We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Gillette Child of God/Book Lady and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine Gillette, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Growing up, I remember my Dad used to say to me, you know if you spent even just 20 minutes a day, reading a page out of the dictionary, you’d increase your vocabulary so much by the end of the year. That’s 365 days, 20 minutes a day.. that’s more than 120 hours of knowledge added up! (If I’m doing my math right? LOL 😂 ) And of course, in true teenager fashion, I rolled my eyes. Well, fast forward to now being a Mom with a 9 year old, I find myself saying the SAME thing to him. Funny how history repeats itself because he’s a reluctant reader. He’d happily rather play games on an Ipad or do anything but read.

My son is my why of becoming a book lady. I’ve been a brand partner with the now PaperPie (formerly Usborne Books & More) for more than 5 years. I wanted an amazing library for our son and because of our books, of how interactive and fun they are, it really helped him take an interests in reading and just picking up a book more! In this day and age, of competing with technology and all the distractions of the “Busy-Ness” we all face… I found my place in the children’s book world to share one book at a time to help bring families together.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m proud that I helped my son to be able to read and learn to appreciate books. That’s why I became a brand partner with PaperPie. In my former life, as I like to call it, I was a News Anchor/Reporter for ABC affiliates and one PBS affiliate all over the country. From New Jersey to Oregon, to Las Vegas and to Denver. I was in T.V. News for more than 17 years! And as an immigrant (I was born in Taiwan and learned English here in the United States when I was 8 years old after moving here with my parents)… being able to be in television news was a huge honor. I won two Emmys in my career journey and am truly thankful for ALL the people I’ve met along the way! Being in a very demanding career field helped shaped my work ethic and who I am today. So walking away from it a year after having our son was a shock to many. But I was Blessed by God with one child and well, taking on the career of being the Best Mom I could be took over that News Drive if you will, so I shifted my focus. The first few years was tough, because I felt like I lost my identity in some ways. While I’m a firm believer in not letting our careers define us, I also wasn’t sure of me. Can I be the BEST Mom? I sure can try! So I didn’t know how to cook. I cooked 250+ days that first year to teach myself and now I can whip up just about anything. LOL 😂 Guess that “drive” never really leaves you… it just shifts.

I attended an online party with the then Usborne Books & More and fell in love with the books! So I just signed up for my own discount. Then I threw a party, I started to do book fairs, vendor events and I just fell in love with it. I LOVE seeing how excited the kids get over our books. I started the FaithnBooks youtube channel to showcase the books. And honestly, I wanted to understand and read tons of children’s books… so that one day I can write and publish my own children’s books that share the love of God. That’s the meaning behind FaithNBooks.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a busy Mom, I’ll be honest, it’s tough to get out. LOL 😂 We LOVE Colorado though and eating out!! Red Rocks area for a hike for sure! Soak in the view. Playing some tennis because tennis is HUGE in our family, so likely Washington Park for a stroll and some court time. Some of our favorite places to eat, Izakayaden, True Food Kitchen and Cucian Colore. We just enjoy the outdoors… so we try to get out when we can.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve always say… anything good about me is from the Lord above and my parents. The love I had and have growing up from my parents is priceless. They guided and helped shaped me to have the values and work ethic I have today.

Website: https://campsite.bio/faithnbooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithnbooks/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-chang-gillette-404a515/

Twitter: @christinetvhost

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131161897710255/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7wF7SJgjiygBLcr5phswvQ

Image Credits
I took this photo.. so I don’t think this applies?

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