We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Journei Green. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Journei below.

Hi Journei, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My mom is so busy, so strong and so determined. I wish to be like her in that order but even better. Watching her only makes me realize it’s possible and your dreams can come true if you work to make them happen. I’m not sure when she rests or will take a break from everything but the one thing I admire is that she keeps going. After my dad passed away in 2015, I learned at only 3 1/2 years old that we won’t breathe forever. While we are here with life, we must express the love we have very pure because those will be the memories you leave behind. I’m blessed to still remember how much my dad loved me while he was here. I actually believe that every time I see a white feather appear from out of nowhere, it’s my dad. He is in my heart and because of the bond we shared, I smile every time I see that white feather in the strangest places . Like how did it get there, just falling from my ceiling or the garage or building. There are times we would spot one together and I would notice my mom take a moment to just smile at it. I believe she gathers her feelings quickly and then turns right back into the superwoman I know her to be. I forever love my super heroes. I’m proving to them and myself that they’ve shown me right so I can’t go wrong.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I am Journei, a busy 10 year old 5th grader in Houston, Texas. I began creative writing with my mom once I became an advanced reader in first grade. I love books! There were feelings and words I wanted to express on a daily so I learned to write them down, which helped improve my handwriting. Very much true when said “practice makes improvement.” With the help of my mom I was able to self publish my first illustrated childrens book called “My Favorite Garden.” It is also now available on Amazon and currently my moms site, while I’m working on my very own website design that will be ready for my birthday in November. It’s the most exciting thing I’ve ever worked on so far. I will be selling my own published book, along with distressed hats and notebooks that comes with a customized pen/pencil. I’m mostly setting an example as the oldest while chasing my dreams for my two little sisters, Jream and Klover. I’m sure my new website will grow with new arrivals but in the meantime I’ve also started acting and modeling classes with Page Parks Agency here in Houston. I’ve learned so much as they’ve prepared me for auditioning while giving me all I need to land an acting role. My biggest fear was not being successful when I grow up. I had to pat myself on the back because I’m putting in all the hard work now so my future will be brighter. Don’t give up before you start and don’t talk yourself out of something you’ve never done. Go for it, give it your best and no matter what… KEEP SMILING!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’m growing and learning, life won’t allow you to stay a kid forever. I’ve grown to become a tough cookie because you can’t always be sweet when it’s time to put your game face on. I guess you can say I was a little softer around the edges before I reached double digits. Now that I’m almost pre-teen, I’m happy to check yes or no and to use my mind when making decisions. I use to be easily convinced or persuaded to do things, whether it was playing games I didn’t want too or going somewhere I didn’t want to be. I’ve had bad experiences that allowed me to now know the difference between right and wrong. You can’t trick someone who won’t fall for anything, so always think before you respond. It’s okay to be a leader even if no one is following you, YET. One day your decisions will make sense to you and that’s all that matters in the end. I learned that it’s not about being liked, it’s about being respected and doing what’s right. Be kind and expect kindness to be rewarded but be prepared to know the difference. No matter what, always keep it moving!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Seven years ago sounds like a long time but the ache still feels like yesterday. I was almost 4 years old with the memory of an elephant, which is what I’m most grateful for today. Some people can’t remember where they parked their car but I’m blessed with a mind that recalls the most precious moments with my dad that are still replaying. On that day, my mom explained to me that his body will forever sleep but his soul went to Heaven. I didn’t understand the process of life or why it had to come to an end for any of us. I began to read a kids Bible filled with pictures as it explained things I slowly began to make sense of. I wanted to also write an illustrated book that other children would understand in that moment who may have experienced what I went through. “My Favorite Garden” co authored by me, was what I needed to be at peace with my own story. It made me stronger by educating myself on something unknown to me. It’s a beautiful book and has also encouraged my next release set for 2024 called “Pages of Hope.” It’s a book of encouragement for kids who need to read positivity and be uplifted. One thing that has always helped me was no matter how I felt, I coached myself to “Keep Smiling” that’s my motto and it has made my rainy days shine again. You can do anything !!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.levelzbrand.com
• Instagram: @iam.journei

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