Meet Rae Lee | Author and Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rae Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rae, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The single most important decision I made was to invest in myself. I am unsure what others mean when they say this but I mean invest in me. In the past, I had invested in companies or organizations that I worked tirelessly. The time, energy, creativity, tears, long hours, to represent their businesses in the best light. I realized that I can do that for myself and the return will be great not matter what because I am valuable to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am children’s author but I am writer. I realize I am and can be many things in life. I enjoy going to schools and daycares to do readings or Storytime. It’s beautiful to see children engaged and having fun learning. I also know that I have more to share with the world.

I mentioned early how important it is to invest in oneself; its crucial to the foundation of any business. I also learned what it looked like to support me and be biggest supporter. You have to learn to do that for yourself first and then build out for other supports. You set the tone for your support system. Honestly, trusting God is what makes sense to me when nothing else does. Challenges are always going to be there and those are the things that help you grow. I have learned to welcome challenges in life and not shy away from them.

I am proud that I found a way to share my work and talent with others. Anything I do or be a part of I have to make a positive and healthy impact on the world. If I am writing a children’s book, I want to children to be excited by reading and learning. If I am writing a novel for adults, I want to them to be so engrossed in my writing that the world around them seems just a little more beautiful.

For me it wasn’t’ about just getting out of the 9 to 5 but stepping out of on faith and trusting God. I want to build Rae Lee Presents in such a manner that whatever I am presenting to this world people will be excited to see it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I would take them to Bann Thai in Edwardville, IL. Over the course of the week, we would go to St. Louis, MO and to take in some local attractions: the Arch, the Aquarium or the Museums. Another day breakfast at Roosters or First Watch.  We would grab some food from Mission Taco and later catch some live music. Music soothes the soul.  We would go to Soulard area, grab some wine and find live music. We would definitely explore downtown STL and find music and more food maybe Greek or Mexican. I am sure a day or two we would hang out at my home listening to the India Arie or Matchbox Twenty or just something we can vibe to. We would make great food, have great laughs, and make great memories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, there are many people who deserve recognition. Honestly, it’s a mix of individuals that have fed my soul with encouragement, support, and an unwavering belief in me. Whether it was my science teacher encouraging me to write a play for black history month or my friends and family. They support me not just in speech but in action. My foundation is strong because of God and he built walls around that are impenetrable and they consist of these amazing people. Each individual on my life’s journey has played an intricate part; they see not just my potential but a gift that I possess. My Pops who truly believed in me and that my greatness cannot be stopped. He always said ” Baby, don’t worry about nothing. Just keep doing what you’re doing.You will be fine.” Though he is no longer here with me, he is right,  I will be fine. The one that stands out the most is my little one who is proud of me, sees me bigger than life, and encourages me to be great because I am.

Website: raeleepresents.com

Instagram: raeleepresents

Facebook: raeleepresents

Image Credits
J. Harris Photography Delta Child Development Center DCDC Rae Lee Presents