Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Chong Kim
Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Once upon a time (okay, maybe not that long ago), I was a middle school math teacher, knee-deep in lesson plans, equations, and the magic of watching young minds light up with understanding. I loved my job, but there was always this tiny whisper in my heart telling me there was another way I could inspire kids beyond the four walls of a classroom.
Fast forward a few years, and that whisper turned into a roar when I decided to take a leap into the world of children’s books. My debut book, Carol the Carrot Bowls for the Salad Bowl, was born from my deep belief in celebrating individuality and teamwork—an idea inspired by my students, who taught me that every child learns, leads, and thrives in their own unique way. I wanted to create stories that didn’t just entertain but empowered kids to embrace their differences.
Now, I’m an author, speaker, and advocate for leadership in young readers. I’ve taken my experience as a teacher and infused it into my books, school visits, and even social media to build a community where kids (and their parents) can feel seen, valued, and inspired. It’s been an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and, of course, a whole lot of veggies!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Oh man, I wish! If my journey were a road, it would be a winding mountain pass with a few unexpected potholes, a couple of detours, and some breathtaking scenic views.
Transitioning from a steady teaching career to the unpredictable world of publishing and entrepreneurship was exhilarating but terrifying. I had to learn everything from scratch—marketing, book launches, networking, and, oh yes, how to handle rejection like a pro. There were moments of doubt, where I wondered if I had made a huge mistake. But every time I saw a child connect with my book, every time a parent told me how much their little one loved Carol the Carrot, I knew I was on the right path.
One of my biggest challenges? Finding my voice in a sea of incredible authors. I had to remind myself that my story, my perspective, and my message were uniquely mine. It wasn’t about competing; it was about contributing something meaningful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an author, storyteller, and educator at heart. My books are more than just bedtime stories; they’re little love letters to kids, reminding them that their uniqueness is their superpower.
Have you ever read a book about a carrot before? Didn’t think so! What sets me apart is that I took an unexpected character—a carrot with leadership dreams—and turned it into a story that resonates with kids and adults alike. But beyond the book itself, my journey stands out because I never planned to be here. One day, I was teaching math; the next, I was navigating the author world with no idea that my book would land me features on iHeart Radio and major platforms. Talk about a plot twist!
I specialize in creating stories that blend leadership, teamwork, and character-building with fun, vibrant storytelling. What makes my books stand out is that they’re not just about entertainment—they’re about empowerment. I take complex leadership concepts and break them down into fun, relatable, and digestible lessons for kids.
I’m most proud of the impact my book has had in schools. Seeing educators use my story to spark conversations about leadership and inclusion? That’s the real win for me. And knowing that somewhere out there, a kid is reading my book and feeling seen as a leader for the first time? That’s the kind of magic I live for. But my work doesn’t stop at books. I now host an author podcast where I give a voice to fellow writers around the world, including those who, like me, were once introverted and never thought they could step into the spotlight.
Most importantly, I give my students a voice. I want kids to see themselves in my books and know their experiences, thoughts, and dreams matter. Whether they are natural-born leaders or kids who are still discovering their strengths, they have something valuable to say, and I want to make sure they feel heard. That’s the beauty of storytelling—it lifts everyone up.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking and I have had an interesting relationship. I was raised to value stability and security (hence, my 11-year teaching career), so stepping into the unknown wasn’t exactly in my comfort zone. But here’s what I’ve learned: every great thing in life comes with a little bit of risk.
One of the biggest risks I took was leaving my teaching job to pursue writing full-time. It was a leap of faith, filled with uncertainty and a whole lot of “what ifs.” What if no one reads my book? What if I fail? But then I flipped the question: What if it works? What if this is exactly what I’m meant to do?
That mindset shift changed everything. I don’t see risk as something to fear anymore; I see it as an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to create something bigger than myself. I tell kids all the time—leaders aren’t born; they’re made. And that means taking chances, making mistakes, and having the courage to try again.
So, do I see myself as a risk-taker? Absolutely. Not because I have all the answers, but because I’m willing to take the first step, even when I don’t know exactly where it will lead. And that, to me, is the most exciting adventure of all. Let’s build a world where every child sees themselves as a leader!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chelseastorynook.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseastory_nook/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chelseastorynookpodcast
