Penned By Design

Destiny Jordan
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  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Penned By Design, the podcast that delves into the craft of writing, publishing, and the captivating stories that ignite our imagination. With the author business constantly evolving and brimming with possibilities, we're here to guide you through every step. Have a book burning inside you, yearning to be told? Or perhaps a tale itching to be shared with the world? Tune in as we connect with fellow authors who've experienced the highs and lows of being  creative entrepreneurs. Whether you dream of traditional publishing or are ready to embark on the self-publishing journey, we've got you covered. Discover the latest strategies, invaluable resources, and expert tips to equip you on your writing journey and empower your business. Join us at Penned By Design and unlock the secrets to success in the ever-changing world of writing and publishing. Pen your own story designed by you!

  1. Jul 8

    When Your Career No Longer Fits: Reinvention, Purpose & Starting Over with Waheda Nazir

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the life you've built no longer fits the person you're becoming? In this episode of Penned By Design, Destiny Jordan sits down with educator, entrepreneur, and founder of Aziza Afghan Beauty, Waheda Nazir, for a thoughtful conversation about identity, reinvention, and finding the courage to embrace a new season of purpose. After years in education, Waheda reached a crossroads familiar to many creatives and professionals: the realization that success isn't about staying the same—it's about allowing yourself to grow. Together, they explore what it means to outgrow a career without losing your purpose, the importance of mentorship and community, and how our personal stories shape the businesses and creative work we build. Waheda also shares how her Afghan heritage inspired the creation of Aziza Afghan Beauty, a brand dedicated to preserving traditional beauty wisdom while offering a different perspective on Afghan culture—one rooted in resilience, craftsmanship, family, and timeless traditions. Whether you're a writer, author, educator, entrepreneur, or creative navigating your own transition, this conversation offers practical wisdom and quiet encouragement for anyone standing at the edge of a new chapter. In this episode, you'll discover: Why your career is not your identityHow to recognize when you've outgrown a season of lifeThe difference between encouragement and true mentorshipWhy purpose evolves as we growHow cultural heritage can inspire meaningful entrepreneurshipPractical advice for navigating career transitions with confidenceWhy every business begins with a story worth tellingIf you've ever questioned whether it's too late to change directions, this episode is your reminder that growth isn't about leaving your purpose behind—it's about discovering a new way to live it. Connect with Waheda Nazir & Aziza Afghan Beauty: 🌐Website: https://azizaafghan.com/ 📱Instagram:  @aziza.afghan.beauty 📨Email:  connect@azizafghan.com  🎙 About Penned By Design Penned By Design is the podcast for writers, authors, and creative entrepreneurs who want their words—and their work—to make a lasting impact. Hosted by Destiny Jordan, each episode explores the stories, strategies, and creative journeys behind meaningful books, businesses, and brands. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if you enjoyed today's conversation, please leave a review—it helps more writers and creatives discover the show. Join the Penned Newsletter on Substack for more creative entrepreneur, publishing and writing advice and insights. 🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                            Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcast Facebook: Penned By Design Podcast Twitter: @pennedbydesign Youtube: Penned By Design Podcast 🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101 Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

  2. Jun 3

    Writing with Purpose: Storytelling, Self-Worth, and Building a Legacy Platform with Jynesis Hawkins

    Send us Fan Mail What does it look like to write a book not for attention, but out of love? For author, educator, and literacy advocate Jynesis Hawkins, it started with her son. In this episode of Penned By Design, host Destiny Jordan sits down with Jynesis Hawkins, author of Kai: The Jungle King, a children's book rooted in self-worth, courage, and the power of embracing who you are unapologetically. Jynesis opens up about the real story behind the book, what it means to write for a child who is non-verbal, and how 50 copies selling out in two weeks confirmed that her message was bigger than she imagined. But this conversation goes far beyond one book. Jynesis and Destiny dig into what it takes to build a purpose-driven creative platform while holding down a full-time teaching career, raising a child with special needs, and still finding ways to pour into yourself along the way. In this episode you will hear: Why children's books are one of the most powerful tools for building confidence and emotional intelligence in young readersWhat the "anti-life" framework is and how writers can use it to design a creative life they actually wantThe real costs and decisions behind self-publishing a children's book, including sizing, printing, and ISBN basicsHow Jynesis used AI tools ethically in her illustration process and what that means for indie authors todayWhat habit stacking looks like for a busy creative who keeps breaking promises to themselvesThe question that will stop you cold: is your paycheck worth your peace?Whether you are an aspiring author, a self-published writer, a parent, an educator, or a creative entrepreneur building something meaningful, this episode will challenge you to stop waiting and start writing the story only you can tell. Connect with Jynesis Hawkins Website: jynesishawkins.com   Instagram: @jynesismonique TikTok: @jynesismonique Subscribe to the Penned By Design newsletter on Substack for more writing wisdom, publishing insights, and encouragement for purposeful creatives. Pen your own story, designed by you. Join the Penned Newsletter on Substack for more creative entrepreneur, publishing and writing advice and insights. 🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                            Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcast Facebook: Penned By Design Podcast Twitter: @pennedbydesign Youtube: Penned By Design Podcast 🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101 Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

