Turning Pages: Beth Ann Ramos' Shift from Marketing to Uplifting Children's Literature

Debra Coleman [00:00:11]:
Hello there, my wonderful listener. How are you this week? I hope you are doing well and staying safe. If you happen to be in the path of any of these crazy summer storms here in the summer of 2024 here in the northern hemisphere. Please stay safe. I hope this finds you and your family doing okay, hunkering down, and doing all you can to stay safe and sane during this particularly, tumultuous time here weather wise. I think mother nature is having a fit a little bit and, showing us her true colors. And so I hope that you are staying safe. As of this recording, I know there's some craziness going on.

Debra Coleman [00:00:50]:
So hope you are well. Otherwise, if you're like me and you're in blistering heat, please stay safe as well. Stay safe, stay cool, and do your best to get through 1 day at a time. That's all we can do with this crazy summer. But I also hope that you are finding time to find some well deserved relaxation and enjoying these summer months. Well, welcome back to another episode of Have A Seat, Conversations With Women in workplace podcast. I am your host, Deborah Coleman. And today, my friend, I am so thrilled to introduce you to the incredible miss Beth Anne Ramos.

Debra Coleman [00:01:29]:
Beth is a powerhouse children's book author, illustrator, and publisher who took a bold leap from her corporate marketing career to focus on her young family. But she didn't stop there. Beth leveraged her skills to help manage and market, get this, her husband's optometry practice, proving that you can indeed blend family priorities with your professional passion. In 2021, Beth founded Good Day Books, a venture dedicated to creating and sharing uplifting content, and to help other aspiring authors to get their book published as well. Her first book, I'm getting new glasses, not only placed 3rd at the 2023 CELA Awards, but also became a unique marketing tool for her husband's practice, helping children and adults feel confident in their new frames. Love that. Absolutely love that. This innovative approach sparked interest, and now her picture books are used by businesses to build goodwill and connect with their clients.

Debra Coleman [00:02:35]:
Such a wonderful way to pay it forward. Beth's journey is certainly a testament to the power of following your passions and balancing family life. So tune in in my conversation with Beth as we dive into her inspiring story along with her entrepreneurial journey and the magic behind her uplifting children's books. Trust me, if you're in the mood for a feel good conversation, you will not want to miss this chat with Beth filled with insights, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. So without further ado, here's my conversation with miss Beth Ann Ramos. Alright, everybody. Well, welcome back to another episode of Have A Seat, Conversations with Women in the Workplace podcast. And if you know me, you know I am an avid reader.

Debra Coleman [00:03:22]:
So anytime I have the pleasure of sitting down in my virtual living room with an author, I just low key fangirl. So, joining me today is Beth Ann Ramos, author, illustrator, book publisher, and mom, and and mom to kiddos and fur babies. So thank you, miss Beth Ann, for joining us today.

beth anne [00:03:42]:
Yes. My pleasure. It's so good to be here.

Debra Coleman [00:03:45]:
And in the middle of all these summer storms happening, so we are very, very grateful for Beth taking some time out of what is an incredibly chaotic schedule. Yes. Busy time. Busy hurricane season. Yes. Oh my gosh. And in the middle of it, hey. Here's an idea.

Debra Coleman [00:04:00]:
Record a podcast.

beth anne [00:04:02]:
Why not? Why not?

Debra Coleman [00:04:03]:
Why not? Exactly. That just speaks to the power of womanhood and what we can handle. Right? So there we go. But Beth is an author of some fabulous children's books and then for adults as well. As we briefly talked about, I'm getting new bifocals, a parody for grown ups, but we'll get into a bit more of of her books and and what she's about in terms of her the publishing world and what she brings to new authors on the rise and or those interested in getting into that side of their career. But, let's take a step back first a little bit, miss Beth, and talk about, only because I know this is so popular with so many women I talked to today who are really thinking about, as the saying goes, ditching their 9 to 5 and hanging out their own shingle and going their own way and 1, something that you have done so successfully. You transitioned. Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:04:53]:
Absolutely. You transitioned from a very successful corporate marketing career to becoming your own in your own right as a successful author and illustrator and book publisher. So can you share what motivated you to leave the corporate world, and how you managed to reinvent yourself as an entrepreneur?

beth anne [00:05:12]:
Yeah. So I basically just ended up like, once I got married and starting having kids, I didn't want to be working, you know, 60 plus hours a week in a corporate office. I loved the work, but it just wasn't really in line with what was going on in life. And so I dabbled in a lot of things because I just I like to work. I'm passionate about work. My husband's an entrepreneur. I help him with his business. I was teaching yoga.

beth anne [00:05:38]:
I was doing marketing consulting. I have done health coaching. I was I mean, just everywhere because it's like, what's the thing? I need the thing. And then I guess it was around COVID. It was kinda like, okay. None of this is working, and I've always wanted wanted to write a book, so I decided to study book publishing and, you know, writing and that kind of stuff. But the irony of that was with having the kids home, it was very hard to have thoughts. Like, I always thought I would write these books with, like, deep thoughts of, like like, just, like, significant works.

beth anne [00:06:08]:
And

Debra Coleman [00:06:09]:
with the

beth anne [00:06:09]:
kids, I found that what I could do, because I was doing it anyway, was make up little rhymes. I could draw pictures. I could do things like that. And so it was really amazing how my work just naturally came in line with what I was doing at home and having the kids and that kind of thing. And so kind of the 2 worlds met, and I feel like they feed off of each other because being around the kids helps me to stay creative and, you know, wanna do these things. And then the books kind of they're energizing to me when, you know, most of the time I'm doing kids stuff, and then I can do my work, and then it's fun, and it kinda helps me get back into the kids and what they need. And so it's really been a fun, good thing that came about.

