We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kierra Pippen. Check out our conversation below.
Kierra, 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 are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
The thing I’m most proud of building—yet almost no one truly sees—is myself. People often see the polished version: the Executive Publisher, the mentor, the woman leading Literary Freedom Publishing with faith-driven purpose. But they rarely see the inner work it took to become her. I’ve spent years strengthening my confidence, healing old wounds, learning to use my voice differently, and making peace with the parts of me that once felt overlooked.
That quiet, personal construction project is the foundation for everything else I build publicly—books, programs, opportunities for young writers, and safe spaces for creative expression. The growth I’ve done behind the scenes allows me to pour into others with clarity, humility, and compassion. So while the world sees the work of my hands, the thing I’m most proud of is the work of my heart.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kierra Pippen, and I’m the Executive Publisher and Founder of Literary Freedom Publishing. I help writers bring their stories to life—whether they’re children discovering their imagination for the first time or adults finally ready to share the book they’ve been carrying in their hearts. My work blends creativity, mentorship, and guidance, giving authors the tools and confidence they need to move from idea to finished book.
What makes Literary Freedom Publishing special is the value system that fuels everything we do. We operate with a spirit of freedom, abundance, imagination, truth, and humility. These aren’t just words—they show up in how we support our authors, how we collaborate, and how we honor every person’s unique journey. Writers come to us not just for publishing, but for connection, clarity, and a space where their voice is respected and uplifted.
I also pour a lot of time into community work. Each year, we host creative writing contests for teens, partner with local schools, and guide young writers through the process of becoming published authors. I mentor girls through programs that build confidence, identity, and communication skills—because literacy isn’t just about reading and writing; it’s about self-expression and empowerment.
Right now, I’m expanding our youth-focused initiatives and developing more resources for families, educators, and aspiring authors. My mission is simple: to make storytelling accessible, transformative, and deeply meaningful for every person who crosses my path.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother—my Nana—saw me long before I fully saw myself. From the time I was little, she nurtured the parts of me that would eventually grow into the heart of Literary Freedom Publishing. She encouraged bedtime stories, filled our home with books, and made reading feel like an adventure rather than a task. She celebrated my imagination, helped me embrace authenticity, and taught me that my voice had value even before I fully understood what that meant.
Looking back, she was building something in me with so much intention—confidence, curiosity, compassion, and a love for storytelling. Those qualities are woven into every part of my work today. Literary Freedom Publishing exists, in many ways, because she first created a safe space for me to dream. She saw the writer, the leader, the nurturer, and the creative in me before I knew how to name any of those things. And her influence continues to guide how I support others in seeing the greatness within themselves.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me things that success never could—perspective, possibility, and a deeper understanding of myself. When everything is going well, it’s easy to move fast and overlook the small, quiet parts of who you are. But in difficult seasons, you’re forced to slow down and face the truth of your strengths, your limits, and your capacity to evolve.
My hardest moments taught me how to see beyond what’s right in front of me. They stretched my imagination in ways success never had to. They showed me that even when something breaks, there is always something to build—within yourself, within your purpose, and within the people you’re called to serve. Those experiences sharpened my empathy, strengthened my resilience, and taught me that growth often happens in the dark long before it blooms in the light.
That perspective shapes how I lead Literary Freedom Publishing today. I’m able to meet writers where they are—with patience, understanding, and hope—because I know what it feels like to rebuild. Suffering taught me how to see possibility in places that once felt empty. Success didn’t give me that. My struggles did.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
I differentiate between fads and foundational shifts by looking at longevity, substance, and impact. Fads often grab attention quickly—they’re flashy, momentary, and feel urgent—but they rarely withstand the test of time or produce meaningful results. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, are slower to take root but endure because they address real needs, inspire lasting change, and align with core values.
In my work with Literary Freedom Publishing, this perspective guides every decision—from the programs we develop for youth to how we mentor writers. I ask myself: Does this create lasting value for the community? Does it fill gaps where support or guidance is missing? Does it elevate people’s voices and strengthen their skills in ways that last beyond the moment? If the answer is yes, it’s a foundational shift. If it’s fleeting excitement with little depth, it’s a fad—and I let it pass. This discernment helps me focus on what truly matters.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, my role, and my possessions, what would remain is the core of who I truly am—the compassion I extend to others, the creativity that shapes my vision, the integrity that guides my choices, and the emotional intelligence that allows me to connect deeply. It would be my resourcefulness in finding solutions, my curiosity and commitment as a truth seeker, and the quiet resilience that carries me through challenges.
The outward expressions of my life—my work, my accomplishments, and my material things—exist only because of that internal foundation. What remains is the love I give, the lives I’ve touched, and the spaces I’ve created for others to find their voice and confidence. At the end of the day, it’s the essence of my character, lived with intention, that endures beyond titles or possessions and continues to shape everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://literaryfreedompub.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/literaryfreedompub/
