We recently connected with D.c. Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

D.C., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One-Way Ticket to the Unknown:

I suppose the old cliché of “falling into the writing and visual creative industry” best describes my journey. I was on track to build a career in finance when the 2008 recession abruptly changed everything. Job opportunities were drying up, and just as I was wrapping up an internship at AAU in Central Florida in August 2011, my college friend called with a wild idea: moving to Los Angeles with barely any money, no job, and no concrete plan. The only thing that was solidified was our potential apartment that she found on Craigslist.

At that moment, I had one final interview to secure a graduate position, but in a last-minute twist, I didn’t get the job. Faced with limited options and a strong desire for a fresh start, I decided to take the plunge. By October 2011, we were living in the San Gabriel Valley, just outside of Los Angeles (And yes, in the condo style apartment we found on Craigslist).

D.C., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About You, Your Work, Services & Brand:

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, I now call sunny Northern California home. My journey to the Bay Area began with that significant move to Southern California in 2011. The transition was challenging—I spent seven long months job hunting while completing my second graduate degree. The pressure was immense, but I held onto the belief that greater challenges often yield greater rewards.

In May 2012, I began volunteering at the Special Olympics of Southern California during their summer games as a way to lift myself out of the funk of not having a job. I thought, “If I can’t get paid for my time, let me give my time to a worthy cause.” Little did I know, this decision would simultaneously launch my career in project management and Parks and Recreation (and no, I’ve never seen the show). This led to a seven-year career in community-based programming, where I had the privilege of positively impacting the lives of young people through creative and supportive programs.

However, I felt a calling to explore writing children’s books—a calling I ignored for at least four years before finally self-publishing my first book in 2015. Why the delay? Because I didn’t risk everything by moving to LA to become a writer (not the usual story, but it’s true). My initial aspiration moving to California switched to working in operations for a large entertainment, sports and live events company. Along the way, I discovered one of my God-given assignments—or purpose, as some might call it—was to write. Writing wasn’t something I was initially passionate about, but it was something I was kind of good at. I say, “kind of,” because I’m still a student of the craft, with much to learn in this ever-evolving world. Nearly 10 years later, I finally focused on building a business centered around creating stories for today’s youth, leading to the establishment of The StoryBook Co. in 2024.

At The StoryBook Co., we specialize in creating children’s books that are as educational as they are entertaining. Our focus is on emotional awareness, helping kids explore their feelings, developing self-care habits, and understanding the world around them through everyday experiences. Take our latest book, Nikki V. McQueen: Sparkling Self-Care Saturday, which is slated for release this fall—it’s all about making self-care fun and relatable for young readers.

Our books will serve as a bridge between parents and children, making it easier to have those important conversations on a child’s level. We’re creating stories that help kids make sense of their emotions, understand different situations, and even discover their unique identity. It’s about giving them the tools to navigate life with confidence and joy.

What sets our company apart is our commitment to quality over quantity. Every book we produce will be crafted with care, ensuring it’s not only engaging but also meaningful and impactful. We won’t just tell stories—we’ll create experiences that inspire and educate young minds. Additionally, we’re dedicated to addressing the growing literacy gap by ensuring our stories connect with children emotionally while supporting their reading development, helping them reach critical grade-level milestones.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact our stories will have on children. As we prepare to launch The StoryBook Co., I often think about the moment a child first connects with a story we’ve created. That emotional connection will be rewarding on so many levels. I’m also proud of the journey we’ve been on—transforming it from a simple idea into a budding business with the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of young readers.

The StoryBook Co. is all about inspiring the next generation. We believe every child should see themselves reflected in the stories they read, and that’s one of our key missions we’re deeply committed to. Looking ahead, we’ve got some exciting projects in the pipeline, including the upcoming release of our latest book, which introduces not just Nikki V. McQueen, but her entire family. We’re always striving to innovate, making sure our content stays relevant and transformative for today’s kids.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As I mentioned before, writing wasn’t initially my passion. I believed every project should bring me joy—that was my “Why.” Yet, I found myself at a crossroads: give up due to self-doubt or embrace the unknown. Choosing the latter, I committed to learning the craft, honing my skills, and growing as I launched this important endeavor.
Overcoming my self-doubt, I discovered something unexpected. I replaced doubt with discipline and uncertainty with creativity. This shift uncovered a hidden skill set as a Visual Creative Director—a part of me I didn’t know existed. Now, this newfound passion has become a driving force behind the projects that we are currently producing.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of creativity is bringing ideas to life and seeing them resonate with others. There’s immense fulfillment in transforming a spark in your mind into something tangible that inspires, entertains, and educates. For me, it’s not just the end product but the journey of creation—the challenges, discoveries, and personal growth.
At The StoryBook Co., I have the privilege of creating stories that connect with young minds and shape their understanding of the world. Witnessing a child’s eyes light up while reading a story I’ve helped bring to life is an unparalleled reward. It’s a powerful reminder that creativity can make a difference, influence, and leave a lasting impression. This is the essence of why being creative is so fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: the_storybookco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheStoryBookCo
• Other: https://linktr.ee/thestorybookco

Image Credits

Book illustration by Sekar Azahra