Released in July of 2022, My Girls & Curls is an ode to self-love. When protagonist, Ashley, gets her silk press wet at her best friend’s pool party, she is unsure what to do with her natural curls! But, as her friends guide her through various styles and natural haircare, readers learn from Ashley the importance of embracing your truest self.

In discussion with Young Authors Publishing Assistant Editor Brooke Shannon, author Layla Steele shared her personal self-affirmations, favorite author, and her views on being authentically “you.”

Brooke Shannon: What inspired you to write your book?

Layla Steele: I was inspired to let people know they are beautiful just the way God made them, especially those with different hair patterns/textures. My hair doesn’t have to be straight to be beautiful.

BS: What was one takeaway about writing you discovered while writing your book?

LS: While writing my story, I began to understand how much people could relate to my message.

BS: Who is your favorite author and why?

LS: Judy Blume. She writes about kids my age and I can connect to the characters’ situations.

"My hair doesn’t have to be straight to be beautiful."

BS: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

LS: I hope readers will either continue to or learn to love themselves and have confidence in who they are.

BS: What advice would you give to young authors or creatives?

LS: My advice would be to talk about things that are important to you. The passion behind that can impact others.