We recently connected with Chelsea Chong Kim and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally, it felt like a lightning bolt—an unexpected yet electrifying moment that changed everything. I was standing in front of my classroom, surrounded by eager middle school faces, walking them through a math problem on the board. On the surface, it was just another lesson, but as I watched their expressions shift from confusion to clarity, I realized that this was more than numbers. It was storytelling. Every formula was a story, every problem a challenge, and every solution a triumph.

But the real spark came one afternoon, during a quiet moment after class. One of my students handed me a crumpled paper—a simple thank-you note—and said, “You make us feel like we can do anything.” That small gesture hit me harder than I expected. Teaching had always been my passion, but I started wondering: What if I could expand my reach? What if I could bottle this magic and share it with children everywhere?

I began writing stories inspired by my time in the classroom. These weren’t just any stories—they were stories about perseverance, leadership, and embracing our unique differences. My students became my muses, their quirks and struggles immortalized in characters that danced across the pages. I realized my teaching was no longer confined to four walls—it could be endless, boundless, universal.

The first time I held the draft of my children’s book in my hands, I felt that same lightning bolt. It was messy, imperfect, and far from polished, but it was mine—a reflection of years of teaching, learning, and dreaming. That’s when I knew I had to do this, not just for myself but for the kids who colored outside the lines, spoke with different accents, or dreamed bigger than anyone believed they could.

Now, as I write and share these stories with the world, I look back at that moment in the classroom with gratitude. That’s where it all started—with a crumpled note and a group of kids who taught me the beauty of creativity, connection, and courage.

Chelsea , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Let me take you back to where it all began: a middle school classroom bustling with energy and curiosity. I spent over a decade as a math teacher, guiding students not just through equations but through the bigger lessons of life—teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Teaching was my first love, but it was also where I discovered my second: storytelling.

I realized early on that every lesson, every student, and every experience was a story waiting to be told. My heart ached to reach beyond my classroom walls and share these stories with children everywhere. That’s how I transitioned from teacher to children’s book author. Today, I create stories that celebrate individuality, inspire resilience, and highlight the beauty of diversity. My debut book, Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl, introduces young readers to a vibrant world where teamwork and embracing differences take center stage. It’s the first in a series that I hope will fill bookshelves—and hearts—for years to come.

What sets my work apart? It’s deeply personal and purpose-driven. My books are inspired by my students, their struggles, and their triumphs. They’re designed to make every child feel seen and valued, especially those who might not always see themselves reflected in traditional media. Whether it’s a character who’s a bit shy or one who dreams too big for their small town, my stories are a love letter to the beautiful diversity of childhood.

But my books do more than entertain—they start conversations. Conversations that many families might find difficult to initiate on their own. Topics like accepting differences, overcoming failure, and building healthy relationships are woven into the stories in a way that feels approachable and safe. One adult reader told me my book “healed their inner child,” proving that the lessons in Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl go beyond childhood—they touch the lives of adults as well. These stories are about more than teaching life lessons; they create moments of healing, reflection, and connection for readers of all ages.

One of the things I’m most proud of is hearing from parents, teachers, and readers who say my books spark meaningful conversations at the dinner table and beyond. That’s the magic I aim to create—a bridge between children and the adults who guide them, a moment of connection where imagination meets life’s lessons.

For anyone getting to know me and my brand, I want you to know this: I’m on a mission to make the world a little brighter, one story at a time. My books are more than just pages filled with colorful illustrations and fun characters. They’re tools to inspire kindness, ignite curiosity, and teach kids—and adults—that being themselves is their superpower.

Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or someone who loves a good story, I hope my work resonates with you. My journey from the classroom to the bookshelf is a testament to the belief that no dream is too big and no voice is too small. And I can’t wait to share more stories with you that will make you laugh, think, heal, and dream a little bigger.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

From the perspective of a teacher, a writer, and someone who works closely with an illustrator to bring characters like Carol the Carrot to life, I believe society can best support artists and creatives by recognizing the power of collaboration and nurturing the untapped talents of the next generation. Creativity thrives when it’s shared, encouraged, and celebrated, and that starts with how we value and support it in our communities.

As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how children are bursting with imagination. Their minds are filled with endless possibilities, stories, and talents just waiting to shine. Society needs to invest more in arts education, creating spaces where young minds can flourish without fear of judgment or limitation. Imagine if every child, free from the constraints of rigid instructions and the pressure to color within the lines, had access to tools, mentors, and opportunities to express their creativity—it would be transformative.

As a writer, I see the power of storytelling as a way to connect people of all ages. Through my characters like Carol the Carrot, I strive to teach kids life lessons about individuality, teamwork, and resilience. But the magic doesn’t end with the words on the page—it comes alive through the illustrator’s art. My illustrator transforms my stories into vibrant worlds filled with characters that spark children’s imaginations. Supporting artists like her means ensuring that creativity isn’t an afterthought but a celebrated and valued career.

And then there are the children—the future creatives of the world. Imagine a society where their talents are nurtured, where their doodles, stories, and ideas are seen as the seeds of innovation. Supporting young talents means giving them platforms to share their work, mentors to guide them, and a society that values their contributions as essential to our collective growth.

Ultimately, a thriving creative ecosystem requires collaboration—between teachers, writers, illustrators, parents, and communities. It’s about building bridges and showing that creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful; it’s about connecting people, solving problems, and inspiring change.

Society can start by creating programs that bring creatives together, supporting local artists, and funding projects that uplift voices that might otherwise go unheard. When we invest in creativity, we’re not just supporting artists; we’re building a world where every child believes their unique talents have value.

Art isn’t just something we consume—it’s something that shapes us. From the colorful fruits and veggies in Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl to the dreams of children around the world, creativity reminds us of our shared humanity. Supporting artists and a thriving creative ecosystem is about more than fostering talent—it’s about nurturing hope, joy, and connection for generations to come. That’s a world worth building.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to create stories that inspire connection, foster understanding, and empower every child—and adult—to embrace their unique selves. At its heart, my work is about sparking meaningful conversations, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the diversity that makes us all beautifully human.

Growing up, I didn’t always see myself in the stories I read. As a teacher, I saw my students experience the same thing. Some felt invisible, others felt misunderstood, and many believed they had to fit into a mold to be accepted. My goal is to change that. Through my books, I want to show kids that they are enough just as they are—that their quirks, differences, and dreams are what make them extraordinary.

But it goes even deeper than that. My mission isn’t just about children; it’s about families. I want my stories to be tools that help parents and caregivers have the conversations that aren’t always easy to start. Whether it’s discussing how to navigate failure, celebrating differences, or understanding the power of teamwork, my books aim to bring these topics to the dinner table in a way that feels natural and uplifting. When that one reader told me my book “healed their inner child,”, that moment solidified my mission: these stories aren’t just for kids—they’re for the kid in all of us.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting impact. I want readers to finish my stories feeling a little braver, a little more inspired, and a lot more connected—to themselves and to those around them. That’s what drives me every single day—the belief that words have the power to build bridges, heal hearts, and make the world a kinder, more colorful place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chelseastorynook.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseastory_nook/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chelseastorynookpodcast