We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Selena Alston a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Selena , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed.

I have encountered several setbacks in my life, each contributing to my journey of growth and resilience. Growing up, I faced a steep learning curve, contending with various challenges that landed me in speech and Chapter 1 classes. Struggling to grasp fundamental concepts in math and reading often left me feeling frustrated and inadequate. My confidence dwindled, and insecurities took root as I grappled with processing information effectively.

One of my most significant setbacks occurred during my freshman year of high school when I failed multiple major classes, receiving an “F” in each one. It wasn’t due to lack of effort; rather, I found myself unable to keep pace with the rigorous curriculum of the college preparatory environment. Despite my best efforts, my performance fell short, with my highest achievement on a Geometry Test being a mere “C”. I vividly remember pinning those disappointing papers to my wall, a tangible reminder of my struggle. This setback was particularly jarring, considering my prior success as the valedictorian in middle school.

Another setback came when I failed a cashier’s training course, an experience that left me devastated. The trainer’s remark, “being a cashier isn’t for everybody,” stung deeply as I drove home in tears. Even the thought of operating cash registers filled me with anxiety. It was a humbling moment, realizing that even seemingly straightforward tasks could pose challenges for me.

The third setback stemmed from my inability to progress as a legal assistant despite dedicating 18 years to the profession. When my managing attorney informed me that there was no advancement opportunity for me, I knew it was time to reassess my career path and leave the company. It was a painful acknowledgment of yet another area where I fell short of my aspirations.

Reflecting on these setbacks, I recognize that they all trace back to a fundamental loss of confidence early in my life. The struggles I faced with learning fostered a deep-seated fear of failure, often hindering my willingness to try again after experiencing setbacks. However, I refuse to let these setbacks define me. Each failure has been a catalyst for growth, teaching me resilience and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. While the journey has been challenging, I am determined to move forward with courage and determination, ready to embrace new opportunities and overcome any obstacles that may arise.

Selena , 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 specialize in writing children’s literature focused on fostering confidence and resilience. Through my books, I aim to nurture creativity and instill a strong sense of self-worth and purpose in young readers. My ultimate goal is to inspire children to recognize their inherent creativity and brilliance. I firmly believe that understanding oneself and embracing one’s purpose leads to greater compassion and the ability to make a positive impact.

Since I was a young girl, my dad always encouraged me, saying I could write a book. It’s been a dream of mine since childhood. My passion for empowering children through storytelling was further ignited when I found guidance and support from my mentor, Crystal Swain-Bates. Her Author Success Society program and the entire community surrounding it have been invaluable to my journey, and I am deeply grateful for her mentorship.

In addition to writing, I also run Sparkle Creatives Publishing, a boutique agency dedicated to assisting aspiring authors in bringing their children’s books, coloring books, guided journals, novels, and other literary ideas to fruition through self-publishing. As someone who adores all things sparkly, you’ll often find me adorned in something that glimmers and shines.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As I entered my twenties, I grappled with the looming prospect of ending up in jail or being stranded on a desert island. It was my poor mindset that made me doubt my own worth. I lacked a growth mindset, and as a result, I remained entrenched in an unfulfilling career for 18 long years. Despite my unwavering faith in God, I felt far from living an abundant life. I often questioned why things couldn’t just be easier for me, why I couldn’t seem to learn at the same pace as others, and why every step felt like such a monumental challenge.

It was out of this struggle, out of this longing for something more, that I penned my book, “Sparklerella: A Story About Fashion and Courage.” Through Sparklerella, I found a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her confidence and creativity were born from my own failures and moments of self-doubt. Each day, she serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that life holds.

But perhaps what resonates most deeply with me is Sparklerella’s unwavering passion and determination. Despite facing countless obstacles, she fearlessly pursues her dreams, igniting a fire within me to dream bigger and bolder. Witnessing her beauty and confidence radiate, I am reminded that with resilience and courage, anything is possible.

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

Dr. Matthew L. Stevenson, III cautioned against mishandling insecurities, noting they stem from what we’ve yet to grasp. I battled with self-doubt and identity. Constantly measuring myself against others—my body, looks, writing, finances, style, everything—left me feeling emotionally withdrawn. Recently, I’ve discovered the influence of words, understanding their ability to shape our reality, even when we’re just kidding around.
My life was rooted in numerous fears and self-proclaimed limitations. I’ve compiled a list of over 20 fears that I asked God to help me overcome. I have managed to overcome learning difficulties by focusing on creativity. Consequently, I’ve become a writer, author, and publisher.

As a children’s book author, I’ve confronted my fear of public speaking, pushing beyond my comfort zone. Now, I embrace situations where I feel unqualified, yet chosen. God’s selection validates my qualifications, and that’s what truly matters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sparklecreativespublishing.com/
• Instagram: Selena.Alston.7
• Facebook: Selena Alston
• Other: TikTok@selenaalston7 Sparklerella: A story about fashion and courage available on Amazon (link below) https://www.amazon.com/Sparklerella-Story-about-Fashion-Courage/dp/B0BSWM6GWL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=IJ95KDH6CN4S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x5tYmyX4bUkRH5yxEt75wQBRlzR_RZN_io8oQIgK_xwD1gHvP-RVYhGZs7xdDr5fKbJI59OloBRWOtPlnquYsjJZLzE8-i_H_I7aMuJB5sB34M55fCSMhMZEaNXhzBvqHnBbUoJrQ6f8w14_xf_JqCKRzPzOSkRvbeJGIjQvcjD4VCKQ_vUOXVVACFx489pfjbg9AFz_OyBiyVlfOhtk1FJ7Ai8jyAh7E1sXtxKEH-kCGGahWDUIe5Bjd24PJqJj9YdvYnoe1n2oCNI9jATxB2pwSXRx4VgVljL_4faEUAk.U–bQmBlz6sJpMqcgs5DXF7poVLqbgWaVURUZVETXe8&dib_tag=se&keywords=sparklerella&qid=1709148161&sprefix=sparklerella%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-2

Image Credits
All professional photos are by Bracy Photos.