Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaswaina Powell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kaswaina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My name is Kaswaina Powell. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My Journey started back in 1998, when I was 15 years old and pregnant with my first child. Still a child myself, I relied on my mother’s guidance. By the time I was 21, I had two children, and I lost their father to gun violence. Fast forward to 2016, and I was given another chance at motherhood. Old enough to understand life, I want to give her the life I wasn’t able to give my other children.
something as simple as a play, museums, arts and crafts. I would have to go outside my neighborhood. which I thought was very unfair, so I took it upon myself to bring it to my neighborhood. Once a month, I would rent out event spaces for the kids in my community, and that’s how Pen To Paper Your Magic started!

Kaswaina, 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?

My path into this industry wasn’t traditional — it was deeply personal. As a young mother who faced many challenges early in life, I turned to writing as an outlet to process pain, express emotions, and ultimately find my voice. Over time, that passion transformed into published works, including my books *Raw Poetry: Do Judge Me Society*, *Pumpkin Picking With Punkin*, and *A Scavenger Hunt To Barber Pete* — the last two co-authored with my daughter. Through those experiences, I realized how powerful creativity can be in inspiring, healing, and connecting people. That realization led to the birth of **Pen To Paper Your Magic**.

At Pen To Paper Your Magic, we offer creative and educational workshops that encourage self-expression and confidence. Our services include:

Poetry and Author Workshops – Helping children and adults find their voices through storytelling and writing, with many walking away as first-time authors.
Art Therapy Sessions– Designed for kids and adults on the spectrum, providing a safe and creative space for emotional expression.
In-House Field Trips and Creative Days– Partnering with schools, daycares, and community programs to bring interactive learning experiences like Build-a-Bear, Canvas Painting, Slime Time, and Science Workshops directly to them.
Motivational Workshops for Mothers– Empowering women to rediscover their purpose, build self-worth, and connect through shared stories and healing discussions.

What truly sets Pen To Paper Your Magic apart is our personal touch. Every workshop, event, or project is rooted in compassion, creativity, and connection. We don’t just teach — we inspire. We create environments where children and adults feel seen, valued, and encouraged to embrace their unique magic.

I am most proud of the moments when I see transformation happen — when a child beams with pride holding their first book, when a mother feels re-energized after a motivational session, or when a child with special needs expresses joy through art for the first time. Those are the moments that remind me why I do this work.

Ultimately, I want people to know that Pen To Paper Your Magic is more than a business — it’s a movement of creativity, healing, and hope. It’s about using art and words to build bridges, restore confidence, and remind people that their stories matter.

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Would you like me to tailor this for a **magazine/interview feature** or for a **website “About Us” page**? I can adjust the tone slightly — more conversational for an interview, or more polished for professional publication.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that truly represents my resilience goes back to a time when everything in my life felt uncertain. I became a mother at the age of 15, and not long after, I experienced the heartbreaking loss of both of my children’s fathers. There were days I questioned how I would make it, but I also knew I couldn’t give up — my children were depending on me.

In those moments, writing became my lifeline. I would sit with my pen and paper and just pour my heart out. What started as pain slowly became poetry, and that poetry became purpose. It helped me heal, forgive, and believe that my story wasn’t over — it was just beginning.

There were many times I could’ve walked away from my dreams. Starting a business while being a single mom wasn’t easy. There were financial struggles, moments of self-doubt, and times when I wondered if anyone really saw what I was trying to do. But every time I looked at my kids or thought about the children and mothers I could help, I kept going.

The most powerful moment of resilience for me was the day I held my first published book in my hands. It wasn’t just a book — it was proof that I had turned pain into purpose. And years later, when my daughter co-authored her first children’s book with me, it came full circle. That moment reminded me that resilience isn’t about never falling — it’s about rising again, using your story as a stepping stone instead of a setback.

Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped the heart of Pen To Paper Your Magic. It’s why I do what I do — to show others that no matter what life throws your way, your story still has power, and you can always create something beautiful from it.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was believing that I had to do everything perfectly to be successful or to be worthy. Growing up and becoming a mother at a young age, I carried a lot of pressure to “have it all together” — financially, emotionally, and personally. I thought if I showed any vulnerability or made mistakes, I would fail or lose respect. That mindset followed me into adulthood and even into starting Pen To Paper Your Magic.

Early on, I struggled with comparing myself to others — to other entrepreneurs, other mothers, other writers. I felt like I had to meet every expectation flawlessly, and if I didn’t, I questioned whether I was good enough. That pressure was exhausting, and it almost made me give up on my dreams.

It wasn’t until I started sharing my authentic story — the challenges, the setbacks, and the imperfect moments — that I realized true strength comes from vulnerability, not perfection. I learned that showing up as your real self, flaws and all, actually inspires more trust, connection, and growth than hiding behind a mask.

Now, with Pen To Paper Your Magic, I teach that same lesson through example. I encourage children, mothers, and workshop participants to embrace their creativity without fear of judgment and to understand that mistakes are part of the journey. The moment I embraced imperfection was the moment I unlocked freedom, confidence, and the ability to truly make an impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pentopaperyourmagic,com
• Instagram: pentoaoaeryourmagic_
• Facebook: Pen To Paper Your Magic

Image Credits

Kaswaina Powell