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

Alright, Mariam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Thankfully, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work. I would be lying if I said the income from my writing was consistent because it’s not. You see, some months you do well with book sales and paid author visits, while other months you don’t. This is where social media comes in handy. I’ve noticed the more I post and introduce my work to my audience on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and Tik Tok there is incline in sales. After 4 years I was finally signed and currently, am under a fantastic managing company that introduces new clients to me, which helps.

Although, it hasn’t always been this way. When I first started, I was. a fourth-grade teacher by day and a dreamer/writer by night. I would work on my passion projects throughout the night and sacrifice my sleep for my hopes and dreams. I called up as many publishing companies and agencies looking for an opportunity. Yes, it was challenging, but I wouldn’t change anything about my journey, because I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I’ve learned so much from my mistakes and downfalls in this writing world. I am so much more confident because of my struggles.

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

Hi! My name is, Mariam Mohamed and I am a children’s author and freelance writer passionate about developing diverse and optimistic stories with a lot of heart. Born in Dubai, my family of eight immigrated to the United States when I was only six. I’ve worked as a licensed educator for nearly a decade, and have vast experience working with refugee and immigrant children. I am also a three-time published children’s author featured in The Star Tribune. and Axios. Thanks to my father Osman Ali, who founded the only U.S. Somali cultural museum, I have a deep love and passion for poetry and art.

I first, decided to fully pursue writing when I realized there was a shortage of books with Muslim characters. Back in 2017 when my first book, Ayeeyo’s Golden Rule, was published I was overwhelmed by the positive response I received from my state and others. I’ve since left the classroom, have had 2 other books published, and am wrapping up my fourth book set to release in March 2023.

I hope my books can encourage children to problem solve, motivate and empower children to use their voices and speak up, remain forever curious, and be the change they want to see in their communities. I’ve created a flexible schedule for myself because I’ve trusted my intuition and dreams.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have many goals but the main goal driving my creativity is my own daughters. I have a three-year-old and a one-year-old who really look up to me. I have to set an example that anything they want to achieve in life they can, no matter their skin, religion, or gender. My work highlights the beauty of diversity and teaches children to celebrate their identities. It’s safe to say we aren’t all the same, and that’s OK! As a parent, I’ve witnessed how my daughters seek answers, notice patterns, and want to make sense of this fast-paced world. I write to enhance empathy and improve cultural understanding through reading.

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

A lesson I had to unlearn, was that I wholeheartedly believed rejection meant I wasn’t good enough for this role/position./opportunity. I would tie rejection to my worth and it would suck the creativity and motivation out of me. I would begin to self-sabotage and feel less than because of what someone else thought of me. I’ve now learned that if you want something in life you have to fight for it. Never let rejection knock you out of the race that has just begun. I now understand that when one door closes in your face, there are many other doors you haven’t knocked on yet.

I’ve received far more no’s and rejection letters than I can count on both hands and feet. But I’ve worked really hard to re-program my mindset. I believe in order to be successful in any field you’re pursuing, it helps to practice gratitude. The more I journaled everything I was grateful for, it reminded me of how far I’ve come. I refuse to allow setbacks to discredit my talent, creativity, and dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: mariammohamed.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariama_09/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryam.mohamed.9/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-mohamed-731317217/

Image Credits
Mariam Mohamed. I own the rights to all photos.