Debra Coleman [00:06:50]:
Wow. How exciting. And I can I love that the correlation, the connection? It was almost like it was meant to be.

beth anne [00:06:56]:
Yeah. I I feel that way because for a while for a good while, I felt like, you know, oh, the kids need to, like, go to day care because I wanna work, or the kids need to, like, go to school because I need to work, or, you know, and and then it kind of worked out where now I'm homeschooling. I don't know if I had mentioned that. So, so, like, the kids are here, and so it's kind of like, okay. Like, I focus on them, and we do what needs to be done. And then when I can get time, I'm gonna come back to my work, and and it just it's working very well because I can be flexible, I can be creative, and it's fun, and it's rewarding. And, it yeah. It just kind of both feed each other, and that's really nice.

Debra Coleman [00:07:32]:
I love that. You can tell in your voice how how happy how fulfilled you feel. Like, there's a lot there.

beth anne [00:07:38]:
You. It's so fun. It's so fun. Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:07:41]:
I love that. And so I'm thinking who listeners who might be listening who may be thinking, gosh. That sounds lovely. I would love to do that. I maybe see myself do that someday. Was it didn't it wasn't though as you've as you've sort of illustrated for us, no pun intended. You know, it it it seems to be like a progression. It wasn't a light switch.

Debra Coleman [00:08:03]:
It was like, you know, this and this. So what would you advise if someone's like, you know, Beth, I'm kind of thinking of doing that myself. I have a side hustle or an interest that I'm thinking of growing. You know, what are maybe some considerations, especially if, you know, they're they're balancing work and family?

beth anne [00:08:18]:
Yeah. I mean, I think that you have to put the priorities first. Right? So it's kind of like I don't know if you've ever heard analogy where, like, if you have a mason jar and you're trying to fit, like, big rocks in it and medium rocks and sand and all this, like, you have to start with, like, the big rocks. So, if you need, like, the job that's paying the bills, like, that's a big rock. Get that in there. Like, if you've got a family and kids with needs, like, those are big rocks. Get them in there. And then, I feel like our passions, like, these these entrepreneurial endeavors we have or these, you know, these side hustles we wanna do, like, those are important things, but they can fit in with the other stuff.

beth anne [00:08:51]:
And so it's kinda like the medium rocks or, like, the the sand that goes in. Like, once you take care of the other stuff, then the other things can fit. And maybe not, like, to the extent that we wish. Like, I would love to, like, you know, have 8 hours in a day to, like, play with a book, but I don't. But, you know, you do what you can and you move forward. And the nice thing about the books is that it just kinda builds. It's sorta like a snowball. And so if I can't get to it all today, I can get to it tomorrow or another day.

Debra Coleman [00:09:21]:
Was there a time in your life when someone would have mentioned you doing this and branching out on your own that you would have been like, no. That's not. I can't see that. I mean, was or did you always kind of feel like, you know what? I I want more.

beth anne [00:09:34]:
Yeah. So I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so, like, that wasn't really, like and I'm kind of a doer. Like, I just kinda like to jump in stuff and do stuff. I will say, like, when I was working in the corporate world, I liked it very much. And I just liked being part of a team, and I liked the community and I liked learning from other people, and that was just really fun and really interesting. And I think that's the hardest thing about being home is that I don't really have that. Like, there's book groups, and there's you know, you can meet other authors and things like that, but there's not, like, a team, like, all working together, you know, on a project. So I think in that regard, like, at that time I wasn't seeking out, you know, something like this.

beth anne [00:10:15]:
I had always wanted to write a book, but I thought it would be, like, you know, like a book, like a grown up book. And so and it and what's super funny too is that, I used to like drawing when I was really young. And then when I was, like, in middle school, I remember there was a girl in my class, and she was, like, a phenomenal animator or illustrator. And so I was just, like, okay, like, I'm not good at that. You know, like, because I saw that. And so I quit drawing until right before I published that first book. And so it's kinda interesting that you can take stuff that maybe you were interested in a long time ago or something that, you know, we tell ourselves, like, oh, other people are better or, you know, we make up these excuses, but it ended up being something that is just so fun. And the more that I do it, the better I get.

beth anne [00:11:04]:
And I've I've been self taught with it. And so I just really feel like if if people, if your listeners have interest, like, it's really worth just trying and, you know, playing and seeing what happens because we put so many limits on ourselves that, like, they don't need to be there. You know, we could do so much if we just quit, like, being critics about ourselves.

Debra Coleman [00:11:26]:
So true. Oh my gosh. Right there. Yeah. So true. I think 1 thing women are really good at is is that negative narrative. Like, we are so good at being our worst critics, you know, and our biggest doubters. But, yes.

