Today we’d like to introduce you to Marjorie (Marjy Marj) Boafo Appiah.
Hi Marjorie (Marjy Marj), please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Marjorie Boafo Appiah, known to my readers as Marjy Marj. I am a Ghanaian-American author, speaker, wife, mother, friend, and management consultant based in South Carolina. Rooted in a lifelong love of storytelling from my early years in Ghana, I have built a career at the intersection of narrative, social responsibility, and service – inviting audiences to see one another more clearly, lead with empathy, and act with courage. As a sought-after speaker and community advocate, I have extended my impact from being an author to the podium, delivering keynote speeches on global, national, and regional stages. Inspired by my writing and speaking opportunities, I recently embarked on a national tour to build bridges through conversations and shared meals across the country. To date, I have visited 70 bookstores, numerous restaurants, schools, and landmarks across 36 states. This adventure has been filled with laughter, curiosity, a few mishaps, and countless photos. It has been a privilege to connect with strangers, taste diverse cuisines, and experience the unique landscapes of different regions.
Across my consulting work, books, talks, travels, family life, and community initiatives, my goal is to share joy, foster belonging, elevate sisterhood, and transform good intentions into measurable impact.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been filled with incredible support, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. Along the way, I’ve faced stereotypes and biases, both personally and professionally, as I worked to establish my career. There have been moments where I was overlooked, underestimated, or even outright disrespected. However, with the guidance of mentors, the unwavering support of my family, and the wisdom found in some great books, I’ve learned to navigate rejection and setbacks. Above all, my faith, church family, and community have played an instrumental role in my growth and resilience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think I’d like to tackle the pride question first. I am most proud of being a friend to my family. The moments of laughter and connection that we share are precious and dear to my heart.
In answer to your question of what sets me apart. I think it’s me dancing to my own music. I know I’m not perfect but I really like being me. I walk boldly into rooms. And I speak up when I don’t agree with others’ line of reasoning. Life is a learning process so I’m always willing to take constructive feedback. My harshest critics are my mom, husband, and son. They will call me out in a heartbeat. They really do keep me grounded and help me stay authentic. I’m smiling as I type because I can hear my son in my ear right now.
Now to the rest of the questions in this section:
As the author of 15 books, my work explores themes of resilience, motivation, empowerment, friendship, adventure, and cultural diversity. Today, I’d like to highlight four of my books: Same Elephants, Conversations About Race, Be HER Champion, and Stay Ready. To learn more about the other 11 amazing books and my future books, please visit my website marjymarj.com
1. Same Elephants: Based on my personal experiences with Jewish, Muslim, Atheist, Christian, and racially diverse friends, my second novel – Same Elephants, follows four friends navigating bias and belonging. The book has been praised for its relatability, quick pacing, and hopeful spirit.
2. Conversations About Race: My first non-fiction book – Conversations About Race, stems from two years of race-related discussions on my Humanity Chats podcast. With insights from 27 guests from various walks of life, the book delves into topics such as unity, education, xenophobia, yellow peril, and colorism. Contributors include former Congressman Trey Gowdy, Ghanaian business leader Lucy Quist, Greenville’s Dr. Nika White, Attorney Ryan Langley, former Clerk of Court Hope Blackley, and many more.
3. Be HER Champion: Drawing from four years of empowering panel discussions, my 2024 handbook, Be HER Champion: Unleashing the Power of Sisterhood, translates values into action. With contributions from 16 women across diverse professions and backgrounds, the book offers practical steps, mentorship, community support, and positive reinforcement to equip readers to advocate for women.
4. My newest book, Stay Ready, was named a #1 bestseller in Amazon’s self-help short read category. With its relatable tone and motivational approach, Stay Ready serves as a powerful reminder that preparation and perseverance are key to navigating life’s unpredictable journey.
I am grateful that my books have been featured in several bestselling categories, including Personal Development, Black & African American Historical Fiction, Children’s Multicultural Literature, Immigration & Cultural Narratives, and Success & Self-Management.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Oooh, I wish I knew a lot! When you’re just beginning – whether it’s a new job, school, new city, new dream – you don’t need a perfect plan. You need readiness, heart, and the courage to take the next step. My advice is based on my life experience and that of others’. Here we go with 10 tips:
1. Prepare like opportunity is already on its way. Believe in you – You’ve got this!
2. Keep your tools sharp: update your resume, portfolio, and bio. Practice your pitch so you can share who you are and what you do in 30 seconds. – You stay ready for that upcoming opportunity ‘cos believe me, it’s coming.
3. Build habits that travel well. These include reading, journaling, planning your week, and reflecting on what you learn. Consistent, small actions compound into big gains. – Recently, I drove over 70 hours across the United States. Whew, was I tired. But I took breaks and drove a few hours everyday. The 22 hour drive from Colorado back to South Carolina, was the worst but by breaking it up, I was able to visit all my stops and bookstores with a smile on my face. And the good news is that I made it home with a smile on my face because I paced myself.
4. Start before you feel “ready”. Confidence often follows action, not the other way around. Apply, submit, show up. If you wait for perfection before starting, you may be waiting for a long long time. Trust. Let progress – not perfection – be your standard.
5. Embrace your story – Your background is a strength. Don’t be shy of who you are or where you are from. Your experience prepared you for this moment. The lessons from home, your culture, and your lived experience are leadership tools. Lead with them.
6. Turn setbacks into strategy. Rejection is redirection. The number of times I’ve been rejected, the friends and critics along my journey – the setbacks – they were all in preparation for today and tomorrow. After a “no,” ask: What can this teach me? What’s the next right step? Then take it. Resilience is your competitive edge. Don’t give up.
7. Create your own chances. Sometimes those doors will be shut and those windows will be closed. Take a chance on you. Build that business. Write that book. Enroll in that class. Learn that trade. Talk to that boy. Let’s do this!
8. Look for ways to uplift others – share a platform, recommend a colleague, mentor a student. When you help someone rise, you rise too. Trust. other people’s joy can put you in a good mood if you feel like you are part of their story.
9. Rest is part of readiness. I recently attended an event hosted by CF Leads CEO – Mary L. Thomas. The tips were awesome. You do better after you are rested. Please schedule time to rest.
10. Celebrate small wins because joy fuels momentum. Just thinking about this article going live is a celebratory moment for me. If I don’t make it into the local magazine, how would the bigger and global ones learn about me? Ooh! I am thankful to the individual who nominated me.
Readers, you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. Opportunity favors the ready. Let’s STAY READY for our opportunity!
And read my books y’all!
Love Lots,
Marjy Marj
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marjymarj.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thismarjymarj
- Facebook: facebook.com/thismarjymarj
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thismarjymarj/
- Twitter: twitter.com/thismarjymarj
- Other: www.humanityherald.com
