Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystina Coles
Hi Krystina, 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?
I was lucky to grow up in a family that loved the arts and recognized the value of reading. Every little creative outlet I wanted to try was supported and encouraged. Halloween costumes were never bought—always improvised. (Which eventually pushed me into sewing my own.) One day, on our ritual trip to Borders Bookstore after dance class, I picked up a book on world mythology and fell in love with the stories inside. I knew from then on I wanted to write something that affected people and lasted long after I was gone. I started writing in the second grade and decided I wanted to be an author. When a middle school teacher told me a writing career wasn’t worth pursuing (without ever reading a word of what I’d written), I gave it up. And I went to culinary school to study my second love, the pastry arts, instead. A few months after graduating, I learned that a close high school friend that had encouraged me to start writing again had passed away suddenly. And I promised myself that I would become the author that she knew I could be, not only to honor her memory, but to honor the girl that I was who loved to write and believed that I could do it. Now, as an independent author, I’ve written and published two books myself, and a third with five Black and/or Latina women from around the country. I write and share poetry to show young girls of color just how beautiful they are. I’ve sewn dozens of costumes for myself and friends. And I’ve baked more pastries for weddings, birthdays, and special occasions than I can count.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The writing world, especially now, has a huge learning curve. Social media is so important, and I still struggle with meeting trends and finding visibility in such a saturated market. And before I’d begun, I’d tell friends and teachers about my love for writing, or even my baking, and be immediately dismissed. Being told at a young age that my dreams weren’t worthy was a struggle I could only get through with the support of my friends, family, and teachers who saw my talent and passion and encouraged me to keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write dark fantasy for young adults with stories that cross genres into science fiction, historical adventure, mystery, and horror. They’re heavily inspired by mythologies of all cultures and have an ensemble of diverse main characters. I began a poetry series called the BabyGirl Poetry Campaign to encourage girls of color like myself and remind them that they are beautiful in a world doesn’t always see them as such. Among my circle of close friends, I’m known for my hand-painted truffles. After four years of trial and error, I’m really proud of how my dream as a little girl to become my own version of Willy Wonka has come true. I also sew dresses and costumes for myself, my friends, and my family. I’d say I’m most known for my fairy dresses. They’re always whimsical and dreamy and make the wearer look like they stepped out of a magical garden. Overall, I’m most proud of my writing and my confidence in my abilities. I’ve grown so much in such a short amount of time since returning to it. Impostor syndrome will always linger a bit, but now I have the confidence to say that my stories deserve to be told and that my voice has a place in this world.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think pursuing a career in writing itself is a risk. I’ve always been very careful and thoughtful about things, but my love for writing has shown me that some risks are absolutely worth taking. The naysayers of my childhood were right when they said that it would be difficult. But anything worth pursuing is. Hard-fought dreams are so special, and I would never discourage or talk someone out of chasing them. With my sewing and baking, risk is always present. Sometimes, my experiments don’t turn out well, and I learn. But I would rather learn how to improve than never try.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Krystinacoles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystinacoles?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krystinacolesauthor?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@krystinacolesauthor?_t=8p1FPWHwPug&_r=1
