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

Alright, Terysa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

During the challenging times of the pandemic, I found myself unable to visit classrooms and talk to kids about my career path—a part of STEM advocacy that I deeply enjoyed. As I reflected on how to continue inspiring and educating young minds, the idea struck me: why not create a series of books that could reach children everywhere, regardless of physical limitations?

This realization sparked the concept for ‘Terysa Solves It,’ a series of books that would not only entertain but also educate children about STEM concepts and careers. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it would fill a void created by the pandemic, providing children with engaging and informative content at a time when traditional learning methods were disrupted.

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, I set out to bring ‘Terysa Solves It’ to life, turning a moment of adversity into an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children everywhere.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Absolutely! My name is Terysa Ridgeway, and I am a Computer Science professional, former rocket scientist, and the best-selling author of the STEM-based children’s book series ‘Terysa Solves It.’ I currently serve as a Technical Program Manager at Google, where I apply my expertise in technology and project management to drive innovation and efficiency.

I ventured into the world of STEM education and children’s literature out of a deep passion for inspiring young minds. ‘Terysa Solves It’ is more than just a book series—it’s a movement to empower children to explore the wonders of STEM and develop a love for learning. Through engaging stories and interactive activities, I aim to make complex STEM concepts accessible and fun for children of all ages.

One of the key problems I solve for my clients, readers, and followers is bridging the gap between traditional education and the rapidly evolving world of technology. By providing engaging and informative content, I help children develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, setting them up for success in the digital age.

What sets ‘Terysa Solves It’ apart is its unique approach to STEM education. I believe in making learning fun and interactive, and my books reflect that philosophy. Each story is carefully crafted to not only entertain but also educate, ensuring that children are fully engaged and excited to learn.

I am most proud of the impact ‘Terysa Solves It’ has had on young readers worldwide. To see children embrace STEM, explore their curiosity, and dream big is incredibly rewarding. I am also proud of the recognition and support ‘Terysa Solves It’ has received from parents, educators, and industry professionals alike.

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

One lesson I had to unlearn as a mother, business owner, and full-time worker was the belief that I had to do everything perfectly and by myself. As a driven individual, I often felt the need to excel in every aspect of my life, from my career to my family responsibilities, without seeking help or delegation.

The turning point came when I realized that trying to juggle everything on my own was not sustainable and was taking a toll on my well-being. I was constantly stressed, overwhelmed, and felt like I was falling short in every area of my life.

I realized that I needed to change my mindset and embrace the idea that it’s okay to ask for help and to prioritize self-care. I started delegating tasks at work and at home, seeking support from my team and family members. I also made a conscious effort to set boundaries and prioritize my well-being, such as taking breaks and engaging in activities that brought me joy.

This shift in mindset was transformative. I found that by allowing myself to seek help and prioritize self-care, I was able to perform better at work and be more present and engaged with my family. I learned that being a successful mother, business owner, and full-time worker is not about doing everything perfectly, but about finding a balance that works for me and my family.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I first started my business, I was passionate about creating engaging and educational STEM content for children. However, I knew that I would need capital to get started. Instead of seeking outside funding, I decided to bootstrap the business using the profits from my first book sales to reinvest in the business.

I also found ways to leverage my initial investment in multiple ways at a low cost. For example, I used the illustrations from the book to create merchandise such as a hardcover version of the book, a paperback edition, a coloring book, an ebook, and even an audiobook. I then reinvested those profits to further engage my audience with a coding robot that introduces coding concepts to children as young as 3!

By reinvesting the profits from my initial sales and finding creative ways to leverage my investments, I was able to grow my business without relying on external funding. This approach allowed me to maintain full control over my business and ensure that every decision was aligned with my vision and values.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.terysasolvesit.com
• Instagram: @terysasolvesit
• Facebook: @terysasolvesit
• Linkedin: @terysasolvesit
• Twitter: @terysasolvesit
• Youtube: @terysasolvesit

Image Credits
Cameron Theyard