When we first interviewed Paula Banks, she had just released her debut children’s book and added “author” to her list of titles. Fifteen months later, she’s a multi-published author, founder of her own publishing company, and the creator of several literacy programs focused on one mission: helping kids see themselves in the stories they read—and write.

In this inspiring follow-up interview, Paula reflects on what has unfolded since that first episode—and how much can happen in a short amount of time when you say “yes” to your calling.

“It hasn’t even been a full year, and someone asked how long I’d been doing this. When I said, ‘Not even twelve months,’ they were shocked. Honestly, I’m shocked, too.” — Paula Banks

In that time, Paula has:

• Published five children’s books (including award-winning Dream Big, Peyton)
• Created a pre-K/kindergarten workbook series
• Launched EION Books, her own publishing imprint
• Founded the Diverse Book Hub, a platform to help families find inclusive stories
• Developed the Books by Me school workshop to help children become published authors
• Helped other authors—both children’s and adult fiction—bring their work to life

But her mission remains rooted in the same core value: representation matters.

“I know what it feels like to grow up and not see yourself in any books. I don’t want today’s kids to go through that.”

That sense of urgency and heart fuels every project she touches. When she visits schools, children tell her: “Peyton looks like me!” or “I didn’t know I could be an author.” And she takes the opportunity to tell them, “Yes, you can—and you don’t have to wait.”

Paula’s “Books by Me” program helps students in school environments write their own stories and publish them in anthologies, becoming authors at a young age. It’s the kind of opportunity she didn’t know was possible until adulthood—and now, she’s working to make it normal for the next generation.

Her path into publishing was not without fear. Even after successfully publishing her own books, she was hesitant to call herself a publisher. But after helping her sister-in-law launch a heartfelt book about grief, Paula realized she had the skills, the compassion, and the perspective to guide others through the same process.

“I was nervous at first, but someone reminded me—‘You’ve done this over and over. You are a publisher.’ So I claimed it.”

Her publishing house, EION Books, now supports both children’s and adult authors with a special focus on storytelling that uplifts, empowers, and reflects a diverse world.

When asked what keeps her going through the inevitable doubt, imposter syndrome, and slow days, Paula doesn’t hesitate.

“There’s something in me that won’t quit. I still have days where I question myself—but my mission is clear. I want kids to feel confident in their voice. I want them to grow up knowing they matter.”

And her advice for the woman who’s just starting, who can’t yet see what’s ahead?

“You have to walk through the fear. What’s on the other side is something beautiful—but you have to take that first step.”