We were lucky to catch up with Rachael Macaluso recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rachael , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

$1.00 from every copy sold of my newest children’s book, No Hush Little Baby is donated to Agape International Missions who is fighting to end child sex trafficking in Cambodia.

No Hush Little Baby flips the script on a time honored lullaby – empowering girls to use their voice and recognize the power of their tears. I wrote this book to help girls harness their cry to change the world, so I believed it important to lead the way myself with the profits.

Rachael , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I wish I could be sitting across from you with a good cup of coffee or a good glass of bourbon depending on your vibe. Perhaps we should get to know each other first before we pour out the strong stuff?

Let’s get the small talk out of the way: My name is Rachael. I’m 4’11 and 3/4″. (Don’t forget the 3/4″) I am married to my best friend. I have 4 kids 5 yrs old and under. I’m from here, there, and everywhere. My age? Let’s just say I’m from the era of gel pens and “be kind rewind.” For fun I love to formulate words for stages or paper specifically inspiring others to invest in the next generation – to leverage the influence they are holding to make our world a better place long after they leave it.

Many years ago God opened my eyes to the beauty of homes and families. Through the 12+ years of building programs and developing content for kids and parents, to now raising my own crew, I’ve seen the power of family. I’ve seen the sacred things God can do within a home whether it be 4 walls on wheels or a 4 story house.

Statistics tell us that a parent is the number one spiritual influence in a kid’s life. Basically, parents are a really big deal. This is why I’ve given my life to developing resources and creating spaces for the adults who are raising tiny humans – Moms, Dads, Grandpas, Aunties, and all of the many people who fill the parent role.

I don’t know about you, but it doesn’t just take a village to raise my kids. There are days I need a village to raise me up too. Whether it be a blog post found on my website, the newest children’s book I’m writing, curriculum I’m developing, a message shared from stage, or coaching a local church in how to build their programs, you’ll find me sharing encouragement and resources for the people raising humans.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

After my position was dissolved in a career I spent years building and relocating to a new city for my husband’s dream job, I found myself at home with three small kids asking, “What’s next for me?” Although I deeply admire women who love being in the home raising their kids, I myself, couldn’t relate. I truly loved being in the office and found myself reaching the best version of motherhood when I was pouring into outside passions too. Finding it challenging to land a role in a new city, I decided to give it my all while being home with my kids and my contract projects. Little did I know, would this unwanted season spark a passion project and new beginning.

One day, during the mundane, my 3 year old sat there with her little hands clasped and eyes closed as she asked God to make it, “snow enough to build a snowman.” As she sat there quietly, she swiftly snapped her head at me and said, “Well, I talked to God, but He isn’t talking back! Why can’t I hear Him?” She stumped me. How do I explain this deep, theological concept to a 3 year old when most adults wrestle with this same question? I knew I needed to create a resource for families to have this important conversation together. A book where kids and parents can learn alongside each other.

This is how I wrote my first children’s book, How I Hear Him. And now, I’ve set out on a mission to create more books and resources that help kids and parents navigate important conversations together.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

“You’re too late to the game/You’re not needed here.”

I was so intimidated to move into a space that was so unknown to me, especially with many authors already killing it in the children’s book space. The lies and intimidation were so loud at times that I almost gave up. However, I reminded myself that this book was needed in my home, so it already had a place in this world. If this book would impact only one family, that was enough for me. And thankfully, the resources I’ve developed have reached countless more families. When you have an idea that sets your soul on fire – one that you just can’t ignore – you should at first, just say yes for yourself. Giving birth to your passion so you can enjoy it, admire it, and celebrate yourself. You are enough reason to chase after your dreams. It’s all bonus if it reaches the hearts and hands of others!

Contact Info:

• Website: rachaelmacaluso.com
• Instagram: rachmacaluso

Image Credits
Ocean + Rock Photography https://www.oceanandrock.com/