We recently connected with Whitney Barkley and have shared our conversation below.

Whitney , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I hope to build a legacy that empowers and uplifts Black girls and young women to harness the incredible superpower that is their voice. After I’m gone, I hope people will remember me as someone who dedicated her life to helping Black girls break free from the societal constraints that often limit their potential and self-expression. I want to be remembered as a champion for the belief that every girl is powerful, capable, and worthy of speaking up for herself, her needs, and her future.

I envision people saying that I made a significant impact in the lives of many Black girls by providing them with the tools and inspiration to find their voices, stand up for what they believe in, and shape their destinies. Through “Hey, Black Girl” and its various product derivatives, I hope to leave behind a lasting message of empowerment and self-confidence, ensuring that Black girls everywhere know they have the strength within them to define and demand their own future. My legacy will be a reminder that every Black girl is a force to be reckoned with, and her voice is her superpower.

Whitney , 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?

My name is Whitney Barkley, and I am the author of the children’s book “Hey, Black Girl.” With a decade-long background in media and marketing, I embarked on this journey into the world of children’s literature driven by a deep personal passion for empowering Black girls to embrace the incredible superpower they possess: their voice.

As someone who, from a young age and throughout my adulthood, grappled with confidence in speaking up for myself, my needs, and my future, my media and marketing background has given me the tools to understand the power of storytelling and communication. During the pandemic, I went through a painful divorce, an experience that inspired me to create the “Hey Black Girl” brand. I recognized that I could leverage my skills to help Black girls break free from societal restraints that limit their potential and self-expression. The central theme of my work is to affirm that girls are powerful, capable, and worthy of speaking up for themselves.

The core product of the “Hey Black Girl” brand is the children’s book “Hey, Black Girl,” which serves as a tool for young readers to discover their voices and self-worth. Additionally, the brand has expanded to offer various product derivatives, such as book bags, puzzles, journals, and apparel. These products, serve as tangible reminders of the empowering messages for Black girls.

My work is dedicated to solving the problem of low self-esteem, limited self-expression, and the societal constraints that Black girls often face. I aim to inspire and empower young readers to believe in themselves and their potential, leveraging my media knowledge to craft stories and messages that resonate with them and help instill the belief that they can define and demand their own future.

What sets “Hey Black Girl” apart is its unique focus on empowering Black girls specifically. It provides representation and affirmation that is often lacking in mainstream literature and media. I am most proud of the positive impact my work has had on young girls, the sense of self-worth it instills in them, and the confidence it helps them develop.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that “Hey Black Girl” is not just a brand but a movement. It’s a celebration of Black girlhood and a source of inspiration for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about empowering the next generation. I want them to know that I am dedicated to this cause, and my work is a reflection of my commitment to helping Black girls realize their full potential and take their place in the world with confidence and strength, drawing from my media and marketing background to amplify their voices and create a platform for purpose.

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

My reputation in this space has really been shaped by a combination of factors that all stem from my deep passion for boosting self-esteem and confidence, especially in Black girls. It’s been a journey, and here are some key elements that have played a big part in building that reputation.

First off, there’s the “Pink Lemonade Podcast.” It’s pretty cool that it’s been downloaded nearly 100,000 times in over 50 countries. On the podcast, we dive into life’s lemons and turn them into valuable lessons. It’s been a great way to connect with a diverse audience and share insights on overcoming challenges and setbacks. People seem to resonate with that, and it’s become a platform for me to advocate for self-esteem and empowerment.

Then there’s my past as the owner of “The Skinny Black Girl’s Code” blog. It was a collaborative space where I actively sought out other women to share their wisdom and stories to inspire confidence in others. It was amazing to see the impact we could make together, and it connected me with a community of like-minded folks who shared the same passion for self-esteem and self-worth.

Lastly, I’ve been very hands-on as a volunteer in various women’s organizations and youth groups for girls. This has allowed me to take my commitment and turn it into real action, making a difference in the lives of young girls and women by fostering self-esteem and confidence.

So, in a nutshell, my reputation has been built through the “Pink Lemonade Podcast,” the collaborative blog, and my active involvement in organizations and youth groups. These experiences have helped me connect with a broad and diverse audience while affirming my role as an advocate for empowering not just Black girls but girls everywhere.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My primary mission is to make the brand universal, expanding its reach and impact. In the long term, my goal is to license the character image from my book and build another “universe” that includes various genders and ethnicities, all under the “Hey” brand. The idea is to create an inclusive brand where all children can see themselves reflected in the stories and characters, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth.

To achieve this, I’m excited about the prospect of collaborating with diverse authors and creators to bring a wide range of stories and characters to life. The goal is to create a tapestry of narratives that represent the rich diversity of our world, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, can find relatable and inspiring characters within the “Hey” brand.

Ultimately, my creative journey is not just about my personal work but about contributing to a more inclusive and diverse literary landscape. I want to make a positive impact by offering a platform for all children to feel seen and empowered, while also supporting and amplifying diverse voices and narratives. This mission drives me to continue expanding the Hey, Black Girl brand and its reach.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heyblackgirlbook.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/heyblackgirlbook
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitneylbarkley
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/whitneylbarkley
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/whitneylbarkley
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RThizYNBRNA