Ms. Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, a proud native of Cincinnati, began her journey as a teen parent but transformed her challenges into opportunities through unwavering faith, social support, and self-motivation. Renowned as a bridge-builder, national leadership educator, author, and philanthropist, she is the award-winning founder/CEO of a impactful 501c3 organization dedicated to empowering teen parents with self-leadership skills to leave a lasting legacy. Ms. Oglesby-Henry’s impactful work has graced the pages of Forbes and four novels, and she features prominently in the 2022 Documentary Short, “Worth One’s Salt,” shedding light on health equity barriers for black pregnant teens. With over 40 honors for leadership and philanthropy, she has passionately advocated for education, Youth Pregnancy & Parenthood Awareness, and maternal health. As a speaker and panelist, Ms. Rosemary has reached millions through international and local media outlets, sharing her story and organization’s mission. With a rich entrepreneurial background, she has mentored over 50 small businesses and non-profits, contributing to an estimated cumulative revenue increase of over 50%, totaling $200,000.
Author Q&A
What inspired you to write your first book? What inspired me to write the first book was the need to share my experiences from a place of healing. I believe I lived the first.
Do you have a specific writing style? I would say my writing style is reflective and descriptive. I have a habit reflecting on my experiences, recording how it has impacted me in a very descriptive way. I work to keep it open-ended so they can see themselves in the scenario.
How did you come up with the title? I came up with the title from a title a long-time friend once called me. The title The Rose Who Blossomed through Concrete explains my experience. While Consequence vs Choice is how I lived my life, the first part by consequence and the second part by choice.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? The message I want all persons to understand is to keep moving forward and keep looking up. That in any situation never allow your barriers to break you, use them for your breakthrough.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? The book is based on my personal life and events that drew me closer to God.
What books have most influenced your life most? The Way of the Shepherd by Dr. Kevin Leman & Bill Pentak, Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah, From Good to Great by Jim Collins
What are your current projects? I am currently working on an Anthology with a group of amazing women with shared stories, due to released in 2024.
Do you see writing as a career? Now that my children are adults, I do feel that writing will become more focused on my writing and creating literature to inspire, education, and inform anyone who reads the book.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? If I had it to do all over again, I would not change anything in the book. It’s a very short read and I hope that people truly can understand the correlation and feel inspired.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? My interest in writing originated from reading literature as a kid. I was somewhat of a nerd and I found books to be an outlet. I had an intense love for Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Jodi Picoult.
Can you share a little of your current work with us? My newest piece is again inspirational and focuses on the grit of being publicly persecuted while trying to walk in your purpose.
Who designed the covers? My book was a compilation of my thoughts and Kemonte Figgs artist talents. I visually knew what I wanted the cover to look like and he painted the cover. The piece hangs in my office today.
What was the hardest part of writing your book? The hardest part of writing my book was having to reflect on decisions and dealing with the emotions that come with that. Some even that you assumed you had moved past.
Connect with Rosemary Online
Website: https://www.thepetalsincorporation.com/
Facebook:
The Rose Who Blossomed Through the Concrete is available for purchase in print and ebook formats on Amazon.
BookBuzz helps indie authors, hybrid authors, and small publishers promote and market their books. They also help with book reviews, publicity, and more. Let’s Create Some Buzz For Your Book!!!