Debra Coleman [00:11:39]:
Good advice.

beth anne [00:11:40]:
Good advice. And, like, not to, like I mean, when you put books on Amazon, like, you're gonna get those voices too. Like Oh. It's not like you overcome it and then, like, everybody's like, yay. Right. But, like, you know, but and that was the thing too. Like, I had, you know, a review on Amazon that wasn't good, and it it kinda, like, it stung. And then I was like, you know what? Either I'm gonna write and illustrate children's books or I'm not.

beth anne [00:12:04]:
You know? And so and I think we all kind of have to come to that moment of, like, either I like this or this brings me joy or I wanna do it or I'm not. You know? And so so, yeah, there's the critic that we have on our own, and then there's, like, you know, that external critic. But I think we just kinda have to, and it's continual, but just, like, overcome that. You know? Because it's it's really rewarding to be doing what you love.

Debra Coleman [00:12:28]:
So rewarding. So well said. So rewarding to do what you love. And I think that, since 2020, more women have taken up that same mantra and are like, okay. I need to make myself happy. You know?

beth anne [00:12:40]:
Mhmm. Mhmm.

Debra Coleman [00:12:40]:
Because I also believe that's a ripple effect. If you're happy and feeling fulfilled in any way with what you do as your career, then that's going to ripple, and you're going to share that love and success with those in your orbit. Right? So

beth anne [00:12:52]:
Oh, yeah. Oh, yes.

Debra Coleman [00:12:54]:
Such a lovely feeling. Mhmm. Along those lines, when you did make that shift, how important was it that you had, for lack of a better word, like, buy in from your husband and your family that you were going to make this shift? Because I know also that's another challenge some women face is, you know, maybe unintentionally. You know, we do have those doubters who sometimes you need to hear that. You know? I tell my husband sometimes, okay. 2 seconds. I wanna play devil's advocate for a second and just offer this as a side, like a side's perspective. You know? Just like Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:13:25]:
But then I think so that's 1 way. But I think other people maybe, again, maybe not intentionally, but they do tend to be detractors. Yeah. But is it important to have those conversations and to communicate? Listen, family. I love you, but, you know, I'm feeling a little unfulfilled. I'd like to try this. Are you with me? You know, bear with me for a few months. Things might be a little tight.

Debra Coleman [00:13:45]:
Top ramen for everybody, you know, whatever the situation is. But what what were your thoughts on getting buy in or or having those roofing?

beth anne [00:13:54]:
Yeah. I was really fortunate because well, my husband had wanted me to stay home when we had kids, and I was kinda like, you know, like, that's not how I'm built. Mhmm. And so when I did that, he really wasn't surprised that, like, I was trying to figure out something else to do because I just kinda need that intellectual stimulation, like, that sense of achievement, that, like, I love projects and figuring stuff out. Like, he knew that. And so, yeah, I feel like he's been supportive and he just kinda knows, like, you know, I'm gonna make mistakes with it. Stuff is gonna work out. Sometimes you know? I mean, he's he's just been very, very good about, that.

beth anne [00:14:34]:
So I've been really fortunate, actually. But, yeah, I think it's important to, like, get on the same page about stuff. And, I think certainly, like, both ways, it goes where, you know, spouses, hopefully, supporting each other and allowing each other time to, like, carve out, you know, to pursue their interests and, you know, long term goals and things like that. But, yeah, I I think, yeah, I I'm really grateful because I've I've had, a very supportive husband in that regard.

Debra Coleman [00:15:01]:
It absolutely sounds like it. I love that. Yeah. And I appreciate that you mentioned that he was very accepting of some of even some mistakes that you might make or whatever.

beth anne [00:15:10]:
What I would, like, beat myself up about. And he's, like, you know what? You tried it, and you learned. You know? And yeah. So that just really, I've appreciated so much because, I like I said, like, I'll kind of beat myself up about stuff, and he's just like, you know what? You move on. You know? You pick yourself up and you try again, and it just really helps to hear that.

Debra Coleman [00:15:29]:
Oh, go go go spouse. That's awesome.

beth anne [00:15:32]:
I know. Yes. Yes.

Debra Coleman [00:15:33]:
Yes. Yes. But thank you. Yeah. Bert. Okay. Bert. Yay.

Debra Coleman [00:15:35]:
Thank you, mister Bert Ramos, for doing that. That's fantastic.

beth anne [00:15:38]:
Because we

Debra Coleman [00:15:38]:
are the recipient of all that good vibration. Oh, thank you. Yeah. Love it. Love it. That's very important to hear though and very encouraging because, you know, it it could be an exciting time, a a nervous time, but it could be exciting for everybody to enjoy.

beth anne [00:15:53]:
Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:15:54]:
I I know several friends of mine who have done something similar, not in the book world, but in other, industry, arenas. And they actually kinda get the whole family involved. Like, it's not you know, it's something that, you know, the kids can partake in and, you know, maybe they have teenagers, and they're teaching them about business. And so it's kind of, you know, it can be looked at that way too.

beth anne [00:16:11]:
Oh, it's so fun. I've been doing that with the kids, and we were actually just working on a project. And my big kid, he had decorated these pieces of fruit with, like, faces and stuff. And so then we were like, oh, it's a banana band. And we were like, we need to do a book. And we've been, like, we've been like playing with it. And it's just it's so fun, and and it it was really kinda recently that my big kid was like, you know, I wanna see what you're doing, and I'll try to pull out the software, like, is how I illustrate. Or, you know, today with the podcast, I was like, when you podcast, if you're on video, you want lighting, and I'm not, so don't you know, like, and, like, I'm just kinda talking them through so they can get their wheels going about what they're interested in and what they would like to try and that kind of stuff.

