We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Krishana Johnson-James. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Krishana below.

Krishana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I wish to grow a legacy of kindness, and aim to make a positive difference in the lives of others with my words, choices, and actions. I hope to encourage people to set meaningful goals, follow their dreams, and be lifelong learners. There’s so much we can learn each day, whether you are young or young at heart. It’s important to be creative in ways that interest you, yet also remember to take time to rest.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Krishana Johnson-James and I am an elementary school teacher and children’s author. I’ve always loved writing, creating through music, making things out of paper (e.g., scrapbooking), and most recently, blogging and building websites.

I love helping people find ways to plant (share or document) their stories, grow their legacy, and make a positive difference in the world with their words, choices, and actions. PlantingOurStories.com is my author website, and also serves as my online space to blog on the following topics: Literacy and Learning; Growing a Legacy; Planting Our Stories; Making a Difference.

My first book is called, There’s No One Just Like Me! This sweet, rhyming, children’s picture book details the experiences of a little girl with a big dream. This book is dear to my heart as it is based on my own life story. It encourages readers to celebrate who they are, see the importance of sharing their stories and following their dreams!

Being a teacher was my childhood dream, so I feel blessed to work in the field of education today. Writing was my favourite subject throughout my schooling. For that reason, the desire to be an author was always present.

While speaking with people about the release of my children’s book, I learned that many others have dreamed of writing a book, too! Such discussions helped me name my website, Planting Our Stories. I wanted to share my stories, as well as shine a light on other people’s stories and experiences, too. I would like to encourage people to find ways to use their own unique stories, experiences, and interests to make a difference locally and even around the world.

During the pandemic, I became interested in blogging and enjoyed learning how to build my own website. I couldn’t afford to get my website professionally designed, so I learned how to do one myself. I soon decided to share this new creative skill with others. I now design and maintain websites at affordable prices to help people have an online space for their stories or special projects (e.g., author website, blog, virtual gallery, etc.). I also help people set-up and maintain their YouTube channels and email lists.

When it comes to my creative work, I am most proud of my attention to detail and interest in creating a virtual space that can allow you and your interests to shine. It’s also a joy for me to help others develop and show their creativity in a way that is truly unique to them.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

I believe it’s important to realize that you can grow your legacy each and every day. In my eyes, one’s legacy is not simply a memory of who you were after you’re gone. Your legacy can grow and make a positive impact on others now, with your words, choices, and actions. Growing your legacy takes time and intention. Your unique stories, experiences, and interests help grow your legacy, too.

My goal is to help people celebrate their unique stories and share them in a way that is most interesting to them (e.g., writing a book, blog, website, video, podcast, etc.). It’s my hope that in doing so, we can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The vision of Planting Our Stories is, “Plant your story. Grow your legacy.”

The mission is:

“We are planting our stories and growing a love for communication, reading, and writing globally.

We are making a positive difference with our words, choices, and actions, locally and around the world.”

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being creative is the ability to explore my ideas in different ways. Whether it’s through music, writing, or designing, my creativity allows me to express myself, grow, and help others, too.

When I create a website for someone, or encourage a person to share their stories and/or give back to the community in their own unique way, I feel grateful that I was able to help plant a seed that may continue to grow over time. Helping someone grow their legacy now is fulfilling for me because I love seeing people thrive in whatever they do. Celebrating people and groups that are actively making a difference in the community or around the world, brings joy to me. I hope it brings a smile to other people, too, and more importantly, inspires them to think of ways (no matter how small it may be) to help make the world around them a better place.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://plantingourstories.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantingourstories
• Other: Linktr.ee: https://linktr.ee/plantingourstories About My Book: https://plantingourstories.com/first-book Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/plantingourstories

Image Credits
Rohorn Jackson, LiFeLiNe MeDiA Ministries Krishana Johnson-James (social media posts)