By Adreanna

A Multi-Talented Mermaid with a Penchant for Storytelling

Sherene Rance is a captivating blend of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. More than just a successful UX designer, she’s a woman who seamlessly weaves her passions into a vibrant tapestry of life. As a UX designer, she excels at crafting user-friendly experiences, demonstrating a keen understanding of human behavior and a knack for intuitive design. But Sherene’s passions extend far beyond the digital realm. A self-proclaimed “mermaid enthusiast,” she’s a seasoned traveler and, most recently, a published author.

Welcome, Sherene. Thank you for joining us today.

“Thank you for having me!”

Congratulations on the publication of “Aria’s Big Wish.” It’s a delightful story. What inspired you to write this children’s book?

“The idea for “Aria’s Big Wish” actually came to me during a particularly poignant time. My niece, Aria, was born prematurely, three and a half months early. When I first met her in the hospital, I couldn’t help but worry about the potential medical challenges she might face. I found myself spiraling down a path of anxiety, imagining the worst-case scenarios.

However, I quickly caught myself. I realized that I needed to reframe my thinking. Aria could be perfectly healthy. She could overcome any challenges she might encounter and go on to live a full and joyful life, facing the typical childhood hurdles – making friends, discovering her talents, and navigating the world around her.

And that’s when the first lines of the story came to me: “Mermaid Aria lives in the sea. She’s bright and bubbly and as cute as can be…”

My niece is almost two now, and watching her thrive has been an absolute joy. She’s a vibrant, curious little girl, constantly exploring and discovering the world around her. These experiences inspired me to imagine her childhood and the world she would grow up in, and the story of “Aria’s Big Wish” simply flowed out. I wanted to create a book that would not only entertain young readers but also inspire them, particularly young girls, to explore their curiosity and pursue their passions, especially in STEM fields.”

Yes! I noticed that you’ve woven STEM concepts seamlessly into the narrative. Can you tell us a bit more about that?

“Absolutely. The part about STEM is deeply personal for me. I’ve always been a bit of an inventor. If I had the resources, I’m sure I’d have a long list of patents for all the ideas I’ve come up with over the years!

Whenever I encounter a problem, whether it’s something as simple as a clunky kitchen gadget or a more complex issue, I start brainstorming solutions. I find myself thinking, “If I’m struggling with this, others must be too. What’s a better way to do this?”

This inherent drive to find solutions is something I wanted to weave into the story. “Aria’s Big Wish” emphasizes the importance of perseverance. Aria, the mermaid, faces challenges in communicating with her human friend, and she has to creatively experiment to find ways to bridge that gap.

It’s a subtle message, but I hope it encourages young readers to embrace the process of trial and error. Life rarely presents us with perfect solutions on the first try. We often need to experiment, learn from our mistakes, and try again. This isn’t about failure; it’s about the journey of discovery and the joy of finding a solution that works.

Growing up, I wasn’t fully aware of the diverse career paths within STEM. I think if I had a better understanding of what an engineer does, that might have been a path I explored. I’ve always loved to create and build things.

So, in “Aria’s Big Wish,” I wanted to subtly incorporate this idea of experimentation and problem-solving. As Aria tries to figure out how to show her new human friend her underwater world, she encounters various challenges. How can they play together when they come from such different worlds? She has to experiment, try different approaches, and ultimately discover creative solutions.

I believe it’s crucial to introduce children to STEM concepts early on, not just as a list of facts, but as a way of thinking, a way of approaching the world with curiosity and a desire to find innovative solutions.”

As a UX designer, you focus on understanding user needs and designing intuitive experiences. How do these skills translate to your work as an author?

“That’s a great question! As a UX designer, I’m all about understanding what users need and crafting experiences that are intuitive and enjoyable. This translates perfectly into my writing for children’s books.

Think of it like this: In UX design, I don’t just design the final product; I start by figuring out the user’s goals and challenges. I ask myself: “What are they trying to accomplish? What problems might they encounter?” Then, I design the app or website to be clear, engaging, and efficient.

