We were lucky to catch up with Janae Washington recently and have shared our conversation below.

Janae , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’m an author of Children’s Book and I have created a series based on a little Black girl who loves math and science. The reason I created the series is because, growing up I loved to read and I read a lot of books about animals, fictional character and white characters. I never read books with people in it, that represented me; especially not a series that I could follow and grow with. My mission is for every child; every shape color, and size to feel seen and represented in children’s literature.

Janae , 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’ve been a writer my entire life, however I’ve only been in the children’s literature industry for 8 years now. I decided that I wanted to create a series for the underrepresented children population. Minorities, specifically Black minorities, represent less than 24% of the children’s literature industry. I created a children’s book series based on a little Black girl who loves math and science. What sets me apart from others is that I’m looking to shake up the narrative. I want all children to feel like they matter and are seen. I am most proud when I am at book signings and parents and children alike are happy that they can see themselves in my book series. They love the stories and characters because they are relatable and diverse. My goal is to increase representation and increase the minority presence in the children’s literature industry.

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

I have learned that failure is necessary and it’s something everyone has to embrace on their way to success. I am an absolute perfectionist and I tend to take every failure personally. Now, I embrace failure and accept it as a lesson and key to my success. An entree of success comes with a side dish of failure.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

One of my favorite books that have influenced my entrepreneurial thinking is “How to Win Friends & Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie. It is a life changing book that teaches you how to network with people and establish life long connections. I have been able to see how to change some of my own habits and communication processes to be better engaged and connected.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rockireed.com
• Instagram: @rocki.reed
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100054361085391/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janae-washington-0808b243