What if the experiences that once made you question your worth could become the inspiration for your next chapter?
In this deeply personal episode of Beyond 60: Unscripted, host Ruth Williams-Brinkley welcomes author and educator Michele Roseman for an inspiring conversation about Black hair, identity, healing, and finding your creative voice later in life. Michele opens up about experiencing colorism and bullying as a young girl, the lasting impact of childhood trauma, and the journey toward embracing her authentic self. She shares how writing helped her revisit painful memories, how an unexpected encounter with Dr. Maya Angelou stayed with her for decades, and why she believes our personal stories have the power to encourage others. From her book Hairlooms to launching a children's book series at 60, Michele's journey is a powerful reminder that creativity has no expiration date. Together, Ruth and Michele explore the importance of self-acceptance, the healing that comes with age, and how sharing our experiences can create a meaningful legacy for future generations.
About the guest
Michele Roseman is an author, illustrator, and voice artist, and the creator of Shelly and the Curlovely Chronicles™, a children’s book series that helps young girls with afro- textured hair love the curls they were born with. Inspired by her own childhood experiences and dedicated to her late father, the series follows Shelly and her friends through the fantastical world of Kinkcurly Lane. Her newest book, Shelly and the Christmas Cornrows, is available now on Amazon.
Roseman is also the author of Hairlooms: The Untangled Truth About Loving Your Natural Hair and Beauty, which features contributions from Hollywood actresses Nicole Ari Parker and Kim Coles, Grammy-nominated rapper MC Lyte, and Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter. A songwriter as well, she writes original music that brings Shelly’s world to life, now streaming on Spotify.
She brings more than 30 years of communications experience to her storytelling and earned her M.A. in Journalism and Public Affairs from The American University. She lives in the Metropolitan Washington, DC area with Kyle, her husband of 19 years.
Shelly and the Christmas Cornrows Link to Purchase on Amazon
Shelly and The Curlovely Chronicles Original Music Spotify Streaming Link
@curlovelychronicles
