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

Hi Charity, thanks for joining us today. 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?

Starting my company was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. As a disabled woman who had never been able to find a “regular” job due to disability bias, the idea of launching a business was both exhilarating and terrifying. I had no financial safety net, no investors, and no guarantees of success. Yet, I felt a deep conviction that I was meant to do this—not just for myself, but for others like me and the children I hoped to inspire through my stories.

The journey began after three years of unsuccessful job applications following my college graduation. Each rejection stung more than the last, and I often felt invisible in a world that judged me by my disability rather than my capabilities. Eventually, I realized that waiting for someone to give me an opportunity wasn’t the answer. If doors weren’t opening, I decided I would build my own.

With no formal business training, limited resources, and just a dream in my heart, I launched Purple Diamond Press, a small publishing company focused on creating children’s literature that teaches essential life lessons in a fun and engaging way. To finance my first book, What If We Were All The Same!, I saved every penny I could and opened credit cards. I poured my time, energy, and creativity into the project, often working late into the night to ensure every detail was right. I learned to be resourceful—hiring illustrators, formatting my own books, and marketing them on social media.

The risk was immense. I knew that failure wasn’t just a possibility; it was statistically likely for small businesses, especially one started by a first-time entrepreneur. But giving up wasn’t an option.

The outcome? Absolutely life-changing. My first book became a bestseller, receiving recognition from ABC7 News, the San Francisco 49ers, and even the BBC. Over 2,000 copies were purchased and donated to the Oakland school district by the 49ers, and one of their players, Arik Armstead, read the book to a lively group of young students, an unforgettable moment for me. That one book opened the doors to an entire series and countless opportunities to visit schools, host author readings, and connect with children worldwide.

Beyond the business’s financial success, the greatest reward has been the impact. Seeing children engage with my stories and learn about kindness, acceptance, and inclusion has been deeply fulfilling. I’ve also had the privilege of working with aspiring authors, proving that it’s possible to create your own path regardless of the obstacles you face.

Taking the leap to start my business was a risk, but it was the best decision I ever made. It didn’t just give me a career; it gave me a purpose, a platform to amplify my voice, and the chance to inspire others to believe in themselves. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Charity, 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?

My name is C.M. Harris, and I’m a children’s author and the founder of Purple Diamond Press, a mission-driven publishing company focused on creating stories that inspire, educate, and empower children. My journey into the publishing industry wasn’t traditional. After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Graphic Design and a minor in Marketing Management, I faced years of rejection due to disability bias. Instead of giving up, I decided to create my own path, combining my creative background and passion for storytelling to launch a company that would make a difference.

At Purple Diamond Press, we specialize in publishing children’s books that address important topics like kindness, acceptance, diversity, perseverance, and disability awareness. Our books are fun, engaging, and often written in rhyme, making them memorable for children and enjoyable for parents and teachers. Beyond my own titles, we also work closely with clients to bring their visions to life, helping them publish meaningful books that make an impact.

I’m incredibly proud of the authors and stories we’ve had the privilege to work with. For example, A Fish in a Tree by Deborah C. Washington addresses the critical issue of environmental balloon safety, teaching children about caring for the environment in a fun and accessible way. The Secret Candy Drawer by Marci Carrasco emphasizes the importance of self-control and dental hygiene, wrapped in a whimsical tale kids adore. And The Weirdots by Steffanie Najera is an engaging 7-book series introducing a diverse and lovable group of characters who will capture young readers’ hearts. Each of these books is a testament to our mission to publish stories that matter.

One of the problems we aim to solve is the lack of inclusive and meaningful content in children’s literature. Many kids don’t see themselves represented in the books they read, and others miss out on valuable life lessons presented in relatable ways. Through our stories and partnerships, we’re changing that, one book at a time.