Debra Coleman [00:16:50]:
Oh, I love it.

beth anne [00:16:51]:
Oh. Yeah. It's so fun. It's that's why I feel like the kids, like, it feeds what I'm doing, like, and vice versa because, like, it's just it's it's really neat. Really neat.

Debra Coleman [00:17:00]:
Oh, that is so great. I love it. It. Family affair. I love that.

beth anne [00:17:04]:
Yes. Yes.

Debra Coleman [00:17:04]:
I love the banana band, but that's so cute.

beth anne [00:17:06]:
It is so funny to,

Debra Coleman [00:17:07]:
like, have to do

beth anne [00:17:08]:
something with the banana band.

Debra Coleman [00:17:09]:
Absolutely. You said it. You put it to the universe. So, Beth, we're holding you to it. We're loving it. Yes. Exactly. Well, that is a beautiful segue into your books and the work you do helping to rise up those coming up behind you, authors who are trying to forge their own path.

Debra Coleman [00:17:27]:
Yeah. So tell us what happened in 2021 when you founded your own publishing company.

beth anne [00:17:33]:
Yeah. So I ended up I had been trying to write a book for a long time and just kind of wasn't really gaining traction and kept joining all these book groups and stuff. And I was working with someone who challenged me, and she said, well, what would you do if it was easy and fun? And I was, like, well, if it was easy and fun, I would draw pictures. Right? Like Aw. You know? And and part of the challenge too was that it was fast. So we had we basically, in our group, had a goal of create something in 6 weeks. And so I yeah. Yeah.

beth anne [00:18:04]:
So it was it's pretty intense. So that first book that I did, I'm Getting New Glasses, I made it up. It was a rhyme, and it came about because my husband is an optometrist. And I have always thought my background is marketing, and I've always thought, like like, how do you spin optometry so it's, like, fun for kids? Or, like, how do you, like, make it where getting glasses is, like, better? Or, like, you know, that was kind of, like, my my thought. And so, anyway, this challenge was issued, and III thought, I'm gonna make this little rhyme. And it kinda came to me, and then I was, like, well, I need an illustrator. Right? So I start looking into illustrators, and everyone I look into is, like, $10, 000 for a book. And I'm, like, you know, it just it just didn't seem like money I wanted to spend.

beth anne [00:18:48]:
And so I had sent a little sketch to 1 illustrator that I found on, I don't know, Fiverr or 1 of those sites, and she was, like, actually, like, you seem like you might know how to illustrate. And I was, like, And so then I thought, well, like, I don't have an illustrator. I'd kind of reached out in the ways that I knew to and wasn't getting responses. And so then I just when I was working for an engineering firm, I used to use Adobe InDesign. And so I was, like, well, then I can use Illustrator. Right? Because, like, same thing. It's not. But anyway, so so I taught myself Adobe Illustrator in that time frame and ended up getting the book together.

beth anne [00:19:28]:
And I had always thought I would do traditional publishing, but just in the ways of, like, you know, it helps to have, like, a strong following and, you know, social media presence and all this stuff. And I was, like, you know what, I'm just going to do it myself because then, you know, I published I'm Getting New Glasses. That was the first book that came out Wow. Based off that 6 week challenge, which was pretty amazing.

Debra Coleman [00:19:53]:
Oh my gosh.

beth anne [00:19:55]:
Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:19:55]:
Yeah. 6 weeks.

beth anne [00:19:56]:
Oh my gosh. Which is, like, kind of how you know you're doing the right thing. Right? Like, because it was just, like, where did this come from? Right? Right. So, so that was really cool. Really

Debra Coleman [00:20:05]:
cool. Wow. Very cool. Amazing. Jeez. 6 weeks. What happens now I'm seeing a correlation with your marketing career and this. Did it help having that, you know, foundation set in all that you did in those 6 weeks and beyond?

beth anne [00:20:19]:
Yeah. I mean, I think it helps. I'm kind of I'm a believer that, like, everything is useful. Everything can be, like, it can serve a purpose. Like, a bad experience can turn be something good, or something that maybe didn't come to fruition can be, like, you can try it again, or, you know, that kind of thing. So, yeah. I mean, I feel like had I not been working in engineering and, you know, learned how to basically, I was doing proposals for jobs for the engineering firm. So if they were going to do, you know, whatever for a city or a county or government or whatever, then I would put together sometimes, you know, 100 and something page proposals.

beth anne [00:20:58]:
And so if you can do that, you can do a book. You know? Like, I was, like, that's kinda the same. Right? Like, so, so, yeah. It just kind of was, like, I just kinda knew enough and had enough and, you know, and with the book too, I guess with my marketing background, 1 thing that I do with my books is if, companies want to sponsor the back page, then it can be, like, an advertisement, and then they can give out the books, like, as, you know, marketing, tools, like, you know, to prospective clients and, you know, referral partners and stuff like that. So, so, yeah, I think definitely the marketing has come in handy and just kind of having different experiences that could all be pulled together to create something new.

