Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katrina Fraga. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Katrina, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I have always been a “rule follower”. Growing up, I was afraid of taking risks. I followed a very set path and did everything on the expected timeline of life. Very quickly, life showed me that no path is certain and not taking risks, can lead to a feeling of emptiness. After I had kids, I realized that I was their example and I wanted to be sure that they always knew that dreams can become reality. I even tattooed the words “YOU CAN” on my wrist as a constant reminder.
Over 6 years ago, I started writing a series of children’s books. I stopped myself from publishing and used excuses like: “I don’t know how.” “What if people don’t like them?” “What if I invest in these books and they are not a success?” For years, I started and…stopped. This year, I said “YOU CAN” and finally published my 1st book in a long series!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I grew up in theater and attended New World School of the Arts for high school. Acting was an outlet where I got to be creative and show a side of me that not many people knew. When I went to college, I decided to be “safe” and study education. I was an elementary school teacher for 7 years and loved my job. I got to teach while being silly with my students. My goal was always to find their talents and help them grow confident.
By the time I had 2 kids, I decided to leave teaching and that is when my businesses all began. I first started with a tutoring business. Then, Covid came and I needed to find a way to make money. I started my jewelry business and it brought me so much joy. TyLu Jewels was born (named after Tyler and Olivia-my kids). I currently do custom orders and markets all around Miami.
Now, I have started a new endeavor as a published author. I decided to combine my love of teaching and my passion for creativity to create books that kids can enjoy with their parents. Each story is based on an animal and teaches a lesson. They are fun rhymes with vibrant illustrations and I can’t wait for the series to continue. Currently Tyler the Tiger and Olivia the Otter is being sold on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by my children and nephews. The world is tough. Life and certain people will want to bring you down sometimes. I want my story and my journey to be an inspiration to them. Life can knock you down but GOD will always pick you back up.
All my children’s books are meant to teach a lesson. Tyler the Tiger shows how to be brave and find your confidence. Olivia the Otter is about an otter than wishes she could look like the other animals, until she realizes she is beautiful the way she is. My goal is for kids to identify with these characters and always know “YOU CAN”
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I think life is all about constantly having to pivot. In my 20’s I thought I had it all figured out until, I didn’t. Life changes. People change. You change. The problem starts when you are unwilling to flow. Sometimes, we are so stuck in what we think we “should” be doing or how life “should” have gone, that we miss out on the bigger picture. Throughout the past 35 years of my life, I have pivoted more than I thought I ever would and I would not change those twists and turns for anything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momof2withoutaclue?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-fraga-4180b6247/
- Other: https://a.co/d/84eizce
https://katrinafraga.wixsite.com/momof2withoutaclue
https://www.buzzsprout.com/984253