Writing is similar. I want my young readers to be captivated from the first page. So, just like in UX design, I consider the flow of the story, the relatability of the characters, and how each element contributes to the overall enjoyment of the book.

For example, in UX design, I might organize information logically and use clear language to make a website easy to navigate. In writing, I might use vivid descriptions and create relatable characters to keep young readers engaged and wanting to turn the next page.

Ultimately, it’s about creating a seamless and delightful journey, whether it’s for a user interacting with a digital product or a child exploring the world of my story.”

I love that. Okay, so your day job involves user experience design, and then your “Passion Project” is being a professional mermaid. How did that come about?

(Laughs) Yes, so I’ve always had a deep connection to the water. It’s always been my happy place. Even as a child, I was the last one out of the pool, completely content to spend hours exploring the underwater world. I’ve also always enjoyed cosplay, dressing up in costumes and stepping into different characters.

This whole “mermaid” thing actually started with an ex-boyfriend. He suggested I do a mermaid photo shoot on the beach, since he was a photographer. We broke up before we could actually do it, but the idea stuck with me.

Shortly after that, I found out that my friend Brett Stanley, a professional underwater photographer was planning a trip to Mexico for a photoshoot.

I contacted him, a little hesitant, and asked if I could join with my own mermaid tail. To my surprise, he was enthusiastic about the idea. So, I packed my bags, brought my tail, and embarked on this amazing adventure with a group of strangers. We spent days exploring underwater worlds, learning to move gracefully in the water, and capturing some truly magical images.

That’s how it all began. I fell in love with the experience, the freedom, the artistry of it all. And now, five years later, I’m still diving deep into this incredible passion.

You mentioned earlier that you’re an “eldest daughter.” How has that experience shaped you as a person and influenced your approach to life and work?

“Being the eldest daughter definitely shaped me. It instilled a strong sense of responsibility and a tendency to take on a lot. There was always a sense of needing to set an example and be a role model for my younger siblings. I learned the importance of asking for help and relying on others, something I actively work on both personally and professionally. However, it also fostered a strong sense of independence and a drive to achieve my goals. This has translated into my work ethic, where I strive for excellence and am always seeking new challenges.”

You’re clearly a passionate traveler. How does your love for travel influence your creativity and your work?

“Travel is a huge part of my life! I even created a travel business called “Shello Travels” – a play on the word “shello” and my love for mermaiding. I help other mermaid enthusiasts plan travel experiences, combining their passion for travel with their love for the water. These experiences are a constant source of inspiration. I encounter diverse cultures, immerse myself in new environments, and observe human behavior in fascinating ways. All of these experiences enrich my writing, providing me with a wealth of ideas and perspectives to draw upon.”

You’ve self-published “Aria’s Big Wish.” What led you to choose that path over traditional publishing?

“After researching both options, I realized that regardless of the publishing route, the marketing responsibility would largely fall on me. Since I wanted to have more control over the creative process, including the book’s design and marketing, self-publishing felt like the right choice. It allowed me to maintain creative control and ensure that the final product truly reflected my vision for the story.”

You mentioned creating “Stargazer Press,” your own publishing company. Tell us about the inspiration behind that name.

“Growing up in Queens, my sister and I would often lay in the middle of the street at night, gazing at the stars. It was our way of escaping and exploring the universe. “Stargazer Press” is a nod to that childhood wonder and a reminder to always reach for the stars, both literally and figuratively. It symbolizes the limitless possibilities that await us when we dare to dream big.”

What message do you hope young readers take away from “Aria’s Big Wish”?

“I hope the book encourages young readers to embrace their individuality, be persistent in the face of challenges, and understand the importance of friendship and collaboration. I also want to inspire a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them.”

This has been a fascinating conversation, Sherene. Thank you for sharing your insights with us.

“Thank you for having me!”

Sherene Rance’s journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions. From her creative endeavors as a UX designer to her newfound role as a published author, she exemplifies the interconnectedness of our experiences and the importance of embracing our unique talents.

To learn more about Sherene Rance and her work, you can purchase “Aria’s Big Wish” on her website and follow her mermaid adventures on Instagram @a_mermaids_tale65.