Debra Coleman [00:21:39]:
Oh, that is so great. I love that. Yeah. Absolutely. Oh, and your books, oh, so cute. Olive and Andy. I mean, just Oh, thank you.

beth anne [00:21:49]:
I love them.

Debra Coleman [00:21:50]:
So and so relatable, even to the adults. You know? It's like, I I wore glasses. I wear contacts now. I still wear glasses. So it really kinda resonated with me. I'm like, okay. What's this about? I've really got where was this 30 plus years ago? But I

beth anne [00:22:05]:
know. I know. Yeah. Well and that's what's so funny too. Like, when I launched that book, I had so many people telling me their experiences about getting eyeglasses, and it was so neat to, like, see, like, the connection that it created with people, and that it resonated with so many people. It was just really fun because everybody's got a story. You know?

Debra Coleman [00:22:25]:
Absolutely.

beth anne [00:22:26]:
Yeah. So that was that was a really cool book. That was a really cool book.

Debra Coleman [00:22:29]:
And it was very exciting. A 2023 is it CELA Awards? Is that what you said?

beth anne [00:22:34]:
So it it placed 3rd place at the CELA Awards in, yeah, in North Carolina in, I guess, last year. Yeah. Last May. So it's like Yay. Yeah. So that was pretty cool too to, like, new author, new illustrator, new book, and then, you know, for that to happen was super cool.

Debra Coleman [00:22:49]:
Well, congratulations. Thank you. Thank you so much. What an accomplishment recognition. That is so great. Oh. Yeah. Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:22:58]:
1 of the things I do love about your books are the titles, along with the illustrations, are the titles because they're just so conversational. I'm getting new glasses when I take care of me. It's just yeah. It's very like, okay, what's this about? It's almost journal like. You know? Yeah.

beth anne [00:23:15]:
Well, and that's the way, like, I write is, like, you know, these these kids kinda telling their story, like, their experience. And when they have a new experience, like, what is it like? And trying to, like, come up with, like, an empowering message behind it. So, you know, instead of, like, I always talk to my kids about tone. Like, instead of, like, I'm getting new glasses, like, I'm getting new glasses. You know? And so and, like, letting them know, like, like, with the when to when to take care of me, I had done health coaching for a while, and I just kind of when I did the first book, I was like, do I really know how to do this? And so I wrote that 1, and it was just kind of, you know, to make kids realize, like, oh, there's unique things about me, and the things that I like, you know, healthy foods, things that I enjoy, like, all those things can help me feeling good. You know? And so that 1 I was really hoping would be a conversation that, you know, parents and caregivers can have with their kids about, you know, do you like apples? Do they make you, you know, feel amazing? Or, you know, when you feel, if you go skiing, do you feel super? You know, like, just kind of those types of things because we're all so unique and we have so much say, I think, in, like, how we feel, like, you know, physically and emotionally and, you know, that kind of thing.

Debra Coleman [00:24:28]:
I love it. I love that. It's so accepting. Yeah. Just and it celebrates diversity and, just yeah. I I love that. And and also healthy. You know? Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:24:40]:
Yeah. Mind, body, and spirit. Kids deserve to feel that way too. Uh-huh.

beth anne [00:24:44]:
I think so. You know, I just I feel like it's a hard time to be a kid right now. Yes. And, you know, I feel like I don't know. There's just so many reasons. But, like, even with, like, my kids, I'm trying to get them to read, like, good books, and we're trying to, you know, like, not be on our iPads too much. And, like, this morning we go to the dentist, and, like, there's a movie on. And it's, like you know, and it's just, like, it's so hard to get them off screens, and to get them to, like, tune into who they are, and learn their interests, and learn, you know, like, so, yeah.

beth anne [00:25:11]:
I just kinda wanna put something out there that's just, like, positive, like, no agenda except for, like, you know, kind of, like, be yourself and, like, try and, like, it'll be okay. You know? It's it's kind of what I what I try to create.

Debra Coleman [00:25:25]:
Love it. Love that. I absolutely do. And through the parents or, like you said, caregivers who might be reading alongside them, I think it's if the message is being, you know, received. Oh my god. How can it not? Right?

beth anne [00:25:36]:
Thank you. Thank you so much.

Debra Coleman [00:25:37]:
Love it. Love it. Now we chatted briefly, before I hit the record button about your book for adults called Getting Bifocals. Tell us a little bit about that. That's a personal 1 for me, fun.

beth anne [00:25:50]:
Yeah. I know. Right? So when I did, I'm getting new glasses. All my smarty prance friends were saying, you need to do a bifocal book. You need to do a bifocal book. And so that's what that 1 is. And it ended up being it's all of Andy's parents, and so they are, you know, at the eye doctor getting their bifocals, and they're trying on pairs and, you know, does this make me look like my dad, and does this make me look like an old fart? And it's just it's silly. It's playful.

beth anne [00:26:18]:
You know, the first 1 I did on getting new glasses, you know, for kids to really be endearing and encouraging, and I figured the adults could handle a little more humor about it because, you know, we know, like, it's bivocals. So Mhmm. So, anyway, so that 1 was super fun. Just maybe just to play just to play. So

Debra Coleman [00:26:36]:
Yes. Well, as someone whose spouse is looking at getting bifocals this month, I thank you for that book. I will be ordering it on Amazon, and I will give it to him as a gift. That. Yeah. Thank you. Thank

beth anne [00:26:48]:
you. It's so fun. Yeah. It's you have to laugh at stuff, you know?

