Meet Da’shawn Catron | Children’s Book Author & Youth Advocator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Da’shawn Catron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Da’Shawn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My biggest question, and the thought that always lingered, was: what could I give to the youth? That’s when the idea of creating a children’s book came about. I’ve always been a youth advocate and mentor, but I felt as though I could make a deeper impact by creating something that would resonate with children on a personal level. I wanted to create a tool that not only entertained but also empowered them, helping them see their potential. “The World Is Yours” is a reflection of my belief that every child deserves to know they are capable of greatness, and I wanted to put that message into a book they could hold onto for years to come. This project is my way of planting seeds of confidence and self-belief in the next generation.

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.
As an author and youth advocate, my mission is to empower the next generation through storytelling, and my children’s book “The World Is Yours” is a reflection of that purpose. What sets me apart is my authentic approach to inspiring confidence and self-belief in young readers. The journey to where I am today has been far from easy—there have been many challenges, from balancing mentorship with creative work to navigating the complexities of publishing. But each setback taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of staying true to my vision. My goal is to create a lasting impact, reminding every child that they have the power to shape their own future. My brand is not just about books—it’s about igniting a movement of love, resilience, and limitless possibility. (Matthew 5:13-16)

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.
Day 1: Welcome to Atlanta – Exploring Downtown
Start the trip by grabbing breakfast at Highland Bakery—their cinnamon rolls are next-level! After fueling up, head to Centennial Olympic Park, where you can check out the Olympic Rings and take some cool pics by the Fountain of Rings. From there, pop into the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. You’ll definitely want to see the whale sharks and belugas, plus there’s a 4D theater for a fun experience. For lunch, grab a bite at Ponce City Market, where you can walk around and try different food vendors. Afterward, take a stroll along the Atlanta BeltLine, which is perfect for checking out street art, unique shops, and just soaking up the vibe of the city. Wrap up the day with dinner at The Varsity, Atlanta’s classic fast food joint—it’s a must for any first-time visitor.

Day 2: History & Culture – Museums and More
Start your day at The Breakfast Club, a cool little spot with tasty pancakes and southern-style breakfast options. After you’re well-fed, head to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, which includes his childhood home, church, and the Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached. It’s not only educational, but also really moving. Next, head to the Atlanta History Center for an in-depth dive into the city’s past, especially the Civil War era, and check out their amazing gardens. For lunch, grab a bite at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, a local favorite for Southern comfort food. In the afternoon, you can swing by The Swan House (part of the History Center), which has beautiful gardens and was featured in movies like The Hunger Games. Dinner can be at Antico Pizza, a perfect spot for a delicious, authentic pizza experience.

Day 3: Outdoor Fun and Nature
Get your adventure on with breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Café in Midtown—just trust me, the grits are legendary! Afterward, head to Piedmont Park, where you can rent bikes or just explore the trails. If you’re into nature and scenic views, go up to The Atlanta Botanical Garden for some stunning gardens and cool exhibits like the Orchid Display or the Canopy Walk. If you’re feeling up for it, you can even try out paddleboarding or kayaking at Lake Clara Meer. For lunch, head to The Picnic Basket, a laid-back café near the park. Later in the day, hit up Atlanta’s BeltLine Eastside Trail for some urban hiking or rent a bike and cruise down this amazing route, filled with street art and murals. Finish your day at SweetWater Brewery for a tour and non-alcoholic drinks (they offer fun, non-alcoholic options if you’re under 21).

Day 4: Thrills and Attractions
After a quick breakfast at The Buttermilk Kitchen, head over to Six Flags Over Georgia for a day of thrills! Spend the day riding roller coasters, grabbing snacks, and enjoying the adrenaline rush. You can hit up some of the biggest rides like The Goliath and Twisted Cyclone. If you need a break from the rides, take a moment to chill in the Shazam! water park area. For lunch, there are plenty of casual spots inside Six Flags, so you won’t go hungry while you’re there. After a day of thrills, head to Ponce City Market for dinner and rooftop fun at Skyline Park. This rooftop area has mini-golf, games, and awesome views of the city. You’ll have a great time unwinding and playing around with your friend before calling it a day.

Day 5: Hidden Gems and Instagrammable Spots
Today, start with breakfast at The Biscuit Shop, where the biscuits and gravy will set you up right for the day. Then, make your way to Atlanta’s Street Art by walking through the Krog Street Tunnel and Cabbagetown for some of the best urban street art in the city. It’s colorful, vibrant, and makes for awesome Instagram shots! From there, visit the Atlanta BeltLine for a little more exploration, and take a detour to check out the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. You’ll find art exhibitions and interactive installations to engage with. For lunch, head to Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q for some mouthwatering Southern barbecue. In the afternoon, make sure to check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden, especially if the Orchid Show is on display. In the evening, you can grab dinner at Lemonade, a casual and healthy spot where you can build your own salad or bowl. Finish your day by grabbing some ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams nearby.

Day 6: Shopping & Chill Day
Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at Café Intermezzo, an elegant spot perfect for pancakes, waffles, or eggs Benedict. Then, take it easy with a stroll around Atlantic Station, an open-air shopping area with great stores, a cinema, and plenty of places to chill. You can browse the shops, grab a smoothie, or even catch a matinee movie. For lunch, check out The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at Phipps Plaza for a mix of sushi and burgers—definitely a fun and quirky spot to hang out. Afterward, explore Lenox Square Mall for more shopping, or if you’re into something different, check out Little Five Points for funky vintage shops, thrift stores, and eclectic street fashion. Wrap up the day by grabbing dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, another classic spot for Southern eats (you can never have too many biscuits!).

Day 7: Chill Out and City Views
Start the last day with breakfast at Star Provisions, a laid-back, upscale spot with great pastries. Afterward, head to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to take in the beauty one last time. Spend the afternoon visiting SkyView Atlanta, a giant Ferris wheel in downtown that offers incredible views of the city. Then grab lunch at The OK Café, a cozy, retro diner that’s known for its comfort food. Finally, finish your trip with a stop at Piedmont Park to relax, people-watch, or even rent a paddleboat on the lake. For your last dinner in Atlanta, head to The Colonnade for some classic Southern fried chicken and sweet tea before heading back home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my mom, Lakeisha Brown, for always being there for me and loving me no matter what we go through. She has invested so much time, effort, and money into my dreams, and I can’t thank her enough for that. The unconditional love we’ve shared has been the foundation of our relationship, and it’s what has carried us through both the good and the tough times. As I receive this shoutout for my hard work and dedication, I can’t forget the one who’s been behind the scenes, supporting and encouraging me every step of the way. Thank you, Momma, for everything you do—this is as much yours as it is mine!

Website: https://dashawncatron.com

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