beauty of Black Children. I am motivated by the little girl inside me who remembers what it was like to be told, “Black girls can’t be princesses.” I am motivated by purpose and responsibility to uplift & empower this generation and the next. I am able and equipped to do it, so I choose to lean in and DO IT.

How do you create the life you want?: You and I create the life we want by thinking intentional thoughts solely focused on that which we desire. I have learned through reading, studying, and life experience that if I want a beautiful life, I have to think thoughts full of beauty. Everything we see and feel originated in our thoughts first. We can have a good life by thinking good thoughts.

What makes you HUMAN?: My imperfections, passion, and ability to connect make me human. Being aware of the beauty and temporal nature of this life reminds me of my humanity.

What's three things you want us to know about self-love/wellness?: Three things to know about self love and wellness are:

1.) Your thoughts are seeds. Plant a garden full of gratefulness, kindness, love, & beauty. This is how you cultivate emotional & mental wellness. Think good thoughts.

2.) Loving yourself is the key to being a good partner, parent, and person. You can only love others as well as you love yourself. If you criticize yourself often, you will criticize others often. Be kind to yourself, first and foremost.

3.) Be mindful of what you consume. What kind of books are you reading? What type of social media accounts do you follow? All of these things affect the way you see yourself and your mental wellness. If you don’t like what you see, change what you are consuming. You can do it.

What's something we can incorporate today to LIVE LIFE WELL?:: Something you can incorporate today to live well is DAILY POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS AND QUIET TIME IN NATURE. When you wake up in the morning, speak over yourself. Use creation statements, “I Am ______” and speak life and abundance. Try and sit in nature daily, even if it’s just 10 minutes. We are connected and recharged by nature.

Email Address: darcelbeingbooks@gmail.com

Website: http://www.darcelbeingbooks.com

Social media handles?: Personal Instagram: @darcelbeing

Business Instagram: @darcelbeingbooks

FB: Darcel Ricketts