Empowerment and leadership strategist Aria Craig is a speaker, certified coach, and consultant for ambitious single, divorced and blended mothers. She is also the award-winning author of The Single Mother Diaries™ and is the founder of The M.I.L.E. Movement – Mothers Influencing Leadership & Empowerment.
Why did you write The Single Mother Diaries series?
After I obtained my bachelor’s degree in 2006, I lost my job and decided to pursue writing books as fulfillment during my career search. My son and I always received compliments on his character and achievements, even from perfect strangers. So, I decided to write a series of books entitled, The Single Mother Diaries™ with the anticipation of helping other single parents gain tips on parenting, being career savvy and finding love. Although the title is from my personal experience as a single mother, it undoubtedly serves as an empowerment and leadership tool for any parent.
What do you hope readers will glean from reading your book?
I hope readers will identify with some of my experiences that I’ve chronicled being a child of a single mom and later becoming one myself – such as having those necessary conversations around bullying, sex, and drugs; child support & visitation issues; finding mentors; and preparing your child for adulthood. I am confident that readers will discover valuable tips on reaching goals while raising productive children. There are also great co-parenting strategies as well as a section on balancing blended family dynamics.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I do not have a specific style. My writing is pretty candid and comes from a place of love with a purpose of betterment.
What books have most impacted your life?
Besides reading scriptures, No More Sheets by Juanita Bynum, Tapping the Power Within by Iyanla Vanzant, and Spark & Hustle by Tory Johnson are the life-changing books that I’ve read. There was a fictional book that I read 18 years ago named Blessings by Sheneska Jackson that was also inspiring.
What new writers have piqued your interest?
I haven’t read new material lately, but I’ll be searching soon for writers whose messages and styles resonate with me.
What books are you currently reading? Why this writer?
I have read an excerpt from The Power of Broke by Daymond John. Even though he is not a new author, his book is fairly new and the principles have really captured my attention. I’ve been broke and broken before, so I needed that drive that would cause me to action. This book does just that. Plus, I rocked FUBU™ back in my younger days, so I am a fan of Damond John as an African-American entrepreneur. I am also reading books about sisterhood as part of my initiative to empower, uplift and inspire other women (particularly African-American women).
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything about your latest work?
Absolutely not. My last book gives great hope to those who are overwhelmed and don’t believe they can be successful while parenting as the only authority figure in the household. I am currently working on the second volume to The Single Mother Diaries, which gives tips and strategies on being savvy to climb the corporate ladder or embark on establishing your own business. Due to recent events, I believe the latter is going to see some significant increase and I want to be an advocate for successful entrepreneurship.
