Today we’d like to introduce you to Denisecia Lee.
Hi Denisecia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As an inner-city youth, I developed a love for writing because it was the only way to escape my environment. Growing up in a low socioeconomic community, I didn’t see many opportunities to express myself in healthy ways, so I befriended writing. First, I began writing small journal entries notating my day and jotting down how I felt. As a daughter of a single mother with my father in prison, one can imagine the amount of disappointment, anger, fear, and resentment that I felt in those moments. Since I couldn’t scream at my father or tell him how unhappy I was, I allowed my pen to speak for me. As I grew older, what was once a “way to escape” is now helping others experience freedom and comfort in the form of children’s books and devotionals.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would say that this writing journey hasn’t been smooth due to me experiencing various life challenges. For example, as a teen I experienced my first domestic violence relationship. Before we were even intimate, my boyfriend at the time would leave marks on my neck that resembled a hickey, “to mark his territory,” in his words. During this time, I was verbally belittled, physically restrained, and made to feel that I was only property unworthy of love. Since my relationship with my father was distant, I didn’t know that what I was experiencing was in fact not love. It was a toxic attempt to gain my vulnerability so that I could be controlled. This relationship quickly turned into me being verbally abused, while still attending high school as if nothing was going on. I decided not to inform any of my family members or friends of the abuse out of fear of what could happen to me. Oftentimes I questioned if God truly loved me. How could such a Sovereign God allow these vicious, often random acts of mistreatment to happen to His beloved child? I remember crying out for help in the darkest hour of the night, but there was no rescue or at least I thought. It wasn’t until this particular individual was forced to change schools that I was able to escape the relationship. Although I experienced these unforeseen situations, I know now that this was a small part of God’s greater plan.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I specialize in helping others attain academic growth, socio-emotional wellness, and helping to build a sustaining relationship with Jesus Christ. As an author, I am most proud of others being impacted and changed by my vulnerability. I have begun to receive more feedback from parents/guardians about how my first children’s book, God Still Loves Me: 7 Daily Affirmations and Prayers, has helped build their child’s confidence and relationship with Christ. In my opinion, one thing that sets me apart from other creatives is my authenticity and my books being based on the foundational truth that is written in God’s Holy scriptures.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe that it is very important to have a mentor regardless of your age. It is best to find an experienced mentor that is not just wise or noble but is relatable. This mentor can be trailblazing in their own right, making impacts locally, nationally, or globally. Your mentor should be able to not only motivate you but “light a fire” under your potential, hold you accountable, and help you to navigate successfully through the seasons of life through their advice, counsel, and expertise. As far as networking, you should always be open to meeting new people and should practice serving others. With the onset of covid-19, I believe many have lost the art of serving others through kind acts and expressing gratitude. When it is possible, it is also important to get active in your local community, advocate for others, and spread as much love as possible. Doing this can open lots of opportunities to connect with new people and can develop into lifelong partnerships.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: author_denisecialee
- Facebook: Grace Tutoring and Mentorship Services
- Linkedin: Denisecia Lee
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gracetutoringandmentorship
- Other: IG: Grace Tutoring and Mentorship Services
Image Credits
TG Photography Studio
