Check Out Dayonne Richardson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dayonne Richardson.

Hi Dayonne, 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 author-hood journey began in a genuine and surprising way. As an educator of over ten years working in inter-city schools, I noticed a large percentage of the books I read to my students didn’t reflect them and who they were. The great Toni Morrison said, “If there is a book you are looking for but can’t find, that is the book you should write.” Since beginning my children’s book journey in 2020, I have gone on to write two children’s books with the prime focus being a mirror for my students. My latest endeavor has been branding my business “Mirror Mirror Books LLC”. I want my readers far and wide, near and far, past and present to always see themselves in anything I create. Growing up I can’t recall any children’s books where the characters had natural hair, deep brown skin, or a story I could relate to. My readers will have a different experience, a different book story because I plan on creating and writing more books, dolls, and goodies of our lives and how incredible we are.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has been interesting to say the least. I like to say I am a teacher by day and an author by night but honestly they both blend together often. Whether it’s having a book event on the weekend and forgetting the book characters at school because my students LOVE reading to the Emry & Grace doll or putting my entrepreneur hat down to ensure lesson plans are done and I’ve made copies for the next week’s lessons! Lol, There is tiredness and there is satisfaction. Every morning I get to wake up and work with littles in some form of capacity and that brings great joy. I am grateful, grateful that my students see my hustle, see the dream that became a reality, see their dreams are beyond possible and go for it!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Children’s Book Author and Educator of over 10 years. I am a proud product of the Kansas City Kansas public schools and the University of Missouri Kansas City (Institute for Urban Education) where I received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I began my teaching experience in 2012, teaching in both the United States and China. I have had the unique opportunity to teach elementary, collegiate, and professional educators. I am currently teaching reading and writing an expression for 3rd/4th graders at Hogan Preparatory Elementary School in Kansas City Missouri.

I am most proud of the fact that I didn’t give up, schooling was difficult for me, especially the process of obtaining my teaching certification. I took my exam 13 times. Each “not passed” felt like a destination to the end, it felt like my childhood dream of becoming a teacher would never happen. When I wanted to give up I had professors, family, and friends that rallied around me, I kept fighting. I finally passed that exam and it’s been a wrap ever since, 10 years later, I am still here. I fought to be here and my students are going to always know I will never let them give up on themselves and I will never give up on them. We owe it to ourselves to believe we can, I had someone believe I could and I will continue to blaze the trail.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is an internal determination, a decision you make within yourself that says, “I am going all the way”! The scarier the dream, the better. The standard of success isn’t based on comparison, wealth, riches, or fame but peace. I believe when you are at peace with treatment of others, your stewardship of your time, talents, and treasures that’s success.

Pricing:

• I Told the Storm $15
• Our Gift Grace $15
• Emry Book Box $40
• Grace Book Book $40

Contact Info:

• Website: dayonnenecole.com
• Instagram: Dayonne Necole
• Facebook: Children’s Book Author Dayonne Richardson

Image Credits
Sonae Photography Antonio Steward Photography