Today we’d like to introduce you to Gharrye Commander.
Hi Gharrye, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey started with a simple desire to help children understand their emotions in a healthy way. I noticed that many kids struggle with big feelings like anger, sadness, and frustration, and often don’t have the words to explain what they’re experiencing. I wanted to create a story that felt relatable and comforting while also teaching emotional awareness in a fun and engaging way.
That idea became Nia and the Day of Big Emotions. I created Nia as a character who represents many children today — curious, emotional, and learning how to navigate her feelings with support and love. Writing this book allowed me to combine storytelling with emotional learning, and it pushed me to step into the role of author and creator.
What started as a small idea turned into a meaningful project that reflects my passion for helping children feel seen, understood, and confident in expressing themselves. Today, I continue working on stories that encourage emotional growth, family connection, and positive self-esteem in young readers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was learning everything on my own — from writing and editing to formatting, illustrating, and publishing. There were moments where I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I was doing things the “right” way.
Another struggle was balancing everyday life with creating the book. Finding time, staying motivated, and believing in the project when progress felt slow was not always easy. There were also times when I questioned myself and wondered if the story would really make an impact.
But those challenges taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of trusting the process. Each obstacle pushed me to grow not just as an author, but as a person. Looking back, the struggles are a big part of what makes Nia and the Day of Big Emotions so meaningful to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work centers around supporting children’s emotional and developmental growth in educational settings. I specialize in working with young learners who need extra support, including children who are nonverbal or have difficulty expressing their feelings and needs. A big part of what I do is helping children communicate, build confidence, and feel understood in environments where learning can sometimes feel overwhelming.
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on children who struggle to express themselves. Seeing a child begin to communicate, connect, or feel safe enough to share their emotions is incredibly rewarding. That experience deeply influenced my writing, especially Nia and the Day of Big Emotions, because I see firsthand how important it is for children to have tools to understand and name what they’re feeling.
What sets me apart is that my stories come directly from real-life experiences working with children. I don’t just write about big emotions — I work with them every day. This gives my books an authentic perspective that blends education, emotional learning, and compassion in a way that feels both practical and heartfelt.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or building a network is to start with people who already inspire you and work in areas you’re interested in. That could be educators, authors, or creatives whose work you admire. Reaching out with a genuine message and being open to learning goes a long way.
What has worked best for me is connecting with people through shared purpose rather than just opportunity. Whether it’s through schools, community events, or creative spaces, I’ve found that meaningful relationships grow when you show real interest in what others do and stay consistent.
I’ve also learned that mentorship doesn’t always come from one person — sometimes it comes from many small connections that each teach you something different. Being patient, staying humble, and continuing to show up for your work has helped me naturally build relationships over time.
Pricing:
- Ebook $3.99
- Paper copy $14.99
