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

Hi Camri, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Starting a business is always a risk. Most self-published authors never sell over 250 books in their lifetime. I sold over 100 books in my first month. I shifted my mindset from “What if I fail?” to “What if I succeed?”

Recently, my biggest risk was starting a campaign to supply almost 100 first-grade students at a Southwest Atlanta elementary school with a Positive Perspective Pack. Each pack included a signed copy of my books Penelope’s Perspective and the Positive Perspective Journal for Kids along with encouraging stickers, mindfulness activities, crayons, gel pens, and a positivity poster.

I took a risk and ordered everything on faith before any donated dollars were confirmed. We had less than a week left and were only halfway to our goal. With only a few days left, one special donor provided the remaining money to meet our goal.

Was it easy to take the risk? No. Was the risk worth it? Absolutely. This risk inspired a child to say, “You can be a teacher AND a writer? I didn’t know you could do that!” This risk put diverse books in the hands of children. This risk gave me the opportunity to share the invaluable lesson of a positive perspective with almost 100 students and their families. This risk was worth the reward.

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 specialize in writing children’s books that feature diverse characters in inclusive stories. Positive representation matters. Every child deserves to see themselves in the pages of a book. Something that sets me apart as an author is how my inclusive writing style promotes happiness and positivity by providing lessons and strategies that encourage positive mental health starting in childhood.

What makes me most proud as an author is hearing how my book impacts others. I knew I was doing the right work when readers said:

“Wow, she’s beautiful. It’s like you wrote this book just for me.”

“This story greatly impacted me as an adult. Can you imagine what it could do for a child? The difference it can make for the rest of their lives?”

“You have no idea how much this book means to my daughter. She’s been struggling with mental health and negative thoughts and your book made the difference. Thank you for giving her a positive black character to connect with.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Every day would focus on a certain spot in the city and involve somewhere to eat, drink, and play!

Day 1: The Beltline
Eat: Two Urban Licks, Victory Sandwich Bar
Drink: 9 Mile Station
Play: Ponce City Rooftop

Day 2: Buckhead
Eat: Southern Gentleman
Drink: Storico Vino
Play: Candytopia, Painted Pin

Day 3: Downtown
Eat: Nikolai’s Roof
Drink: SkyLounge
Play: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park

Day 4: Marrietta
Eat: Antico Pizza
Drink: Superica
Play: Atlanta Braves Baseball Game

Day 5: The Westside
Eat: The Works Food Hall
Drink: Bold Monk Brewing
Play: Westside Reservoir Park

Day 6: Midtown
Eat: Joy Cafe
Drink: Park Tavern
Play: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park

Day 7: Sandy Springs
Eat: Eclipse di Luna
Drink: The Select
Play: The Sipping Plant

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout is dedicated to my biggest supporters, my family. Being able to publically thank and recognize my mom, dad, and grandma has been such a wonderful experience. The world gets to see their names and experience a little bit of their impact through my stories. My first book, Penelope’s Perspective was dedicated to my mom and dad. They have always encouraged, believed in, and supported me in everything I do. My next book will be dedicated to my grandma Maxine, she is the world’s best grandma, mentor, and role model.

Website: www.camridorsey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camridorseyauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CamriAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camridorseyauthor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAd7so_drKj0SzbX_CEgyfA

Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WQBKRXG/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_PD4G6GAAR8ZT9M70RK39

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.