Check Out Yira Coleman’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yira Coleman

Hi Yira, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
You know, if you had told me years ago that I’d be the author of a children’s book series, I might not have believed you. But looking back, I can see how every step of my journey has led me right here—and I wouldn’t trade a single piece of it.

The idea for The Fruity Friends came to me during one of the most beautiful seasons of my life—being a stay-at-home mom. I cherished those years, pouring my heart into raising my children. It was during a Titus 2 Bible study for women, centered on the Fruit of the Spirit, that a spark ignited in me. I kept thinking, “How do I take these profound, life-giving truths and make them real for little hearts?” That question kept tugging at me until one day, it was clear: I needed to write these stories and share them with the world.

I truly believe God calls each of us to do something special—to make an impact in ways only we can. And I know, without a doubt, that reaching the hearts of children is mine. My favorite quote sums it up perfectly: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Every book I write is an extension of that belief—a joyful offering to help children understand God’s love and truth in a fun, relatable way.

My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The road to publishing nine books wasn’t always easy—relationally, financially, you name it. But through it all, God has been so faithful. Today, I’m happily remarried to the most wonderful, romantic, and thoughtful man, Brian, who also happens to be an entrepreneur. He recently launched an incredible app called A Heart 2 Help, which connects people who want to help with those in need. I couldn’t be prouder of him and the work he’s doing.

My family is my greatest blessing and my constant inspiration. My son, Jase, a recent Pepperdine graduate, is beginning his career in sales while also pursuing his passion through his podcast, YoNerd, which dives into all things nerd culture. My daughter, Anaya, is excelling in college and has aspirations to become a Physician Assistant. She’s currently planning to transfer to either UCLA or San Diego State to finish her degree in Psychology. And then there’s my youngest, Zailey—my sweet, thoughtful nine-year-old who amazes me every day with her kindness and eagerness to help. I just know she’s going to make a big impact of her own one day.

I come from humble beginnings. I was born in Panama, the youngest of six children, and my parents are the true definition of hard workers. They came to a country where they didn’t speak the language, faced challenge after challenge, yet never gave up. Their perseverance and determination laid the most amazing foundation for me and my siblings. Watching them taught me that nothing worth having comes easy, and if you’re willing to work hard and trust God, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. That lesson is deeply woven into everything I do.

Today, as The Fruity Friends continues to grow, I’m expanding our product line and even venturing into live shows. It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come, and I know this is just the beginning. My heart is full, and I feel incredibly blessed to be on this journey. More than anything, I hope the stories I share bring light, joy, and a deeper understanding of God’s love to every child who reads them. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about—giving away the gifts we’ve been entrusted with and making a difference where it matters most.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? If only! Honestly, the journey to bringing Fruity Friends to life has been filled with its fair share of struggles. Being a stay-at-home mom was such a blessing—I truly cherished those years—but it also meant finances were tight. I had these books in my heart, but the reality was, I just couldn’t afford to publish them for a long time. Still, the dream never left me. No matter how many years passed, the desire to bring these stories to life burned inside of me. I knew I had to keep going.

On top of the financial hurdles, I faced personal challenges that tested me in ways I never imagined. After my previous marriage ended, I found myself having to move back to Los Angeles from Houston, Texas, as a single mom of three—with no job and no place to live. That season was incredibly tough. It’s a vulnerable feeling when you’re trying to figure everything out on your own while still being strong for your kids. But through every step of that journey, God was so faithful. He provided everything I needed, exactly when I needed it, and I can honestly say there were moments where I witnessed miracles. From finding housing to job opportunities, He never let me go without.

And you know, it was during those challenges that I did my best work—because I had no choice but to focus on Him, on what He had called me to do, and on the future I wanted to build. Perseverance, prayer, and staying faithful—without looking too far ahead or getting overwhelmed—became my anchors. There were many days where I felt uncertain, but every time I brought my worries to God, He met me there. Every single prayer was answered in some way, and looking back, I’m just in awe of how He carried me through.

I wouldn’t trade those hard seasons for anything because they made me stronger. They deepened my faith and showed me what I’m capable of when I trust in God’s plan. I learned firsthand that even when things feel impossible, there’s always a way forward. Now, to see my books published and expanding into new products—it’s honestly a testament to the power of perseverance and prayer. I’m beyond grateful for how far I’ve come and the people who have supported me along the way.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
By day, I am the Director of Channel Partnerships for the most awesome payroll and HR services company—Coastal Payroll, the largest independent payroll provider on the West Coast. My role is all about building relationships and fostering partnerships with group health benefit brokers, bankers, accountants, HR consultants, and more. I work to ensure these professionals can trust and rely on our solutions to serve their clients. It’s not just about making connections—it’s about creating genuine, trusted partnerships where we can reciprocate business, expand Coastal’s reach, and, as I like to call it, spread the “Coastal gospel.”

It’s the best career move I’ve ever made, and I’m proud to represent a company that operates with excellence, prioritizes true, dedicated support for its clients, and fosters a culture where people genuinely care and feel like family. There’s something special about working with a team that puts people first—it makes all the difference.

I’m especially passionate about helping business owners in Los Angeles with their critical payroll and HR needs. I know how important it is to have reliable support, and I take pride in being a trusted resource they can count on. Knowing I can make a real difference in the day-to-day lives of business owners, partners and their teams is incredibly rewarding, and I feel grateful every day to do what I do.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
When I think about the qualities that have contributed most to my success, a few things come to mind. First and foremost, my faith and God’s leading have been my foundation. I truly believe that when you align yourself with the purpose He’s placed on your heart, doors open that no one else could. Beyond that, my grit and perseverance have carried me through even the toughest seasons. I don’t give up easily—if anything, challenges fuel my drive to push harder. Creativity also plays a big role in how I approach my work, especially when it comes to finding new ways to build meaningful relationships and share solutions that make a real impact. And, of course, self-motivation keeps me going. I’m always striving to grow, improve, and deliver my best in everything I do.

Pricing:

• $12 per individual book
• $72 for the box set of 9 books (33% discount)
• $17 – $27 T-shirts
• $32 – $36 Hoodies
• $11 – $39 Accessories and Essentials

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thefruityfriends.com/
• Instagram: @FruityFriendsBooks
• Facebook: Fruity Friends by Yira