We recently connected with Niya Johnson and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Niya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.
My son, Mansa, is my inspiration. Teaching him takes me back to my childhood, specifically the first 10 years of my life when I would line up my teddy bears and pretend they were my students. I had so many other hobbies and interests, but one thing I never doubted was that I would always find joy in teaching.
I started to map out a “classroom in a corner” concept, I built an entire learning center on a tri-fold board and thus was born Niya Simone’s Learning Boards (Instagram @niyasimone_learningboards). Static learning boards evolved into on-the-go educational materials, all of which improve cognitive, motor, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. That was the start of my journey as a Creative Learning Specialist.
Alongside the pursuit of creating engaging resources, Mansa and I were also frequent library visitors. During our visits, I noticed a lack of diverse children’s books, particularly those featuring black and brown children. This inspired me to start writing and sharing my own stories. I knew that becoming an author would be a challenge, but from the dreams I had to the constant ideas in my head, I sensed a special alignment with this great idea and what I believed was my life’s purpose. This would become a means by which I could continue to teach and inspire young people.
Mansa and my mom (who Mansa calls YaYa) would become the main characters in this series. It would capture their one-of-a-kind, real-life learning adventures. I wrote the story and the first set of illustrations didn’t measure up to what I had been dreaming of. I saved up until I could afford the level of quality that I envisioned, and found the perfect illustrator which also happened to provide a full suite of services for self-publishing authors. From there, the stars all aligned. After months of dedicated meetings and relentless editing, I finally held a sample of the book in my hands with a huge smile and boundless joy in my heart. I had turned my dream into a tangible reality. The crowning moment was seeing Mansa’s excitement as he told me so many times, “Mommy, I’m so proud of you!'” I cherish every moment when I can reaffirm to him that he’s the driving force behind it all.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My life has been a series of one thing leading to the next in this beautiful, seemingly mapped-out fashion. There’s a part of me that has dreamt up all these really big ideas for a long time. But then there’s also this part that spontaneously throws them all together. I’ve taught in official school settings before, but I’m a rebel. I love the flexibility of teaching beyond the classroom so that’s the foundation for all of the academic resources I create.
As a creative learning specialist and children’s book author, I offer a unique blend of expertise that bridges education and storytelling to foster engaging and enriching learning experiences for children. Through my creative works, I aim to ignite a lifelong love for learning in young minds.
My children’s book series is crafted with the intention of entertaining and educating. The Adventures of Mansa and YaYa: The Library Quest is my first book, and each subsequent book in the series will explore diverse themes, inspire self-confidence, and encourage curiosity. Each book will also serve as a valuable tool for parents and educators to instill important values and knowledge in children.
In my role as a creative learning specialist, I am dedicated to developing innovative teaching methodologies that make learning a captivating adventure. I design scholastic resources, curricula, and workshops that cater to diverse learning styles and age groups. My services extend beyond traditional classroom settings, making learning accessible, enjoyable, and effective.
What sets me apart is my dedication to combining the power of storytelling with the science of effective learning. I understand that every child is unique, and I tailor my products and services to cater to individual needs. I solve the problem of disengagement and disinterest in learning. Ultimately, my mission is to empower children, parents, and educators with the tools and inspiration they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
What I am most proud of is the profound impact my work has had on families, young minds, and academic communities. I take immense pride in seeing children’s faces light up with curiosity and enthusiasm as they engage with my books and learning tools. Knowing that I’ve played a part in fostering a love for learning fills me with a deep sense of accomplishment. I feel like I am living out my purpose.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my brand is rooted in a genuine passion for expanding knowledge. I strive to make learning an exciting journey rather than a mundane task. I aim to be a source of inspiration for those who share my vision of nurturing young minds and believe in the transformative power of creativity in education. Together, we can embark on a journey of lifelong learning and imagination.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When the first set of illustrations for my children’s book was complete, I was ready to hit the ground running and share my book with the world. But, I couldn’t escape the feeling that it just wasn’t right. The illustration quality was so low that Mansa and YaYa were barely recognizable. I needed to go back to the drawing board, literally. It would have been so easy to just put out what I had. Several people suggested that. It would have been even easier to give it all up or put it on the back burner until I could afford something better. I couldn’t bring myself to accept any of those options. I just needed to find a new illustrator.
I spent months researching high-quality illustrators. Within those months, I also became more knowledgeable about the self-publishing process, marketing strategies, and all the things that are required to be successful as an author. This was all happening alongside my pursuit of completing my Master’s degree, teaching middle school Spanish in a virtual environment, and homeschooling my son during the Covid pandemic. In a time of worldwide panic and unthinkable transitioning, I found inspiration. I secured a new illustrator that brought my children’s story to life even more beautifully than I had ever imagined and my entire journey to authorship was a testament to the fact that God’s timing is perfect.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I am deeply passionate about inspiring children to believe in themselves and to realize their full potential. My mission is to empower them with the confidence and the mindset to achieve everything their hearts desire. I aspire to cultivate in them the belief that they are capable of greatness and that they have the inner qualities to become queens and kings in their own right.
Through my creative works, whether through storytelling, education, or any other medium, I aim to instill important values like self-esteem, resilience, creativity, and a strong sense of self-worth. I want to help children recognize their unique strengths and talents and to encourage them to pursue their dreams and passions with determination and courage.
Ultimately, my creative journey is guided by the vision of a world where every child feels like royalty, where they understand that they have the power to shape their destinies, and where they are inspired to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and achievement.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.advmansayaya.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofmansayaya/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advmansayaya
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niyajohnson/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/lLbIBpV8_mw
- Other: Purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Mansa-YaYa-Library-Quest/dp/B0BRMZHGW1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3W2Y2KZ8BNHS8&keywords=adventures+of+mansa+and+yaya&qid=1675910814&sprefix=%2Caps%2C73&sr=8-1