I love to see entrepreneurial women out in the world doing what they love, igniting their passion and making a difference in the lives of others. In fact, that’s what my podcast is all about – showing women how to find their passion, live out their dreams and create a life they absolutely love! I enjoy helping women go after what they what and I LOVE to share their success stories to help women see what’s possible in their lives.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing J.D. Wright, a talented and successful mompreneur and founder of Dana Clark , LLC. As a new mother at the age of 35, J.D. recognized the scarcity of coloring books that depicted children of color and the exquisite beauty of African-American hair. J.D. wanted her daughter to grow up being proud of who she is.

Since she had a hard time finding the type of coloring books she wanted her daughter to have, J.D created them. In 2015, Dana Clark Colors, LLC was created to inspire and educate children of color around the world. Designed to unlock a world of possibilities for parents and children, the first coloring book was a 100-page display of fun activities illustrating children’s lifestyles and hairstyles. J.D. Wright has created an entire series based on the empowerment of children of color.

Here is my exclusive interview with J.D. Wright, CEO of Dana Clark Colors, LLC:

What is the mission of your company?

J.D. Wright: Our mission is to empower children with activities of self-confidence and supply them with journaling tools that depict positive self-images. We value inclusion and self-love. We provide a series of coloring books creatively displaying children’s themes on lifestyles and fantasies. Our activity books allow children to think about their choices with great esteem and gratification.

Dana Clark, LLC is currently moving toward many avenues in promoting the movement of inclusion with a podcast, the translation of our books, pop-up shops, and fundraisers.

How did you begin your entrepreneurial journey?

J.D. Wright: I began my business while trying to create coloring books for my daughter. I wanted her to have coloring books with children who look like her because I could not find any. After creating a few pages, I decided to make it official so other kids could have the same experience of being included. I began like any other business – I had a product I wanted to share. I filed with the IRS, I registered for the appropriate documentation and certifications with my state. Then I created a website.

Are you a full-time or hybrid entrepreneur?

J.D. Wright:  I am a full-time entrepreneur and stay-at-home mom.

What does a typical day look like for you?

J.D. Wright: A typical day begins with me working on my computer and identifying buyers for preorders/massive sales. Some days consist of me meeting with buyers and other organizations who want to collaborate. I spend a good amount of time on social media sharing information and promoting my business. I balance my time between my business and being a parent, which go hand-in-hand. I promote Dana Clark, LLC on the weekends at expos, community events, pop-up shops and bookstore readings. Any free time outside of that is used for product creation.
How do you manage your mommy responsibilities as an entrepreneur (time management, delegation, etc.)?

J.D. Wright: I am working and parenting at the same time. My 4-year-old and I are learning to work as a team in our daily routines. She has a job to do and so do I. I provide her with school work while I am working on the computer. She has plenty of mini-breaks and knows to be quiet when Mommy is on the phone. Her nap time is my grind time, which I often wish was my nap time, too. After her nap, we work on her reading and piano lessons as I want to cultivate her skills and talents.  I try to do little things that make the day special for the both of us like eating our lunch in the park, visiting the pet store, or exploring the farmers market. This process is about 75% smooth and not always in the same order. I focus on what I enjoy about the process and I understand that I have the power to make it better.

As a mother, there are certain attributes that I have learned to latch onto for raising my daughter: to be strong, happy, brave and confident.

In my daily demonstrations of such attributes, I admit that I often mistaken independence for strength. A habit that is so familiar for the women in my family. I take out my own trash, I fix my car, pay my own bills, drive myself and others everywhere, and I earn my own money. All of the regular normal human tasks of a responsible person.

So, when someone sees my struggle in the normal regular responsibilities of life and offers to help, why is it that all the attributes I have laid down as the foundation of my family seems to quickly crumble? Why is there shame, fear and weakness associated with accepting help?

I don’t know. But I do know that kindness from others should feel good and not bad.

It may be because there is power in being the lender and not the borrower, or maybe because I still believe in the illusion of being in control and there is some dignity in it. Whatever it is, I do not want to pass it on to my daughter. She should understand that it is the kindness of others that makes this world so wonderful. It is crazy to be kind, but not accept kindness from others. In “accepting”, I mean the totality of feeling good about it.

How many times has the kindness of others brought tears to my eyes? (only just yesterday)

Practicing the acceptance of kindness is just as important as practicing giving kindness. It is all about receiving and allowing the flow of energy. It is about accepting the connection to others and allowing the world to flow in a harmony that carries you. Otherwise you block the connection and you block the energetic flow that is due to come back to you.

So, whether it is a free piano lesson, a huge discount from a mechanic, or your dad fixing your garbage disposal; you and I are worthy of kindness and we will feel good about it.

-J.D.Wright

Coloring Book Mom Confessions

This single mom tells you what is really going on.  J.D.Wright talks about Parenting, Business, Relationships, Love, and Wellness. Listen to her weekly as she shares the experiences of her journey.