Fatmata Jalloh shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Fatmata, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Weekday mornings:
Wake up to chaos. Coffee first (non-negotiable). Then comes the scramble: packing a school lunch while my first grader decides breakfast is clearly optional compared to drawing and coloring masterpieces. Cue the mad dash out the door, followed by the daily test of patience also known as “driving in LA traffic.”
Weekend mornings:
Wake up slowly, coffee still mandatory (but now enjoyed like a civilized human instead of chugged like an IV drip). Saturdays mean soccer games, Sundays mean late lazy breakfasts.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Fatmata. I am a mom (auntie), wife, children’s book author, and nurse practitioner. I wrote My Beautiful Son and have plans to write and share more books in the future. My mission is to encourage learning through play while pouring positivity into our kids, so they grow into kind, empathetic, and well-educated adults.
The proceeds from my book are donated — not because I am wealthy, but because I recognize how blessed I’ve been through certain childhood privileges, and I know that not every child has the same opportunities. Giving back is my way of helping bridge that gap.
I have written more stories that I hold close to my heart for now, and when the time feels right, I look forward to sharing them with the world. Writing, for me, is not just about books — it’s about planting seeds of kindness, imagination, and hope in the next generation.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people?
Hate. And it’s important to remember that hate is not innate — it’s learned. Another thing that creates division is the unknown — when people never see beyond their own world, it becomes harder to understand others or empathize with experiences different from their own.
This is where children’s books (and stories in general) can be so powerful. They allow young readers to see worlds both familiar and different from their own, helping to build understanding, compassion, and curiosity instead of fear or judgment.
What restores those bonds?
Love and empathy. When we approach one another with compassion, when we try to truly listen and connect, we repair what was broken.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes! When I was illustrating and formatting my book, I almost gave up. I had a vision for how I wanted it to look, and it took several tries before we finally got it right. Writing and releasing a children’s book is not easy, and marketing it afterward can be even harder, especially as an indie author. But I believe in my book and in its message, so I keep going.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Very much so. Most people who know me in my “public life” also know me personally, so it would be pretty funny to put something out there that isn’t true — they’d call me out on it immediately. Jokes aside, being yourself is so much less exhausting. Pretending to be someone you’re not takes energy, but authenticity frees you up to actually connect with people. And honestly, life is already busy enough — I don’t need to add “keeping up a fake version of myself” to the to-do list.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Stop worrying about the “small stuff.” I lost my one and only brother in 2024. He was one of the hardest-working people I knew, and he truly lived life to the fullest — though even he often felt there was always something that “needed to be done.”
I’ve realized I’m the same way, but more on the side of focusing on the tasks and less on embracing life. Losing him reminded me that letting go of the “little stuff” isn’t just about reducing stress — it’s about freeing up time and energy to actually live, love, and be present.
Contact Info:
- Website: fatmatajallohbooks@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sajs.bookcorner and @hearthealthnp
Image Credits
Attempted to upload more photos but was unsuccessful. And chance of sending the photos another way?
