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

Hi Kimberly, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I started writing stories in second grade. I wasn’t writing for school or anyone but myself. I enjoyed the books my mom read to me, mostly because she performed the stories more than read them. I wanted to discover what went into writing stories that evoked such excitement in readers that they would want to perform the text.

I received my first diary in third grade; it was a gift from my uncle for a good report card. It had a soft yellow laminate cover with an image of the California Raisins and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” in bold black letters. I wrote in it sporadically but recognized early on that I felt relieved after putting my thoughts inside and closing the cover. I loved that feeling and the feeling of expressing myself without worrying about who would read it because the diary had a lock—a precarious lock, but still. I kept a journal throughout my school years, including college. It was necessary for me as a person who didn’t talk much or find much comfort in sharing my innermost self with those around me. I’ve always had really good friendships, but there was still something about writing down my experiences rather than merely sharing them with others that brought me peace and comfort. The intimacy of writing for myself was a gift.

I was also an avid reader. I could sit in my room or in my closet for hours, all day even on a Saturday, and read a novel to completion. I had friends who would do the same, so on sleepovers we would go to the library and get books, usually *The Babysitters’ Club*, and then we’d read and exchange them. I was lucky that way, to have friends with the same interests, where we could enjoy each other in a silent space. I began to understand that the stories I read helped me understand myself better and have compassion for others who weren’t like me. Reading and writing, then, helped me develop character, to be a better friend and person.

I really tapped into the transformative powers of literature and writing in college. I would listen to music in my headphones for hours on end while I wrote in my journal. My roommate used to ask me how I wrote so much and for so long as if it were nothing. It was truly a matter of survival for me in a place where I felt like I didn’t fit in. I was in so much pain dealing with my dad’s absence and being away from my friends that I had leaned on so much to help me get through some really tough spots growing up. My journal, a pen, and music made up a survival kit for my transition into adulthood.

I studied English and Comparative Literature in undergrad, and even writing academically was a comfort for me. Getting my thoughts and ideas out of my head and onto the page was a kind of meditation and prayer for me, a spiritual experience. I realized I wanted to help others write in some way. I realized I would probably need a graduate degree to work with adults. While pursuing my master’s degree in English and African American literature, I began to understand how storytelling allows us to center ourselves, investigate our interiority, and create realities shaped by our words. I have been a die-hard fan of Toni Morrison since high school, rereading her novels repeatedly as I developed and matured, seeing something different each time because I was different. I was obsessed with her exploration of characters’ interiority and felt it an invitation to explore my own. I began writing my thesis on Edwidge Danticat’s *Breath, Eyes, Memory*, wanting to perform a Womanist reading of the text. Through the experience of trying to describe and analyze the spiritual experience of the main character, Sophie, and the process of completing my thesis, I came to appreciate not just the power, but also the magnitude and breadth of writing’s impact on my life. Drafting that thesis was integral to advancing my introspective skills, allowing me to see myself more clearly, love myself more deeply, and have more compassion for myself. I wanted others to have the same experience. I knew it was a matter of wellness.

So, in January of my final semester of graduate school, I started Wordplay at Work. The idea was to facilitate expressive and narrative writing workshops for adults seeking to develop sustainable wellness practices. We often see wellness options as privileges for those with financial resources. Writing is something that can be done with just a pen and paper or a computer. It has always been important to me that any knowledge I share is accessible to everyone who could benefit from it. My workshops are inexpensive and sometimes free when we have a sponsor. Our mission is to empower individuals to discover, heal, and grow through the transformative power of writing. We believe everyone has a story to tell. No matter their background or writing experience, everyone is welcome.

Kimberly, 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?

At Wordplay at Work, our mission is to empower individuals to discover, heal, and grow through the transformative power of writing. We believe everyone has a story to tell. No matter your background or writing experience, you’re welcome here.

Our vision is to create a world where everyone has access to the healing and transformative benefits of writing. We envision a community where individuals are empowered to express themselves authentically, connect deeply with others, and live with purpose and resilience.

We offer the following programs:
Group Workshops: Our group workshops are designed to foster self-discovery, emotional healing, and personal growth. Our workshops are safe spaces to connect with others on a similar journey. These are usually have a focused topic.

Individual Workshops: For clients seeking personalized support, we offer individual workshops where clients work one-on-one with a facilitator.

Corporate Workshops: We partner with corporate clients to bring our workshops to their employees, promoting wellness and creativity in the workplace. These can also be done virtually.

Curriculum Development: We offer curriculum development services for organizations wishing to incorporate writing practices into their programs.

For all of our services, we use proven techniques based on research that shows writing can reduce stress, boost mood, and spark creativity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My only goal is to present writing and storytelling as a viable, sustainable, and proven option to foster lasting change individually and collectively.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My first curriculum development client was an organization that wanted to revamp an existing program that taught life skills to youth who are involved with or impacted by the justice system. The project was scheduled for three phases and should have taken around four months to complete. I worked with the staff and administrators through multiple iterations of the curriculum, also revising the contract as needed. There were pauses and resets during the project that were beyond my control, and I had to learn to be flexible and make space for others’ processes. Utlimately, we completed the new curriculum in ten months with a finished product that the client was pleased with and we were pleased to present. The curriculum is designed for teens and emerging adults and is based on the eight dimensions of wellness and incorporates creative expression and movement.

Contact Info:

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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wordplayatwork