We recently connected with Karley Henderson and have shared our conversation below.

Karley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I grew up in Missouri, knowing that I wanted to make a difference in the world but not sure how. I now reside in Illinois with my husband and two children. Both of my children were born with medical complexities. It was at this time that I truly saw the lack of representation and inclusion there was in the world. I did not want my children growing up this way, wondering why they never saw anyone like them in the world. I knew there needed to be a change and I knew that I was going to be a part of it. I had to do something, but what? This is the feeling that pushed me to begin writing for representation and education through articles and children’s books. I believe that every child and adult should feel represented and proud of who they are. I strive to end the stigma on mental health and disabilities. I write to help others feel seen and educate society on how diverse we truly are.

Karley, 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 Karley Henderson at Writing For Representation! I am the author behind Darcy’s Differences; a children’s book about celebrating our differences by showcasing numerous disabilities and different physical features. I am currently working on my second book which will be released in 2024 about childhood anxiety.

Both of my children were born with medical complexities/disabled which opened my eyes to the lack of representation, education, and inclusion there is in the world. I write to help others feel seen and educate society on how diverse we truly are.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my book is appreciated because inside it, I illustrate numerous different disabilities and different physical features to help everyone understand that we are all different. I include hydrocephalus, feeding tube, hearing aides, glasses, red hair to just name a few. There is representation for everyone with so much diversity. That is the world, a very diverse place, that is also Darcy’s Differences.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My advice would be to find your people. Social media often has a bad reputation but there is so much good that comes from it too. For me, finding the disability and disability parenting community has helped me in so many ways and I know that my book has meant a lot to them as well. It allows you to connect with people who truly understand what you are going through or your product. It also allows them to stay up to date with your next big thing!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/writingforrepresentation
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.for.representation/