  3. Apr 8

    Write with Purpose, Build a Legacy: Charlie Marcol on Storytelling, Publishing, and Impactful Work

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Penned By Design, we explore what it truly means to write with purpose and create work that extends beyond the page. Educator and author Charlie Marcol shares how writing began as a personal outlet and evolved into a vehicle for impact, identity, and legacy. We unpack the difference between being a writer and simply wanting to be an author—and why that distinction matters when building meaningful, lasting work.  This conversation also dives into storytelling as a form of leadership, the responsibility that comes with shaping young minds, and how creative work can influence confidence, culture, and community. Charlie reflects on how her experiences in education informed the stories she tells and the brand she’s building—one rooted in representation, purpose, and generational impact.  If you’re writing a book, building a brand, or creating something that you want to last, this episode will help you think more intentionally about your voice, your message, and the legacy you’re leaving behind. Connect with Charlie: Website: itsthecoolcollective.com Instagram: thecoolestbooksever Facebook: Charlie Marcol Join the Penned Newsletter on Substack for more creative entrepreneur, publishing and writing advice and insights. 🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                            Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcast Facebook: Penned By Design Podcast Twitter: @pennedbydesign Youtube: Penned By Design Podcast 🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101 Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

  4. Mar 18

    The Writing Process Explained: How to Think Clearly, Write Better, and Create Consistently

    Send us Fan Mail Why do so many students struggle with writing? In this episode of the Penned By Design Podcast, host Destiny Jordan sits down with Amber Parks, founder of Writing with Design, to explore how writing can be taught in a way that actually works for students and teachers. After years of teaching in classrooms around the world, Amber noticed a pattern: students didn’t hate writing—they just weren’t being taught how to do it step by step. So she created a writing framework designed to help students move from simple sentences to complex essays with confidence. In this conversation, we explore: • Why writing feels so difficult for students  • The difference between writing talent and writing skill  • How structure can actually unlock creativity  • Why brevity is often better than long essays  • How teachers can make writing manageable again  • What the rise of AI means for writing education  • How students build confidence through the writing process Amber shares insights from over 25 years in education and explains how her program, Writing with Design, is helping schools across the country improve student writing and thinking skills. If you're a teacher, writer, parent, or creative thinker, this conversation offers a refreshing look at how writing really works—and why it's one of the most powerful skills students can develop. Connect with Amber Parks Website: Writing with Design.com Recommended Book: Best Practices in Writing Instruction by Steve Graham Follow Amber:  LinkedIn  Twitter (X) Facebook Join the Penned Newsletter on Substack for more creative entrepreneur, publishing and writing advice and insights. 🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                            Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcast Facebook: Penned By Design Podcast Twitter: @pennedbydesign Youtube: Penned By Design Podcast 🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101 Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

  5. Jan 21

    The Power of 20 Minutes a Day: Building Family Literacy Through Simple Reading Habits

    Send us Fan Mail What if improving children’s reading skills didn’t start in the classroom—but at home? In this episode of Penned By Design, Destiny Jordan sits down with Margaret Bernstein—former journalist, literacy advocate, and author of the beloved dad-centered children’s books All In a Dad’s Day, Donuts with Dad, and The Father’s Walk—to talk about family literacy, fatherhood, and how everyday reading builds lifelong readers. Margaret shares her journey from newspaper reporter to children’s author, why she left journalism to fight for literacy, and how her books are designed to help dads connect with their kids through simple, joyful reading rituals. You’ll hear: Why 20 minutes of reading a day can change a child’s entire academic futureHow dads play a unique and powerful role in raising confident readers—especially for boysThe real story behind All In a Dad’s Day and how it’s changing familiesWhy literacy should be treated like a family culture, not just a school subjectHow schools and communities are using books to strengthen parent-child bondsAnd how to make reading fun, emotional, and something kids actually want to doThis conversation is about more than books—it’s about breaking cycles, building connection, and creating homes where reading feels safe, joyful, and normal. If you’re a parent, educator, writer, or anyone who cares about children, literacy, and meaningful storytelling, this episode will stay with you. Join the Penned Newsletter on Substack for more creative entrepreneur, publishing and writing advice and insights. 🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                            Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcast Facebook: Penned By Design Podcast Twitter: @pennedbydesign Youtube: Penned By Design Podcast 🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101 Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

