We were lucky to catch up with Kristy High recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristy , thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
The defining moment that changed the trajectory of my career was writing my first children’s book. It started as a way to engage children that had certain health issues and a way to educate families on these health issues. This book was so well received from children, their families, healthcare professionals and the community that I decided more books should be written on various health topics. To take it further, I decided to write about topics that were personal to me so that I would be able to relate to my audience. The intended outcome was to provide invaluable tools for parents who struggle to understand what their child is going through and how to best help them live everyday life, thrive and chase their dreams. Through my work, thousands of children have been able to receive the proper care, education, and plan needed to live a quality of life they may have never thought was possible. I intended for my books to be a gift to parents that not only promoted reading and literacy but also helped them connect with their children and create a timeless bond they would never forget. My books became tools and resources, and the best part is that the characters looked like THEM (beautiful black and brown girls and boys)
Kristy , 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?
I am a literacy coordinator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. I am also a children’s book author. I have over 20 years of healthcare and education experience. I am passionate about education, reading and literacy and my main goal is to encourage children to be the best version of themselves. My children’s books enhance the knowledge of patients and families by meeting them where they are and assisting in improving their quality of life. I have been writing since I was a kid but seriously started writing in 2017. I decided to write children’s books that would be used as educational resources that are fun and easy to understand for the patients I cared for. All of my books are based on topics that are personal to me therefore I can relate to my audience. I started to pursue areas outside of the hospital I worked in by connecting with various communities in the area and eventually spreading to states across the US!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe my ability to relate helped build my reputation within my market. The community is very important to me, and I want to be of service by providing these much-needed resources for our children to help them thrive and believe in themselves. Just showing that you care about your community is the first step!
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
You MUST have passion for what you are creating and a desire to help others. Believing in yourself is also VERY important. Sometimes we get caught up in how others see us and what they are doing but if you don’t believe in yourself, you can never succeed. The doubt will destroy you. Self-confidence is a positive attitude about your abilities, qualities, and judgment. Have faith that no matter what, you will be successful!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristyhigh.com
- Instagram: @kristyjhigh
- Facebook: Kristy High
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-high-m-ed-03428287/
- Youtube: @kristyhigh7431