Meet Jaklen Alkyan | Author & Human Resources Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaklen Alkyan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaklen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career in a very natural way. My primary career has always been in Human Resources. I’ve been an HR professional and executive for over 20 years, and I truly love the work. HR is all about people, but it’s also about supporting the business, aligning talent with organizational goals, and helping companies grow in a healthy and meaningful way. It’s a field that’s always evolving, and it has allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level while also thinking strategically.

Writing, on the other hand, was always the passion project I kept tucked away with, something I knew I wanted to do, but never quite had the time for because of the demands of my career and the amount of travel I did. I always told myself, “One day I’ll write children’s books.”

When Covid hit and the world slowed down, I finally had the space to listen to that creative part of myself. That’s when my first book, A Lovebird Named Lucy, was born. It came from a very personal experience — losing my lovebird, finding her again with the community’s help, and then losing her to cancer a year later. Writing her story was healing, and I wanted to tell it from a child’s perspective so young readers could connect with it gently and honestly. The book was honored with several awards, including the Mom’s Choice Award and the Story Monsters ‘Purple Dragonfly’ First Place Winner in the Children’s Nonfiction category. My subsequent book, Audrey and Lucy’s Backyard Adventure, received Honorable Mention for Picture Books (6 & Older) and Best Illustrations.

Once that book was finished, I realized how meaningful it felt to create soft, comforting stories for children; stories they can understand even through the illustrations. It unlocked something in me that complemented my HR work but expressed itself in a completely different way.

So, while HR is my established profession and something I’m deeply committed to, writing became the heart project that grew into a creative career. And I’m grateful I finally let both sides of myself coexist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been shaped by determination, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility to honor the sacrifices my parents made when they left everything behind in Iran so my sister and I could have better opportunities. From a young age, I worked while going to school, learning English as my fifth language, and taking extra classes to make the most of the opportunities before me. It was never easy, but I was determined to succeed and make my parents proud.

That drive led me to a long and fulfilling career in Human Resources. For over 20 years, I’ve worked as an HR professional and executive, helping businesses grow while supporting people, aligning talent with company goals, fostering environments where employees feel valued, and guiding leaders to reach their potential. What sets me apart is the combination of empathy and strategy, understanding people while thinking about the bigger picture, something my own life experiences taught me well.

Alongside my professional career, I pursued a long-held dream of writing children’s books. During Covid, I finally gave myself the space to do it. My first book, A Lovebird Named Lucy, came from a deep personal story and opened the door to a creative path I had always carried with me. Since then, I’ve written several award-winning books, each aimed at providing children with gentle, comforting stories that help them feel safe and seen.

I also know that none of this would have been possible without God. My faith has guided me through challenges, and my prayers have always been answered in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are simple but powerful: hard work, perseverance, and believing in yourself can overcome almost any obstacle. Nothing was handed to me. I had to earn every opportunity, but every challenge has shaped who I am today.

What I want people to know about me and my story is this: whether in HR or in writing, my work comes from the same place — a love for people, a commitment to nurturing growth, and the belief that with determination, heart, and faith, we can create meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a visitor came to Los Angeles, I’d want them to experience both the iconic sights and the local favorites that make this area special. On the first day, I’d drive us up the coast to Santa Barbara for some sightseeing, enjoying the charming streets, beautiful architecture, and ocean views. Then we’d continue to Pismo Beach to stroll along the pier and take in the ocean breeze. Lunch would be a must at Splash Café, their clam chowder is, in my opinion, unbeatable.

Another day, we’d take a trip to San Diego to see Coronado Island and La Jolla, soaking in the beaches, shops, and scenic views. Back in Los Angeles, I’d show them the glamour of Rodeo Drive, strolling the stores, grabbing a coffee, and enjoying the people-watching — but we’d balance it with some of my favorite local food spots: Kings Tacos for authentic, perfectly simple tacos, and Glendale for pastries from Armenian bakeries that feel like a sweet little escape.

For dinners, I’d mix it up, a night at a fine dining restaurant to experience some of LA’s culinary sophistication, and another night at a hole-in-the-wall spot where the flavors and local vibe tell the real story of the city. And of course, no LA experience would be complete without visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame, taking a stroll along the Santa Monica Pier, and grabbing a classic In-N-Out burger to round out the day.

Throughout it all, my goal would be to give a real sense of Los Angeles: its diversity, culture, and heart, all while having fun, enjoying good food, and exploring the places that make this city feel like home to me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have shaped my journey, both personally and professionally, and I am grateful to each of them in different ways.

First, I often think back to my roots. I was born in Iran, and as an Assyrian Christian refugee who moved to Germany and later to the United States, I’ve carried with me a deep appreciation for resilience, community, and the people who help us grow along the way. My parents played a huge role in that. Their courage, their sacrifices, and their belief in creating a better life for us set the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished in my HR career and as an author.

I also must give credit to my three beautiful nieces. They bring so much joy into my life and have been a constant source of inspiration for my writing. Seeing the world through their eyes reminds me why gentle, soothing stories matter. They’re the reason I strive to create worlds where children can feel safe and understood.

And of course, there’s Lucy my lovebird who started it all. Losing her, finding her again, and then losing her a second time changed me in ways I didn’t expect. Her story gave me the courage to finally write, and she will always be part of the heart of my work.

I’ve also been fortunate to have supportive friends, colleagues, and a community of readers who encouraged me from the very beginning — people who believed in my stories even before I fully believed in myself. I also want to give a special thanks to my illustrator, Victoria Johnson. Without her beautiful work, my books would not have been received as well, and over the years, she has become a dear friend. I am deeply grateful for her talent, creativity, and friendship.

Website: https://www.jaklenalkyan.com

Instagram: jaklen_alkyan