What sets Purple Diamond Press apart is our heart and authenticity. My background in graphic design gives me an edge in ensuring our books are visually stunning, while my marketing management experience helps me connect these stories to the right audiences. As a disabled entrepreneur, I infuse every project with a genuine desire to make the world a kinder, more inclusive place. Every book we publish—whether mine or a client’s—is created with care, featuring vivid illustrations and uplifting messages that resonate with children and adults alike. Working with talented and professional illustrators like Vitor Lopes and Gerri Hellman on these fun projects is also a pleasure.

I’m most proud of the impact our work has had. My bestseller What If We Were All The Same! has received recognition from ABC7 News, the San Francisco 49ers, and the BBC and has been donated to schools nationwide. The ultimate reward is visiting schools, reading to children, and seeing them connect with these stories.

The main thing I want people and customers to know about Purple Diamond Press is that we’re more than a publishing company—we’re a mission-driven brand. Whether through our books, client collaborations, school visits, or merchandise, our goal is to create a better future for children everywhere. We want every child to feel seen, valued and inspired to dream big. Kindness is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to spreading it everywhere we go.

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

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is being too nice and instead learning to think with a business mindset. Growing up, I embodied my name, Charity. I was always told that I was “so sweet and quiet,” and unfortunately, I allowed those two words to shape my identity as I grew older. I’ve always been a “fixer”—someone who steps up when I see someone in need, even if it means putting their needs above my own. Whether it was helping directly or finding someone else to assist, I made sure to be involved. As a disabled woman, I’ve gained a unique perspective on life and a deep compassion for others through my own experiences, and that compassion often guided my decisions.

However, when I started my business, Purple Diamond Press, I quickly realized that being overly accommodating and always saying “yes” wasn’t sustainable. I had to learn how to think strategically—financially and emotionally—to ensure my business would succeed. I couldn’t pour from an empty cup, and I had to be selective about where my time, energy, and resources went. Saying “no” didn’t mean I wasn’t kind or caring; it meant I was prioritizing the bigger picture.

This lesson wasn’t easy, and it came with challenges. I’ve taken financial risks in marketing that didn’t pay off, been scammed earlier this year, and learned the hard way about being more discerning in who I hire and bring onto my team. Each experience taught me to approach decisions with a sharper focus and a stronger backbone.

Now, I balance my compassion with pragmatism. I still care deeply about others and want to make a positive impact, but I’ve learned that I can’t sacrifice the stability of my business to do so. By unlearning the need to always please and instead prioritizing strategy, I’ve become a better leader and a stronger advocate for my company’s mission. This shift has allowed Purple Diamond Press to grow while staying true to its values—and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, my creative journey is driven by a deeply personal mission: equality and representation. As a disabled Black woman, I’m passionate about showing disabled children and young Black children that they, too, can dream big and achieve their goals. Growing up, I didn’t see many stories that reflected my experiences or people who looked like me thriving in spaces I aspired to be in. That lack of representation planted the seed for what would eventually become my purpose.

My journey has not gone the way I envisioned. I never planned to start my own business or even become a published author, but life had other plans. After countless disappointments and closed doors, I realized those setbacks were leading me to the path I was meant to follow—a path where I could create opportunities for myself and, more importantly, pave the way for others to do the same.

Equality and representation are at the heart of everything I create. My books, like What If We Were All The Same! and my book Seen, celebrate differences and teach children the importance of acceptance and kindness. Seen, for example, tells the story of Ariana, a young girl who uses a wheelchair. Her disability isn’t revealed until the end of the book, reinforcing the idea that disabled people don’t owe anyone an explanation for their differences. Gareth Gets a Job is another meaningful story inspired by my real-life service dog, Gareth, which highlights the beauty and resilience of service dogs while educating readers about tenacity and purpose.

These stories, and the rest of my work, aim to create a world where children of all backgrounds and abilities can see themselves represented and celebrated. My mission is to inspire young readers to believe in themselves, dream big, and know they are worthy and capable of achieving great things—regardless of the challenges they face.

Representation matters, and I’m committed to ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and empowered through my work. This mission is what fuels my creative journey every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cmharrisbooks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmharrisbooks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmharrisbooks
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/charitymharris
• Other: https://www.purplediamondpress.com/
  https://gofund.me/4bbeac93