Meet Lisa Baker | Former Music and Theater Teacher; Now Children’s Author

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

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Interesting question because I was happy being a music and theater teacher and hadn’t even considered becoming an author and eventually starting my own publishing company. During a music lesson with a first-grade class, a student accidentally said a wrong answer, but she immediately corrected herself and to ease her discomfort, I made up a silly rhyme using both of her answers. We all chuckled and I asked if she would draw a picture of a carp playing a harp (she said “carp” instead of “harp” when asked to identify a string instrument) the next week she brought in the art and I put it on my bulletin board. Another parent who was working on a children’s book said that would make a cute book, so I wrote a book! That quickly became a series of three books, the “In All of Your Days” series. And then the ideas just kept coming.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Everyone has a story to tell, I’m not unique. I have found myself in a bit of a unique situation though. I was able to teach for 15 years at a small private school in Orange County, CA. I taught music, then added theater, and in the last 5 years added culinary arts and industrial arts as well. It was a wonderful way to help the next generation explore their passion for the arts. Toward the end of that journey (although at the time I didn’t know the end was near) I discovered that I could write a children’s book. I’ve always loved writing, but with teaching (as well as directing, music directing, and designing for a children’s theater called Creative Kids Playhouse) I found very little time for it. Then, an opportunity for my husband and I to retire early (at my husband’s request, not exactly my choice) and travel the world came up so we took a leap of faith and sold most of our things and have been traveling for the last year and a half. It’s been so incredible that I’ve still been able to write and publish my books. In fact, I have come up with many ideas through my travels that I am working on. One of them is to write a children’s cookbook that the entire family will appreciate as they explore the world through kid-friendly food. I’m passionate about food and have learned how to cook at least one dish from the 20 countries that we’ve visited so far. It’s been interesting being able to photograph myself with my first two books in 20 countries, it’s like I’m on a worldwide book tour! It hasn’t been all fun and games though. I’ve had to learn how to do marketing and define my brand. I wouldn’t change it for anything though.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m really into art and theater. So, we’d definitely have to go see a show at the Pantages and hit up Katsuya Hollywood for some sushi right before. We would also do a sunset horseback ride to see the Hollywood sign and then dinner at Morrison’s Atwater Village Restaurant. Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without a little shopping on Rodeo Drive with a bite at The Rooftop by JG for the views as well as the delicious food. With our new bathing suits, we’ll next head to Venice Beach for some fun while getting that amazing sun glow. After the beach, while still feeling the beachy, tiki vibes we will head to Belles Beach House for happy hour. And to round out my time in LA to satisfy my love for art, we would absolutely head to The Getty Villa for some amazing architecture, incredible art, and non-stop views.

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?
All of the teachers and staff at Grace Christian Schools in Lake Forest where I taught for 15 years were very helpful in their encouragement, support, and advice-giving. I wouldn’t be the author of 8 books if it weren’t for their love and support.

Website: www.ReadingRhythmsAndRhymes.com

Instagram: @readingrhythmsandrhymes

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-baker-5794ab107