We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rachel Reigard. Check out our conversation below.
Rachel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing any opportunity where I get to create something from scratch. Whether that is writing a book, designing a home project, or planning an event, I love to start with a clean slate! If I stopped pursuing that itch, I feel like my overall mental health would suffer. Whenever I am creating something, I feel most like myself. When I have something to work towards each day, it helps me stay motivated and sharp. I love to learn, and creation is the most effective learning tool for me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I started writing my first book when I was 23 because I had a concept on my mind that wouldn’t stop nagging until I began writing. Up until then, I always had an excuse not to write professionally; either I thought I was too young or I thought no one would take me seriously. Then I realized none of that mattered, and the only one who was holding me back was myself. Since then, I have written 28 kids’ activity books, designed 28 journals, written almost three years of curriculum, and published 8 plans on the Bible app, and I am only 30! If you had told my extremely hesitant 23-year-old self all that I would be able to do in seven years, I would have gotten started sooner. I thank God for all the doors He has opened for me to keep writing and creating; it is the best affirmation I can get! I currently just finished my latest kids’ activity book: Giddy Up, it’s Christmas! A full color Christmas activity book that walks Elementary kids through the Christmas story with a snowman sheriff named Wally to guide them through!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I grew up doing competitive dance and gymnastics, and what I lacked in technique I made up for in my performance. I realized at a very early age how you can make an audience feel something if you believe it enough yourself. To tell a story through your movement is a powerful thing, and to be able to create joy or even sadness in a stranger is an incredible tool that I use in my writing and teaching. It all starts the same: do you believe in what you are doing, and can you convey your convictions in a way that sparks someone to respond?
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I think suffering helped me realize the real reason why I started creating in the first place. Was it for the applause, validation, and money? Or is it for the fulfillment and joy I get from using the talents that have been given to me? If I am creating to get approval from others, then I am in trouble, so it has to be about something deeper. Suffering through rejection either makes you or breaks you, but if you can keep pursuing a bigger purpose, you are not likely to give up!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That we have to stay in one lane or one box. I write in various genres for different age groups, including spiritual growth, fiction, activity books, and curriculum. I believe it is crucial to challenge myself to write in a way that scares me a little. If you have a love for someone, then you want to know them in every way you can, and I think the same goes for when you love a dream. You want to learn everything you can and explore as many avenues as possible to continue learning more about the passion you care about so much.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Ever since starting my full-time ministry career, I have woken up excited to get to work. Although I’ve had my share of hard days, I have never dreaded what I do. I have been incredibly blessed to have found my calling so early on in life, and that is not lost on me. The days that get me extra excited are the ones when I’m creating and executing a project I have been working on. Seeing something grow bigger than yourself is a humbling experience that has always encouraged me to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rachelreigard.com
- Instagram: rachelkatlyn
