We recently connected with Cherie Feemster and have shared our conversation below.

Cherie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

As educators, we are attuned to the needs of our students and strive to identify solutions to support them. This commitment inspired my decision to venture into children’s literature. During a typical storytime session in Mrs. Feemster’s classroom, as we immersed ourselves in a narrative, a poignant moment unfolded. Upon reaching the story’s conclusion, one of my students approached me, expressing a sense of disconnection as they did not see themselves represented in the characters—neither in skin color nor in physical attributes. This encounter evoked a deep sense of empathy and a profound desire to ensure that all my students could see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This made me excited to go after creating a moment that all children could see themselves and fell included not just in my classroom. Then the book series A Walk Down Phonics Lane was created and my goal of diversity reading began one book at a time.

My secondary role and aspiration as an educator has been centered on influencing, empowering, and uplifting other educators, particularly women. This ambition arose when I became aware of educators experiencing depression, despondency, and a sense of being undervalued amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Women educators sought assistance and encouragement, highlighting the importance of support in maintaining effectiveness in their educational environments or professional spheres. To address this, I initiated sessions named “Positive Moments with the Educator” during the pandemic. These sessions focused on fostering positivity and striving for excellence with the resources at hand. These initiatives have significantly contributed to my journey of purpose and have invigorated me with the knowledge that others have been positively impacted and empowered through these purpose-driven interactions.

Cherie, 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?

I am an educator specializing in professional development and a children’s author dedicated to creating diverse literature for schools and families. My focus involves delivering professional development workshops tailored for novice educators, aimed at enhancing classroom management and skill development effectively.

I am the author of the children’s book series “A Walk Down Phonics Lane,” available on major online platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Walmart. This series of children’s literature celebrates diversity and emphasizes the joy of learning beyond the confines of the classroom while learning how to connect letters and sounds. It aims to inspire parents to engage in their children’s learning experiences wherever they may be. The series commences with an outdoor exploration, progressing to the next installment where letters and sounds are discovered at the zoo. Accompanying the series is a workbook to supplement the learning journey. I take great pride in this series as it exemplifies diversity and inclusivity in children’s literature, encouraging others to introduce their children to a variety of diverse literary works.

As an empowerment speaker, I am privileged to inspire individuals to maintain a positive mindset and have faith in their abilities. Witnessing the rekindling of excitement, joy, and enthusiasm during these empowering interactions is truly gratifying. My sessions are designed to enrich educators and empower individuals, aiming to kindle inner positivity and encourage personal growth to reach one’s utmost potential.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A tale of resilience emerges from the loss of my mother shortly after embarking on my inaugural book-writing endeavor. At the outset of my writing journey, I shared my aspiration to create a children’s book with her. Regrettably, my mother passed away in the year that followed the commencement of this venture. Resilience, defined as the ability to endure and swiftly recover from challenges, entails persevering and comprehending that the attainment of goals demands unwavering determination. This poignant experience underscored the significance of resilience, requiring me to navigate grief and bereavement while fulfilling the commitment to write my book. Through resilience comes triumph, the ultimate reward for surmounting the obstacles we face in pursuit of our aspirations. With that ability to persevere I was able to achieve Best selling author for my very first book.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I’ve had to unlearn and reevaluate is the misconception that failure signifies the ultimate conclusion. This realization is often acquired through challenging experiences since failure can be disheartening and arduous. While some may view failure as an inability to achieve, others perceive it as an opportunity for greater success upon subsequent attempts. I have come to understand that failure presents a chance for further achievement, marking not the conclusion but rather the commencement of a fresh journey. Unlearning a lesson involves internalizing a new perspective and is evidenced by the triumph of overcoming obstacles.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cheriefeemster.com
• Instagram: @ladyamor11
• Facebook: @cheriefemster
• Linkedin: @cheriefeemster

Image Credits
Stillshots Photography