We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wendy Reed. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wendy below.

Wendy, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Retirement is supposed to mean more free time and fewer responsibilities—at least, that’s what they say. When I officially stepped away last summer from my long-held role as a literacy trainer, teaching educators at The Ohio State University, I saw a world of possibilities ahead. I imagined more time to consult with schools, focus on my own writing, and expand the support I offer to other writers. And I’ve done all of that. But, true to form, I’ve also taken on an unexpected new venture – adding yet another project to my ever-growing list.

It’s easy for me to see the connectivity and overlap between the roles I’ve held up until recently. I served as an elementary classroom teacher for fifteen years prior to working for the university. For the next thirteen years, I trained literacy coaches, planned and led professional development sessions for teachers, principals, instructional coaches, and other educators. In addition, I’ve spent the past several years consulting with schools around the country – and still offer customized educational consulting services to improve teaching, learning, and leadership across grade levels.

My work as an educator easily intersected with my writerly life as well. After publishing multiple articles, blogs, research manuscripts, and a co-written pedagogical book for teachers, I published my first children’s book titled “Gators, Waders, and Wings.” This narrative non-fiction book features my own photographs of the beautiful coastal wildlife birds and alligators I’ve found at Huntington Beach State Park. Passionate about writing and sharing my stories, I’ve published 47 books for children and adults in the past three years.

With a desire to share my talents, I began offering services to help other writers pursue their dreams from start to finish. Both independently and via the Fiverr platform, I offer writing mentorship, editing, illustration and design, formatting, cover design, and publishing guidance. I’ve helped to bring to life over 60 books for other authors.

My latest adventure, however, is rather tangential to my others and took me by surprise – something for which I never planned but quickly fell in love with. Like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, I unexpectedly found myself in a new world – the world of luxury resale through Poshmark, an online marketplace for new and secondhand fashion, accessories, and home goods. It all started when I listed a few clothing items I would have otherwise donated. Out of curiosity, I began watching live shows and was immediately drawn to those featuring luxury handbags. I found myself fascinated by designers and brands from Italy, France, Spain, and Germany that I had never encountered before.

Within a few months, I went from curious observer to active seller, diving into the world of high-end handbags, wallets, and accessories. I hosted my first live show just three months ago, and since then, I’ve grown a following of over 10,000, earned Posh Ambassador status, and built a closet of more than 700 listings – and am growing. While my books still line some of my shelves, other shelves are now filled with beautifully crafted vintage and new bags.

Every Tuesday afternoon and evening, I host live shows on Poshmark, featuring designers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, and more. I source authentic pieces from trusted suppliers and share the best finds with fellow luxury lovers. But Poshmark has turned out to be more than just a platform – it’s a vibrant, supportive community. I’ve connected with many kind, like-minded women, and found not only a business but a shared passion.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

In retrospect, retirement has become an opportunity for me to expand my creative passions. Thankfully, my husband supports all of my creative endeavors and my precious family always comes first. But I wear many hats and love that I can choose which ones to don from day to day. I’ll always be an educator and love consulting with schools to empower teachers and children. As an author, I love sharing my stories with readers – especially when that includes scheduling events with schools and bookstores. I also treasure the opportunities I have to support other writers in bringing their stories to life through mentoring, editing, formatting, illustrating & designing, and publishing services. And I also am loving the luxury and designer handbag business and hosting live shows on Poshmark.

Creative projects don’t stop at retirement – they accelerate with fewer constraints. It’s a time to further develop passions and talents – and a time to pursue new ones. I may not be selling hats – yet – but I’m grateful to wear so many exciting ones!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Within each of my creative endeavors, I believe the most important keys for building my reputation have been authenticity, value, and a consideration of others. Let me expand. I see authenticity as simply being myself. I believe that by being transparent and trustworthy, I’ve developed meaningful relationships that are necessary in order to make an impact. Being authentic means allowing others to see your vulnerability as well. I don’t establish myself as an expert – but as a learner who comes alongside others with my set of talents, believing we impact one another.

Additionally, by sharing something that others find valuable, I’m able to meet the needs of others. For example, as an educator and consultant, I always strive to learn about the needs a district has – and what I have to share is often seen as valuable. Whether telling a story that others need to hear or selling a quality handbag, I seek to bring value to what I do.

Finally, I always strive to consider the people with whom I am engaging. Every reader I reach, every teacher I teach, every writer I support, and every shopper with whom I share my handbags engages with me in a shared dialogic interaction and I take that seriously. Those relationships are so important – and I value every person I serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://reflectivepress.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyReedAuthor
• Other: Poshmark.com (wendyreed898)