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Life & Work with Nena Khir of Austin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nena Khir.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Durango, Mexico. After earning a degree in engineering, I moved to the United States to follow my dreams. But life had a different path in store for me. I got married, became a mother to two wonderful children, and chose to set aside my professional career to dedicate myself fully to raising them. Along the way, I discovered a deep passion for writing—sparked by my little ones and the voice of my inner child that never left me. I realized I needed to write the stories I wanted my children to grow up with—stories that reflect values, imagination, and a sense of wonder that I wished for them to carry in their hearts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was definitely not a smooth road. Becoming a mother for the first time brought a wave of emotions I wasn’t prepared for—feelings of not being enough, fear, anxiety, and a quiet struggle that manifested in panic attacks, chronic dizziness, and debilitating migraines. It was a deeply challenging time, both physically and emotionally. But instead of letting those struggles define me, I chose to transform them into something meaningful. Writing became my healing space—a way to turn pain into stories of acceptance, self-love, and vulnerability. Through that process, I found my voice—and a purpose beyond the struggle

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a children’s book author, and my work is rooted in storytelling that speaks not only to kids but also to adults. I write stories that touch on themes like self-worth, emotions, practice self love, and human connection. Much of my inspiration comes from my own journey as a mother, an immigrant, and a woman rediscovering her voice through writing.

What I’m most proud of is creating books that feel like safe, loving spaces—where children can see themselves, feel understood, and know they belong. I’ve had parents tell me that one of my stories helped their child open up emotionally, and to me, that’s the most meaningful kind of impact.

What truly sets my work apart is the bilingual format. I write my books in both English and Spanish because I saw a gap—there simply weren’t enough stories that reflected our languages, our homes, and our everyday lives. I want children growing up in bilingual households to feel seen, to hear their voices on the page, and to celebrate who they are.

How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t measured by numbers or recognition—it’s about impact. If even one child reads one of my stories and feels seen, understood, or comforted, that’s real success. Knowing that something I created can help a child feel more connected to themselves or the world around them—that’s everything. Success is also about staying true to my voice, writing with purpose, and creating from a place of love and honesty.

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