#SheWhoDaresProject – Rebekah Phillips

“I think when you find your true passion, it’s something that comes very naturally to you…”

And though Rebekah Phillips has found joy and inspiration in many forms, including songwriting and fine art, it is within writing and illustrating children’s stories that she has found that true, passionate niche. “It just seemed like the perfect blend of both–as a picture book text can be very lyrical.”

Phillips strives to use this platform to teach the importance of feelings, emotions, and embracing uniqueness to even the youngest reader. She explains that “picture books provide a gentle and entertaining way to tackle difficult subjects and feelings.” With that concept in mind came the development of Rebekah’s newest series, Farlee and Friends. In the series, readers will meet “A group of very unlikely characters who all have very preconceived notions about one another. The characters end up forming an incredible bond–realizing their differences are their strengths.” The series consists of five books, all of which focus on the Farlee and Friends Friendship Pledge:

Friends love at all times.
Friends help each other be the best that they can be.
Friends have the courage to stand up for what’s right.
Friends accept you for you.
Friends have fun!

“My thought was that if children were able to make this promise to one another, it would not only help strengthen their existing friendships but also encourage them to reach out to those who may not have a friend.”

Rebekah understands the importance of inspiration and influence, and credits inspirational speakers Cindy Trimm and Terri Savelle for adding encouragement and drive as she has traveled through this journey. “I love to listen to spiritual podcasts while I paint, and they have both helped me in terms of confidence and my personal walk with God. I used to be very insecure and negative, and I can credit these two incredible women for helping to shift my perspective.” She also acknowledges her husband, Kurt for nudging her in the process, “He has such an incredible business sense which I’ve been able to glean from in so many ways. He’s helped me to transform my thinking, and we’re a great balance for one another.”

Phillips uses insight from Cindy Trimm as her personal mantra, “Where your focus goes, your energy flows.” She furthers that idea in her piece of advice for us:

“Focus on what you love and what inspires you personally; don’t just be driven by what you feel is popular. Also, always be willing to keep learning, accept constructive criticism, and most importantly, don’t give up!”

If you would like to meet Rebekah in person, you can find her at the Tampa Junior League Holiday Gift Market as a vendor from November 7th-10th, or early next year at the Connecticut Kids Fair.

Keep up with Rebekah, and Farlee and Friends through various media outlets.

Rebekah Phillips Website

Farlee And Friends Website F&F Facebook F&F Instagram

Phillips also works as a freelance illustrator, and recently paired with blues musician Marc Broussard on his children’s book, I Love You For You. You may visit Marc’s website to grab yourself a copy, a portion of those proceeds go to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.