Debra Coleman [00:26:51]:
You do.

beth anne [00:26:52]:
And I think that's 1 thing that was really a surprise to me about, like, work is that I love to work, and I didn't realize that it could be play. I didn't realize that it could be so fun. And that's just such a neat thing to have discovered because I take myself so seriously. I think a lot of us do, and, like, it doesn't have to be that way.

Debra Coleman [00:27:09]:
Oh, what a great sentiment. And, you know, by you saying that too, it just shows me also that you are reaching so many people, with with the with your stories and letting us also be yeah. It's it's beautiful. Opening that door of acceptance. Like, you know, okay. This isn't as weird as I thought, or, you know, I'm not the only 1 who feels this way. Or you know? Yeah. So I love it that you're reaching so many people with that message.

Debra Coleman [00:27:36]:
Aw. Thank you. You also, though, do, have several books into, Catholicism and or saint sayings. And as somebody who was raised Catholic, I I know so many parents are probably thanking you for the coloring book because that is something they can take to church with them. That's awesome. And occupy the kiddos. Right? But no. Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:27:59]:
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So we'll get directions.

beth anne [00:28:01]:
Yeah. So I I was kinda I don't know, people are so, like, funny about, like, we take things personally, you know? And so I really didn't want to delve into, like, personal things. But I feel like I'm I'm a very spiritual person, like, I really, you know, believe we're here for a purpose. And, and I when my son made his first communion last year, I really wanted to celebrate that by giving him a book. And so that's really where that, Saint Sings About the Eucharist came, was I just wanted to create something for him. And then I recently did a litany of saints coloring book, which, is like pictures of saints that, you know, the kids can color.

Debra Coleman [00:28:43]:
Mhmm.

beth anne [00:28:43]:
And that really just came about because I'd been homeschooling. I wasn't writing as much as I wanted to. I was praying a lot, and it kind of became a meditation for me, if I'm honest. And so that really like, it wasn't really me trying to create anything. It was just I'm gonna share this because I made it. And so, that's what that was. So, yeah, I kind of because I have my own self publishing company, I'm, like, I'm just gonna, like, publish it if I want to. Yeah.

beth anne [00:29:12]:
And so, like, you know, I may write a book about a banana band, and I may, you know, write a book about saints, and, like, like, it's all fine. And, you know, Olive and Andy will soon have a little Halloween book coming out.

Debra Coleman [00:29:23]:
And I

beth anne [00:29:24]:
just kinda think, like, it's all fine. And, you know, I think, I don't know. I don't I feel like it's taken me so long to give myself permission to be creative that now I don't wanna stifle it. You know? I just kind of wanna, like if I feel the inspiration to make something, I want to. And so that's that's kind of the direction that I've taken so far.

Debra Coleman [00:29:45]:
Bravo, Beth. Say it again for those in the back who didn't hear you. That is if that's not the very definition of empowerment, I don't know. That is good for you. Good for you. You.

beth anne [00:29:56]:
So yeah. So it's kind of, you know, take it or leave it or you know, but I'm making it.

Debra Coleman [00:30:01]:
Yes. Exactly. That's right. That's right.

beth anne [00:30:03]:
To love them all or you can or you know? It's okay. So

Debra Coleman [00:30:08]:
And that's what that's the other side of being a content creator. Right? It's take it or leave it. I yeah. Yeah.

beth anne [00:30:13]:
I mean, it's kinda back to, like, people aren't gonna love everything and you know? But I just I feel like for so long I am just, like, such a people pleaser, and I am such a worrier, and I have just, like, I feel like for so long just been afraid of, like, what are people going to think, and what are and then it's like you reach a point that you're like, you know, it's better to be yourself and say what you think and create what you wanna make, than, like, look back and be like, I spent my whole life trying to be something I wasn't, or I didn't create the things I could have created. You know? Like, how sad would that be? And I I think we all have, like, these parts of us that we, like, keep to ourselves that, like, it's scary, it's vulnerable to share it, but, like, what could happen if you did? So

Debra Coleman [00:30:54]:
So true. Gosh. So well said. Absolutely. Because at the end of the day, you know, are we answering to others or ourselves? Do we wanna at least try? That's what I always say to my husband. Am I going to at least try? I'd rather crash and burn knowing I tried Yeah. Than, you know, stayed safely on the sidelines and then, you know, at least try because now I know. Yeah.

beth anne [00:31:11]:
Yeah. Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:31:12]:
Good for you. Good for you. That's amazing. You. So having said that then, what would you say was has been so far the most rewarding part of this whole creative endeavor for you?

beth anne [00:31:25]:
Oh, wow. You know, I really like getting to work with kids. I've gotten to, as part of this, do some author visits, And it's so fun. It's so fun. And the kids are just I think that's another reason I like children's books is like, kids are just like, they just want to hug you, and like they're sweet, and like the little ones, you know, you can just, like, you can color with them, and they're excited about things, and I just, I love that energy, and I love that interaction, and I love knowing that, like, you can help someone feel better. Like, it just, it's just really, really neat.

