Today we’d like to introduce you to Roushaun Johnson
Hi Roushaun, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I can’t share my journey as a children’s book author and motivational speaker without sharing a little bit about my core essence and uniqueness.
On November 7, 1970, an adorable little girl was brought into the world by a seventeen-year-old girl in Compton, California. She named the child Roushaun, “Bright Light”. We will get into a more on my name later.
After graduating from high school, I moved to San Diego to attend San Diego State University. I am proud to say that I was the first person in my family to attend and graduate from a four-year college or university. My life continued to flourish after graduation both professionally and personally.
The joy and pride I see on my mother’s face is priceless when I say or she reads, “Roushaun is an inspirational speaker, trainer, and writer. Her work has been featured and honored on a wide variety of podcasts, radio shows, and print publications. She also follows her passion for uplifting women by way of a weekly web show and an online health and wellness enterprise”.
Professionally, I just celebrated over 16 years with KraftHeinz Inc. as a Regional Sales Manager.
Personally, I have been an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for over 34 years. One of the principles my organization was founded on is community service. Living and embracing this value has changed my life forever and has helped me to accomplish things beyond my wildest dreams.
I co-founded a Girls Club called “Mission-Possible”, which helps young women build positive identities, strong academic skills, meaningful community service, and supportive sisterhood networks.
With the intention of assisting low-income families in my neighborhood, I founded and opened a “Free Community Clothes Closet” under the name “Halo Boutique-Empty Hangers”. We have helped hundreds of families in our local community.
I also won the title of Mrs. California in 2019 and came in second at the Mrs. Black America 2019 competition.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Self-publishing has not been easy. There have been a lot of highs and lows for me throughout the journey. There may have even been a few bruises and bumps from the valleys. The peaks have continued and are larger. The difficulties I would categorize into two main areas: physical and mental.
Mental: Avoid self-defeating thoughts. You may have some idea of how to accomplish what you want to achieve. You know what you want to do. However, you need to have a compelling “WHY”. Why are you motivated to accomplish it? This is essential and will help you get through the tough times.
Physical: I do not mean in terms of power and muscular mass. Haha! I’m talking about the “HOW” to get it done. It is crucial that you conduct thorough research and are aware of all the necessary skills you need in order to reach the goals you want to accomplish. Seek out a direction for your research. When I was informed that my book was available on Amazon, I sobbed uncontrollably. I sobbed even harder when I realized that it was for sale on an online platform that I frequent. It seemed unreal. The next concern was how the rest of the world would find out about its existence. This brings up the significance of having an effective worldwide “marketing plan.” Find investors and build a network.
Never Give Up! You can turn your dream into a reality!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
While working with the young girls in my Girls Club and remembering some of my personal experiences as a little girl regarding the spelling and pronunciation of my name I was inspired to write my first children’s book, “My Name is Ro Ro”.
Teachers could not pronounce my name correctly and some even called me by my last name which was Knox. Kids would tease me and call me “Knotts Berry Farm! Knotts Berry Farm!” I went home several times in tears, until the day my dear mother sat me down and told me why she named me Roushaun and the story behind it. Roushaun means “Bright Light”. After that conversation, I was changed forever. I loved my name and made sure it was pronounced and written correctly.
My book is a message to every child who learns that their name is a song of self-love. My Name is Ro Ro is dedicated to celebrating the uniqueness and beauty that resides within each one of them!
Book Description:
Ro Ro’s journey isn’t just about embracing her distinctive name; it’s about embracing her uniqueness and celebrating it with pride. As she navigates the colorful world around her, she learns that being different is not just okay-it’s extraordinary. This enchanting story is perfect for young readers and their families, offering a gentle reminder that our individuality is our greatest treasure. Ro Ro’s adventures are a delightful exploration of the power of self-acceptance, filled with laughter, love, and the sheer joy of embracing and celebrating the
one-of-a-kind person you are.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Sponsors and mentors have played a major role in my development and achievement. Truly, it “takes a village.” I cannot emphasize enough the importance of sponsorship and mentorship. A few things to remember:
1. Take Initiative: Make contact with people who are currently thriving in the sector or fields you are entering. They can provide you incredible advice and insight because they have been through this before.
2. People love to lend a hand. Have courage and take it!
3. Take aggressive action based on the facts they give you. Don’t sit on it, please.
4. Locate mentors in every field that is relevant to your goal and project, particularly if it is outside of your area of expertise. As for me, in terms of being an author of children’s books, I sent out feelers for mentors in the fields of publishing, illustration, marketing, retail placements (B&N, Walmart, Amazon), and investing.
Pricing:
- I am incredibly happy and appreciative to share the costs for my children’s book “My Name is Ro Ro” and my motivational speaking engagements.
- • https://www.amazon.com/s?k=my+name+is+RoRo&ref=nav_bb_sb o Hardcover $21.95 and Paperback $14.95. Two-day deliver o Bulk purchase discounts are available.
- • https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWVJRG7F?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details o Coloring Book $11.95. Two- day deliver o Empowerment Speaking Events: Various Starting at five hundred dollars per hour. Packages include books and photos In-Kind Community Service opportunities are available. Meet and Greet opportunities and book signing packages are available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roushaunjohnson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roushaunkjohnson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Roushaunkjohnson/
