We were lucky to catch up with Octavia Burney recently and have shared our conversation below.
Octavia , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Octavia Burney is a creator from being an author writing poetry and children’s books to a burn survivor. At an earlier age I loved reading and writing when I wasn’t outside climbing trees with my brother. I believe reading allows your imagination to flourish and create ideas. As a lover of words and creativity I started my business Lilly Moní we do a variety of things from book drives, ghostwriting, sewing, embroidery and even designing. In 2022 I revamped my business to focus more on the writing aspect as I prepared to release my first children’s book. We provide books for schools in need and donate to charities for the holidays.
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
Octavia Burney is a creator at the age of five her imagination and love for writing began. She is a burn survivor, but most importantly a believer, her faith has allowed her to conquer some of the hardest times. As a poet, public speaker, and author she continues to leave her mark. Octavia is from South Hill, Virginia where she learned to be active in her community now as an adult, she provides books to schools in need through book drives, volunteering to reading to children at local schools and even volunteering at her local church. Octavia believes in the importance of mental and physical health. Her motto is Burned Not Broken.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
At the age of thirteen, she won her first young authors competition, having her first poem published. In the process of getting her first book published, Octavia was severely burned in an accident and suffered second and third-degree burns from her neck down to her thigh. She has had several surgeries, procedures, and physical therapy but she continues to push as she writes and spreads words of encouragement on her blog beyondhereyes.com. She released her first book in February 2019, “The Storm Saved Me” where she shares her testimony and how her faith in God pulled her through. Continuing her education at Liberty University, Octavia is studying clinical mental health counseling, where she spreads knowledge about burns and trauma, as well as the importance of mental health.
Marty, Octavia’s first children’s book, stems from her experience as a burn survivor and brings awareness and joy to those who are burn survivors or know someone who is a burn survivor.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I’m an author, poet, mental health advocate and burn survivor. I also provide books to local schools in need. My message is to spread awareness, knowledge resources and more to those who have experienced trauma or suffering mentally. Marty, my first children’s book, stems from my experience as a burn survivor and brings awareness and joy to those who are burn survivors or know someone who is a burn survivor.
I consider myself to be empowering, motivational, and always brings joy to every situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beyondhereyes.com/lillymonishop
- Instagram: the_beyondhereyes
- Facebook: Octavia Burney
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/octavia-b-3b207a182/
- Twitter: Octavia Burney
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb7UkE2gCHgpZ2b8bFH9YCA
- Other: Tik Tok the_beyondhereyes_
Image Credits
Breonna Baker (Marty flyers) DeAndre Jones of Tech Heads Photography LLC Joshua Burney