Kristen is the author of Happy Clouds Coloring Book and Happy Clouds, which teaches children 12 affirmations like “I am loved,” using bright imagery and a heart symbol. She also wrote Happy Words: 72 Words for Kids to Read, designed to help beginning readers recognize objects in a cheerful way.Along with her books, Kristen designs patent-pending plushies, custom pencils and pens, and has released two children’s music albums. Her YouTube channel, Happy Happy Everything, shares fun and educational music and videos for children.We discussed her childhood dream of becoming a Disney animator, her passion for Disney, and how she created a vision board to guide her path toward building products that inspire happiness in children. Kristen shared how she launched Happy Happy Everything, Inc. with the desire to bring joy and inspiration not just to kids, but also to adults who may have lost their sense of creativity. Betsy and Kristen talked about how children are naturally creative, but often face discouragement in structured settings like school. Kristen emphasized how important it is for children to feel loved and supported—because when kids feel good about themselves, they’re more likely to want to learn. Kristen also spoke openly about the fear many people have around chasing their dreams. She believes that not trying at all is the real failure, and that making mistakes is simply part of the learning process. Kristen shared her recent experience doing her first book signing, meet-and-greet, and reading at a local Barnes & Noble—something that brought her work to life in her own community.Kristen has a deep commitment to giving back and has partnered with several nonprofit organizations to donate her books and materials, including: Books for Collier Kids, which purchased books for every Pre-K and Kindergarten student in her county Room to Read, who partnered with Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi in Pakistan to distribute her materials Salty Life Foundation, which sent her books to an orphanage in Kenya Women’s Shelter in Naples, Florida Make-A-Wish Southwest Florida Golisano Children’s Hospital Betsy also shared how much she enjoyed the music from her YouTube channel. Personally, she would have loved to use it in the preschool where she once worked as a Teacher’s Aide—it’s that uplifting and fun.If you’re looking to inspire the children in your life, Betsy highly recommends exploring the Happy Happy Everything books and resources Kristen offers. Kristen's passion is contagious, and her work is truly making a difference Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chatting-with-betsy--4211847/support . 💡 At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.
