Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronda Taylor.
Hi Ronda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Ronda Taylor. I’m an author, poet, and storyteller living in Charleston, SC. At my core, I’m a creative. Poetry is my first love and where I feel most at home to be my authentic self. Growing up, I’ve always deeply appreciated writing and art. In middle school, I wrote the first of many stories that were almost published in my local newspaper. From that moment on, my love for storytelling grew. I obtained a master’s degree in writing and a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in creative writing from Coastal Carolina University. During my college experience, my love for poetry and writing children’s books collided to create the beautiful writing world I know today. After graduation, I took a leap of faith to pursue my passion. I love inspiring young people and connecting with my community through art.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My creative journey has been challenging yet rewarding. Although I imagined my path looking a certain way, it has changed. For every success, I have experienced many failures. I have learned to accept rejection as redirection. When doors closed, I built a new door that has led to wonderful and unexpected opportunities for myself and my community. The best part of my journey is the ability to keep going.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a debut children’s picture book author of Radiant Girl: Daughter of the King, which will be released in February 2024. Radiant Girl is a love letter celebrating and encouraging every girl to shine her light. Through lyrical affirmations, radiant girls gain the confidence and joy of knowing who they are and who they are. Inspired by Psalm 34:5, every girl is a radiant and royal daughter of the King! I’m the visionary and founder of Seen Heard Loved Publishing, LLC, an independent publishing company designed to support diverse voices and authentic stories with a mission for future generations to be seen, heard, and loved. We prioritize diverse books for young readers, provide professional book editing services to authors, and partner with publishing professionals of color who are traditionally marginalized in publishing. While roaming the shelves of a famous bookstore, I noticed how limited the books were in their diversity. I did not see myself or my community reflected in many books. World-renowned singer Nina Simone once stated, “An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times.” As a Black woman and artist, I strive to represent and reflect our colorful world through art. I want readers to know between the spaces of each word: You are seen, heard, and loved.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
You can support the Radiant Girl: Daughter of the King book release and inquire about our book editing services by visiting www.seenheardlovedpublishing.com and following the journey on social media @shlpublishing for the latest news. I would love to collaborate with you for your next event! I’m available to book poetry and speaking engagements by visiting www.rondacreative.com or following @rondacreative on social media to connect.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rondacreative.com, www.seenheardlovedpublishing.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rondacreative, www.instagram.com/shlpublishing
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rondacreative, www.facebook.com/shlpublishing
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ronda-taylor-952256221
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8t3951w1uooomLXiXirmg
Image Credit: GOAT Media, LLC
Image Credits
Italia Sade’ Photography
