We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alicia Jenkins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with ALICIA below.
ALICIA, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Alicia L. Jenkins Books was born out of a deeply personal journey of loss and transformation. After losing my son, Isaac, I sought a way to honor his memory and continue his legacy. Writing became my outlet, and soon, my books, “Isaac Can Do It” and “Isaac Breathes Through It,” became tools to teach children resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence.
This mission is meaningful because I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate life’s hardships, especially in underserved communities where resources are scarce. I want every child to feel seen, valued, and empowered through relatable stories and educational support.
Through my business, I’m not just creating books—I’m building hope, breaking cycles of inequity, and inspiring children to believe in their potential. This work is my purpose, driven by love and a commitment to change lives, one story at a time.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Alicia L. Jenkins—a child of God, a wife, and a mother of three, including my beloved son, Isaac. As an author, entrepreneur, and community advocate, I’m dedicated to empowering underserved youth through literacy, representation, and education.
My writing journey began with the “Hello Beautiful Journal,” a personal tool I first created by hand during one of the most challenging times of my life. After losing Isaac, I needed a way to process my grief and find the strength to move forward. Writing daily affirmations became my lifeline, sparking healing and reigniting my creativity and purpose.
From that journal, I transitioned to writing books that inspire and uplift others, especially children. My books, “Isaac Can Do It” and “Isaac Breathes Through It,” teach resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-confidence through relatable stories and diverse characters. Beyond books, I provide services such as literacy workshops, author visits, and community events that focus on growth, mindfulness, and hope.
What sets my work apart is the deep personal connection to my mission and my unwavering commitment to representation. My journey from grief to purpose fuels my passion for empowering children, particularly in underserved communities.
I’m most proud of hearing children joyfully shout, “I can do it!” during my events. These moments remind me of the impact my work has on helping them believe in themselves. Through Alicia L. Jenkins Books, I aim to build a movement of hope and resilience, proving that storytelling can change lives, one reader at a time.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2023, I made a life-changing decision to pivot from my decade-long career in the mortgage and title industry. While I had built stability and expertise in the field, I felt a growing pull toward something more purposeful. I left my company of 10 years to complete my Master’s of Business degree, focus on my family, and pursue my passion for writing.
This transition wasn’t easy, but it was deeply personal and necessary. After the loss of my son, Isaac, I realized the importance of living in alignment with my purpose. Writing became a way to honor his legacy and share messages of resilience and growth with others. Completing my degree gave me the tools to build a sustainable business, and spending more time with my family brought clarity to my priorities.
This pivot marked the start of Alicia L. Jenkins Books and my commitment to empowering underserved communities through storytelling and education. It was a leap of faith that has since transformed my life and allowed me to positively impact the lives of others.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to inspire and uplift others through my work. Knowing that my stories resonate with young readers, especially those in underserved communities, fills me with purpose. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see children connect with characters who reflect their experiences, empowering them to believe in themselves and their potential.
Grief is a part of everyone’s life, and turning my own pain into purpose has been a deeply healing journey. Sharing my story helps motivate others to push through their pain and find their strength, reminding them that resilience and growth are possible even in the hardest moments.
Creating is more than just storytelling—it’s about fostering hope, resilience, and representation. Being able to contribute to someone’s healing, growth, or empowerment through my work is truly the most meaningful reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Alicia-L.-Jenkins/author/B0CTQ4R15J?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicialjenkinsbooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliciaLJenkinsBooks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicialjenkins/
Image Credits
Fotos Gran LLC