Debra Coleman [00:32:03]:
That is so great. Oh, I love that.

beth anne [00:32:05]:
So, yeah, I think it's, like, the people element. You know? It's just it's getting to see, like, that something you did, like, had a good a good purpose, you know, that made a difference.

Debra Coleman [00:32:15]:
Absolutely. Because that has that's evergreen. You know? Those moments will take those children into their like, it becomes a part of their makeup. Right? I truly believe that. Like, all those wonderful moments, and it just pays it forward is what I'm trying to say.

beth anne [00:32:29]:
Yeah. It's so neat. And and I think back to, like, 1 of my favorite little children's books growing up. It was I wish I could remember it. It was a tooth fairy book. Aw. But the illustrations were not amazing. But it really which, I mean, it really inspired me, I guess, is what I just say.

beth anne [00:32:47]:
Because it wasn't like, oh, this is a perfect book. It was like, this is an approachable thing that maybe I could do. You know? And so I loved that book so much, and so I hope that, like, you know, it gets other kids to think about, like, oh, I could do this. And with self publishing, it just makes being an author so accessible to everyone. You know? And so I just want people to know that, that there's opportunities to share their story and their experience and, you know, because it's not like now where you have to, like, get an agent and you have to, you know, like, you can create it if you want to.

Debra Coleman [00:33:18]:
Along those lines beautifully said. And along those lines, would you like to share with us about Good Day Books and the courses that you offer?

beth anne [00:33:25]:
Oh, yeah. So, I have well, I have 1 course right now on my website, and it basically just takes you through the process of, like, how to write and illustrate and publish your book. And so it's a short course. I think it's maybe an hour or something like that. But I wanted to take everything that I've learned from working with these, like, book coaches and, you know, studying and just kind of, like, demystifying it was really what I was trying to do. So, yeah, I have that on my website, and I'm also happy to, like, you know, chat with anybody if they need help or something like that, because I just it's so fun to get to do, you know, what you love. And if anybody has any questions or I can help, it would just be a pleasure.

Debra Coleman [00:34:04]:
Oh, thank you for that. That is amazing. That's great. And I I will absolutely have that information in the show notes for sure, for those who are interested.

beth anne [00:34:13]:
I'm happy to because I I just feel like it's, I don't know. Like, it's not that hard. Like, it's like, you know, like, once you know the process, once it's demystified, like, you can really do a lot. And, you know, I've seen people who, like, if they own a business, they'll write a book so that, you know, clients see that they're, you know, an expert in their field and, you know, it leads to their credibility. Or some people wanna write a memoir, different things. And there's stuff that, you know, if you aren't an established writer or don't have a following or an email list or things like that, it's hard to get traditionally published. But if you do it all on your own, then, like, who's gonna stop you? You know?

Debra Coleman [00:34:48]:
Mhmm. Exactly. Or teach you. And I love that you you do it in very bite sized chunks.

beth anne [00:34:54]:
Yeah.

Debra Coleman [00:34:55]:
And you kinda answer, like, you know, all the topical, maybe top of mind questions. Like, well, I I don't know where to start. Well, start here. You know? Yeah.

beth anne [00:35:02]:
And that was 1 thing I found with my first book that, like, I think a lot of times we think about, like, the whole process, the whole journey, and it gets really overwhelming, and so we stop.

Debra Coleman [00:35:11]:
Yep.

beth anne [00:35:11]:
And so I try, and I'm teaching my son this right now with math and stuff. It's like, like, it looks hard, but like you can do the first thing. You know, like what's the first thing that, like, gets you set in that direction? So do the first thing, and then, like, what's the second thing? You know, and so you just kind of bite size it, and then things get, you know, so much easier.

Debra Coleman [00:35:33]:
Very true. Very true. Good advice. Absolutely. Same for me. When I feel like I'm facing something kind of large, like a mountain Yeah. That's okay. Break it down.

Debra Coleman [00:35:43]:
You know? It's not as big as you think it is. So, yeah, good advice. Especially, I can only imagine though with, you know, writing writing and becoming an author and if you do wanna illustrate and all the things in publish. So Yeah. I can only imagine. That's what good good stuff. And so along those lines, where can my listeners find you to learn more about yourself, your any books that you have coming out and about, Good Day?

beth anne [00:36:07]:
Yeah. Oh, thank you. So my website is bethannramos.com. So it's BETHANNRAM0S. I'm on social media. It's not my favorite way to spend time, so I'm not, like, reluctant. But you can find me in most of those places, and my books are on Amazon.

Debra Coleman [00:36:23]:
Oh, beautiful. I love it. And, again, I will have con links to all of that as well as, links to, the Good Day book as well to learn more.

beth anne [00:36:31]:
Thank you. That's wonderful.

