Hello Awesomes!
Welcome to my vibrant world.
I'm Thalia Elie, the proud author of "HAIR We Go", a children's book series that's all about celebrating diversity and the joy of adventuring across Mama Africa. My journey as a writer is rooted in my multi-ethnic background, which fuels my passion for celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures around the world.
Here, you'll find a colorful blend of storytelling, cultural exploration, and curly hair appreciation.
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My Story
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Thalia Elie, a trailblazing African-Latina author, captivates the literary world with her debut children's book, Hair We Go! A Curly Girls’ Adventure Series, a celebration of cultural diversity and the splendor of Black hair. With roots stretching across Haitian, Panamanian, Jamaican and Costa Rican heritages,
Thalia's colorful upbringing weaves a rich mosaic of cultural insights that shaped her into a multifaceted storyteller, artist, and visionary. Enriched by vivid childhood memories of laughter and creativity, Thalia’s distinctive family storytelling traditions, combined with the eclectic influences of living in New York City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, has deeply enriched her narrative lens, fostering a deep-seated appreciation for diverse life experience across cultures.
With a background as varied as her talents, Thalia embarked on a journey that seamlessly wove her experiences as a hairstylist and visual artist into her writing. Hair We Go! is a mission to transform how young readers, especially those of African descent, see themselves and their hair. Drawing on her intimate interactions with a wide spectrum of hair clientele, Thalia infuses her characters with authenticity and depth, celebrating the shared yet diverse experiences of the Black and Brown community.
The protagonist, Zoe, is a vibrant testament to Thalia's vision, embarking on magical adventures across Africa that are as educational as they are entertaining. Zoe's journey is an allegory of empowerment, showcasing the real-life magic of ethnic hair and the intimate, healing moments of hair care. Thalia's narrative transcends mere storytelling, offering a powerful rebranding of Africa and a reclamation of Black hair's beauty and significance.
Through Hair We Go!, Thalia addresses the challenges of cultural identity and pride with a celebratory tone that spotlights the richness of Black heritage and the joy of diversity. Her book is a call to adventure, encouraging young readers to explore the world with curiosity and appreciation for its vast tapestry of cultures and hairstyles.
Thalia hopes to inspire a generation of readers to embrace their ethnicity, celebrate their hair, and explore the world with open hearts and minds. Her work is a vibrant celebration of African culture, heritage, love, and the boundless potential of curly-haired adventurers everywhere.