  6. 11/08/2023

    The Power of Identity: Awakening Your True Self with Dorinda Trick

    Send us Fan Mail In Today's episode meet Dorinda Trick, a seasoned professional counselor who experienced a life-altering transformation after two decades in the field. She's not your average author, teacher, and speaker. She  imparts the divine revelations she and others have received regarding redemptive design, offering answers to pressing cultural questions. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery with a twist, guided by a remarkable woman who's undergone an extraordinary transformation. 🔗Connect with Dorinda🔗 Website: https://dorindatrick.org/ Facebook: Dorinda Trick Page Instagram: Dorinda Trick You Tube: Dorinda Trick  : Identity In God Books Mentioned During the Show:  Opening the Gift by Dorinda Trick Blessing Your Spirit by Sylvia Gunter & Arthur Burk Pure Joy! by Crystal Wade & Arthur Burk 🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                            Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcast Facebook: Penned By Design Podcast Twitter: @pennedbydesign Youtube: Penned By Design Podcast 🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101 Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

  7. 10/25/2023

    From Pain to Promise: The Journey of Speaking Your Truth

    Send us Fan Mail Join us for a transformative episode with Nikishea Robinson. Delving into the complexities of relationships, Nikishea offers profound insights for self-discovery and self-acceptance. Motivated by her past patterns of choosing emotionally distant partners, she embarked on a journey of understanding, unearthing the roots of her insecurities tied to her father's rejection. In this process, she stumbled upon her true self, finding liberation through self-affirmation. "I'm Enough," written from a Christian perspective, transcends faith, guiding readers on a transformative inward journey. Nikishea's mission is clear: to awaken individuals to their intrinsic value and purpose, empowering them as they navigate life's beautiful tapestry 🔗Connect with Nikishea🔗 Book Mentioned in Show: I'm Enough Face book: https://www.facebook.com/authorklsterling Website: https://klsterling.wixsite.com/imenough/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorklsterling/ Free E-Book: https://payhip.com/b/IRiGS 🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                            Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcast Facebook: Penned By Design Podcast Twitter: @pennedbydesign Youtube: Penned By Design Podcast 🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101 Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

  8. 09/27/2023

    The Creative Journey of an Artist w/ Nimiwari

    Send us Fan Mail  International recording artist, Nimiwari  will be discussing twists and turns of being an creative entrepreneur . She talks about her own struggles and how to find the courage to keep pressing towards the higher mark with all the pressures of life. 🔗Connect With Nimiwari🔗 Website:  www. nimiwari.com Face Book: Nimiwari Instagram: @nimiwari Recommended Book Grace over Grind By Shae Bynes 🔗Connect with Penned By Design  🔗                                                                            Instagram: pennedbydesign_podcast Facebook: Penned By Design Podcast Twitter: @pennedbydesign Youtube: Penned By Design Podcast 🌟Free Self-Publishing Guide: Self Publishing 101 Affiliate Links Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. This episode may contain affiliate links in the show notes. They add no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission that helps support the podcast. Thank you for the support! 😊

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About

Welcome to Penned By Design, the podcast that delves into the craft of writing, publishing, and the captivating stories that ignite our imagination. With the author business constantly evolving and brimming with possibilities, we're here to guide you through every step. Have a book burning inside you, yearning to be told? Or perhaps a tale itching to be shared with the world? Tune in as we connect with fellow authors who've experienced the highs and lows of being  creative entrepreneurs. Whether you dream of traditional publishing or are ready to embark on the self-publishing journey, we've got you covered. Discover the latest strategies, invaluable resources, and expert tips to equip you on your writing journey and empower your business. Join us at Penned By Design and unlock the secrets to success in the ever-changing world of writing and publishing. Pen your own story designed by you!

Information

  • Creator
    Destiny Jordan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Penned By Design
  • Show Website
    Penned By Design

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