Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Kolodziejczyk
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2010, I wrote and illustrated my first children’s book, “These White Feathers” as a college project at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). My major was in Special education, so the project focused on children with special needs. The story was inspired by a childhood friend with Down Syndrome, who would color his arms with chalk so he would look like his adoptive family. In the book, a duck wishes to change his appearance but learns to love himself the way he is. I printed and coil-bound the book using UTSA’s resources and shared it with my Facebook friends, never imagining it would spark a passion for writing children’s books.
After graduation, I worked as a life skills teacher for students with multiple and severe disabilities, where I developed a talent for rhyming and simplifying complex ideas. Life threw other challenges my way, including helping my husband manage his chronic illnesses, and I found that I needed a creative outlet to balance the stress and if it could help pay some bills, that would be a bonus! That led me to start an at-home screen-printing business, where I learned the ins and outs of Shopify and even created how-to videos for my YouTube channel, Shelly Creates It. With 1.6k subscribers and counting, it’s become a space where I share my love of crafting and creating. I may or may not have gotten this multi-hobby fascination from my parents. They are both very hard-working but also enjoy several different pastimes.
In 2021, the birth of my nephew reignited my love for children’s books. I wanted to give him something special—a book that captured the beauty of my Texas Hill Country childhood. That’s how “Trampoline Dreaming” came to fruition. It’s a book set in Leakey, Texas that invites young readers to experience the joy of dreaming big as well as slowing down to enjoy nature. But how could I gift him a “real” book? My college project was bound with a book report cover, and that wouldn’t do!
After some research, I discovered Amazon KDP and leaped into self-publishing. In no time, I published my first two children’s books under the pen name “Aunt Shelly.” I handled orders and S&H through Shopify. I even gifted many copies to family, friends, and little free libraries. My book sales have been slow, but the joy of seeing families and children’s faces light up when reading my books keeps me motivated.
Since then, I’ve published five more children’s books and several activity books. I did find a print-on-demand publisher, Lulu Express, which allowed me to offer hardcover versions through Shopify—something I was excited to provide as a more timeless option for my readers. In 2023, I transitioned my shirt business to direct-to-film printing (DTF). I currently accept small custom orders on my website. I also added my books with full previews for families to read before purchasing. You can grab an author-signed copy from my website or visit my Etsy, “Imagine It Gift It.”
Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey, and have my parents, sister, and husband to thank as well. They taught me to be myself and always try my best! With every book, I try to make it meaningful, fun, and creative! I can’t wait to see what book 100 will be!
Over the last couple of months, I’ve been participating in author readings, signings, and meet-and-greets! I’ve been able to connect with other authors and families while I share my stories in person. I look forward to 2024 and beyond, as I attend more events. Even host my own! My goal is to continue inspiring young readers to dream big and embrace their uniqueness. If I could, I would gift every family a set of my books. The love of reading and learning is priceless—it’s far more important to me than any price tag.
To all the families of readers out there, thank you for your support. And don’t forget to give a shoutout to your elementary school teachers and families who instilled a passion for reading! Readers make leaders, and as parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to keep that passion alive.
Other books by Aunt Shelly:
-“Idioms that Rhyme” series: Making idioms fun and accessible for children, with plans to release a new book each year.
-“I Love You to the Other Side of the Cornfield”: A heartwarming story of love and connection between a child and their parents on a busy Texas farm.
-“Sarah and Sammi”: A memoir based on real-life events, showing the memories and deep connection of Sarah with her friends, family, and dog Sammi.
-“Special Sauce”: Follows Gaston, a lively young boy living with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, as he encourages others to see beyond his condition and appreciate his true self.
Coming Soon:
-“Froggy Friend”: A fall camping adventure with a glimpse into wildlife by the frio river.
-“Presence, Not Presents”: A holiday story that emphasizes the joy of making memories over materialism.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Anything worth doing comes with its challenges. My journey has had struggles, but who’s journey hasn’t? I still have big dreams, but I’m also learning to enjoy the present and be grateful for what is happening right now.
Balancing teaching, managing chronic illnesses, and nurturing my passion for crafting hasn’t been a smooth ride. When my husband and I got married in 2016, we spent the first year of our marriage in and out of the hospital for a total of 12 weeks. Life was tough, and it still can be at times, but we made it through. God blessed us in ways we didn’t expect! What little energy I had left, I poured into staying busy by creating things that others appreciated as gifts.
Then adding entrepreneurship on top of that kept me challenged as it was a learning curve. You have to stick with your goals and dreams. Day in and day out. Get up and try every day, and in time, those small wins will add up to something great!
Also, don’t be afraid to change direction—I should have stepped away from my screen-printing business sooner, but I really don’t like to quit. In the end, it was a good decision. While I miss it at times, I’m having so much fun creating books!
Every obstacle is a chance to learn. Instead of giving up, I’ve learned to shift my mindset and ask, ‘What can I take away from this?
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business, Shelly Creates It, is a reflection of my passion for sharing creativity, even while working full-time as a special education teacher.
Did you know, everyone is creative? Even you! There’s something out there for you. Try and find an outlet to release those creative juices.
Shelly Creates It began as a home-based screen printing business, that I documented on YouTube. Over time, I’ve expanded my videos to anything from handmade greeting cards and illustrating on the iPad to Adobe tutorials and more. I even have a few DIY wedding videos in there—I made everything by hand, including my dress!
At the heart of Shelly Creates It, I focus on creating things that bring people joy. I love making unique, meaningful items that others enjoy or love to gift. Whether it’s books, shirts, greeting cards, embroidery, photography, or digital designs. I want to share my knowledge inspire others to explore their creativity, and provide personalized, thoughtful creations.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
My goal for children’s books is to publish 100 books!
A few interesting things people may not know about me: I graduated High School with a class of 20 and I was Salutatorian. Through God’s miracles, I received a full scholarship from the Cailloux Foundation and attended UTSA,
Lastly, I have a collection of Rubik’s cubes. I was obsessed with them in the early 2010s and had one with me everywhere I went. I could solve it in under 3.5 minutes.
Pricing:
- Children’s Books $15-$20
- T-Shirts, varies on size and design $10-$25
- Stickers $3
- Greeting Cards & Postcards $2+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shellycreatesit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellycreatesit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellycreatesit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9SKRNzcvr9U2JYjNF3w7KA?sub_confirmation=1
- Other: https://mkolodziejczyk.myportfolio.com/