Debra Coleman [00:36:33]:
Absolutely. Yes. Well, you are wonderful. We so appreciate this

beth anne [00:36:37]:
and learning more. So much fun. It was so good to chat with you.

Debra Coleman [00:36:40]:
Oh, it was so fun. I love it. And friends, if you do nothing but check out her website just for the illustrations alone, they will make you smile. I mean, I don't know. You can look at all of it, Andy, and all of the wonderful little critters on the, Good Day book site and not just be famous for something. Cute. I gotta learn more about Beth. We'll tell her.

beth anne [00:36:57]:
Fun. They're so fun.

Debra Coleman [00:36:58]:
You are very good at what you do. Very good at what you do. Thank you. Before I let you hop though, do you have time for a quick silly bonus question?

beth anne [00:37:06]:
Oh, let's do it. Let's do it.

Debra Coleman [00:37:07]:
Okay. Alrighty. This is probably either incredibly on point or death just has no place in this conversation considering everything that's going on weather wise, with with in your area.

beth anne [00:37:18]:
I'm a little scared. Okay. Okay. I'm ready. I'm ready.

Debra Coleman [00:37:23]:
Oh my goodness. Okay. So Miss Beth, when, life does get a little crazy, because as we know, we're women in the workplace doing our things. We, you know, we left our 4th arm back in the office. Right? We're supposed to sprout, 5 arms and do 5 things at once. So when you are pulled in 5 different directions, what do you do to reset and rebalance and just sort of come back to center and find Beth again?

beth anne [00:37:47]:
Yeah. So I think, like, being home with the kids, it's hard to get away. And so my go to is, like, hang out with the cats. But but, what I have started doing, which is, like, the best, I've done it I guess I've done it once now, but it's so good. We have points on a credit card where I can redeem a night away at a hotel every now and then. Hey. And so, yes. So practically, like, for your listeners, like, and so every once in a while my husband has said, like, it's okay and I can go.

beth anne [00:38:18]:
And so that's, like, time when I can kind of think and clear my head and just take a break. Because I think for me right now, I'm not really looking to add more to my plate. It's kind of like how can I get away and just relax or, like, not think or not make a snack? You know? So, so those are my yeah. Cats and, like, my own hotel room.

Debra Coleman [00:38:41]:
Those are the things. Oh my goodness. A life to emulate, for sure. That is the because you have the fur babies that kinda calm you down. Yes. And then you not have to make a snack. Have snacks made for you at a hotel. Yes.

Debra Coleman [00:38:54]:
Yes. I love it. Exactly. I love it. But, you know, I found with creative types too that it's actually needed because Yeah. Letting go and finding just that quiet space, the also I've been told helps open up, like, some of that creativity bridge and just sort of gets that flow a little bit more. Yeah.

beth anne [00:39:11]:
Yes. And I get very, very stressed out and like on edge. I can get very angry, snappy, short-tempered if I'm like not having that quiet time to just kinda let my mind do what it needs to do. Oh. So yeah. It's, I don't know. It's kinda I guess it's like a double edged sword, you could say. Because, like, I can't I I love to create.

beth anne [00:39:33]:
It's fun to create. But if I'm not getting to, it it kinda like, it's bad for me, and it's bad for the people around me.

Debra Coleman [00:39:42]:
Exactly. Then we have Bert putting up yellow construction tape. Do not yes her.

beth anne [00:39:46]:
That's right. Leave her alone. Run.

Debra Coleman [00:39:52]:
I love it. Uh-oh. I hear the makings of another book coming. When momma does need a time out.

beth anne [00:39:57]:
That's right. Momma does need a time out.

Debra Coleman [00:40:00]:
Right? Oh my goodness. Well, Beth, this has been so lovely. Honestly, in the middle of everything that's going on, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us and sharing all of it, Andy, and all of their wonderful stories and how you they came to be. Such an inspiring story.

beth anne [00:40:15]:
No. Thank you. It's been really fun. Thank you for the opportunity.

Debra Coleman [00:40:20]:
And that wraps up my incredible conversation with Beth Anne. Thank you so much, Beth, for joining me in my virtual living room and sharing your story and your journey with us. I hope you found Beth's journey as inspiring as an and insightful as I did. Her dedication to family, creativity, and leveraging her skills in unique ways truly showcases the power of following your passions. If you want to learn more about Beth and her incredible work, be sure to check out the show notes for ways to connect with her directly. You'll find links to her books, her publishing company, Good Day Books, and more. And, also, while you're there, don't forget to visit the Have a Seat website for more inspiring conversations with women who are making a difference in the workplace. Your support means the world to me.

Debra Coleman [00:41:08]:
So if you enjoyed this episode, please feel free to leave a review and share it with your other women friends. We need to just spread all of this good vibration and all of this good mojo to amongst us because women in the workplace, it is challenging today. So anywhere we can find inspiration and empowerment, I'm all about it. So feel free to share that link and to share best links as well. If you have kiddos in the home, definitely check out best books. I know they will resonate with you. Until next time, my friend. Thank you for having a seat with me.

Debra Coleman [00:41:41]:
Keep following your passions and making your mark in the world. Be safe, be strong, be well, and remember, keep having those conversations.