She Turns Grief Into A Ladybug Story That Helps Kids Believe In Themselves

She starts as one of the only women in her engineering program, builds a career in telecommunications, becomes a single mom, then pivots again into a classroom where she spends 20 years helping kids learn math and find their footing. That alone is a story worth hearing. But what happens next is where the imagination kicks in: she turns a painful family season and the loss of her mother into a children’s book series that helps kids laugh, feel seen, and believe in themselves. 

We talk about her 10-book bug series and why “small, overlooked creatures” are the perfect way to teach big ideas like self-acceptance, resilience, friendship, and being different on purpose. She shares the meaning behind The Bug Who Wanted To Be A Bird, a story about a self-doubting ladybug who learns that chasing dreams starts with accepting who you are. We also dig into how her teaching experience shaped her approach to social-emotional learning, why reading works better when it’s joyful, and what she hopes families discuss after the last page. 

You’ll also hear about publishing in multiple languages, collaborating on bright, vivid illustrations, and navigating parenting in a world full of screens and early social media. If you’re searching for inspiring career change stories, women in STEM paths, or children’s books that build confidence without preaching, this conversation delivers. Subscribe, share this with a parent or teacher, and leave a review with the biggest pivot you’ve made or want to make next. Find Ozlem's Books Here: https://amzn.to/4huQymH

Transcript

A Life Of Bold Pivots

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Today's guest proves that it's never too late to follow your imagination. After earning an engineering degree from the University of London, building a successful career in telecommunications, and spending more than 20 years helping children master math. Well, hello and welcome. Thank you for coming on today.

SPEAKER_02 0:17

Thank you for having me.

SPEAKER_01 0:19

Absolutely. So, I mean, right off the bat, your career is uh very fascinating. You went from engineering and telecommunications to teaching math and now the children's book. So absolutely fascinating journey. Tell us a little bit about that and how that evolution came about.

SPEAKER_02 0:40

Um, right. The um idea of me becoming an engineer actually was seeded when I was a little kid. I had a summer job in an antenna factory and I started working with electronics. Um, and I was fault-binding uh to be exact. And then uh when I started uh college, I actually started looking into engineering. In fact, I started doing A levels in uh mathematics, physics, and chemistry, um, but I had a problem with smells, so I couldn't do chemistry. Uh, therefore, I started my journey on engineering. Um so I went to college, I did electrical and electronic engineering. Um, and then at university, it was actually quite fascinating. It was um out of 265 students, there were only five of us females. Uh, so that was also quite fascinating. Um, four years later, two of us uh finished out of eight with a master's in telecoms. So, yes, my career started with me being the only female engineer in my department. Um, and it was one of the best experiences I've had. I mean, it had ups and downs, um, but I learned a lot. Um, I learned that you have to stand up on your two feet uh if you want to actually succeed, you cannot um just let go. And as a female, um, I had to work twice as hard. Um, I'm sure you would appreciate as well. Um and then uh I had I became a single mother um when I was pregnant with my son. Um my previous husband did not want a child, so uh we actually broke up. Um and after I had him, I I wanted to go back to engineering, but I had to get into uh life being a single mother. So I started working in a school as a teacher's assistant, in fact, uh helping Turkish speaking children in English, maths, and science. And three months later I was asked if I wanted to join all those departments, and you know, I caught the bug and I decided to go back to university. Um, and I became a teacher. And 20 years, that was that was 20 fun filled years, but it was chaotic, it was fun, it was unique, every day was special, every child was special. In fact, when I was asked how many children I had, you know, I've now got three. Um I used to say a thousand and three because I had a thousand kids at school and I had three at home. So, you know, I I absolutely loved it. Um, and during all that time, you know, uh 20 years, um looking at how children learn, how emotions come into play. Um all of that gave me an idea. I always wanted to do this, but a couple of years ago, um we had a pretty horrendous time of it all. Um my mum was um in the hospital, and in fact, the the bug who wanted to be a bird, that that the first person I read the book to was my mum. Um and then we sadly lost her. And to as a as a tribute to her, I thought I have to, I have to actually bring the end of it, I have to actually do this and complete it and publish. Um, and luckily I was able to, and it was it was a way of me keeping sane as a person as well. And at the same time, I went back to university again um and started another degree. So I I'm just about to finish my second year in law degree. So yeah, all of that sort of came into play. Um, it was a way of me expressing uh myself and actually helping children develop in a positive, more positive, loving, um, and ambitious, self-expect uh acceptance sorry, self-except accepting way.

SPEAKER_01 4:58

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 4:58

And I am hoping that it is going to achieve that.

SPEAKER_01 5:03

I I'm first of all, I'm blown away by you right now. Let me just commend you, and I know you're not looking for being commended, but let me just commend you on your unbelievable resiliency, first of all. Uh, your ability to adapt to just really difficult, challenging uh circumstances in life, and uh, you know, to be doing all of the things and experiences, the personal life experiences that you're going through, and then to just keep persevering and not just you know, um surviving, but thriving, like taking these massive pivots in your career, like that that part of it and going to school, you know, returning to school, furthering your education, and you know, as a as a mom uh who spent time as a single mom as well, uh, you know, we all know what what that how involving that is, that that is your life. And so to be doing all of the things that you're doing, uh just um just a great testament to your personal fortitude and and your determination. So so, so impressed by that right off the bat. Um and and I love I love that you um pivoted to to taking care of those kids and and furthering their education. It's so important to

Single Motherhood And Becoming A Teacher

SPEAKER_01 6:30

for them to have that um those early experiences with somebody who you know clearly, genuinely cares deeply about them and their success and their education. So um just absolutely wonderful. Now you're you said you're a mom of three. Um, did becoming a mom change how you viewed children's literature?

SPEAKER_02 6:54

Um yes and no. I always loved uh reading myself, and from the moment they were born, I started reading to them. Uh, in fact, all three of my kids love books. They they absolutely love reading. Their library is almost bigger than mine uh individually. Um, and it wasn't, it hasn't changed the way I look at literature. It has just made me appreciate it a lot more. Um, because when I was a child, I mean my parents were too busy working and looking after the family, and we were not actually read to, we were encouraged to read, and I'm so grateful for my parents for doing that, um, because it was not very common, especially for a Turkish uh girl to go to university, but you know, do a master's, etc. Uh, but my parents have always encouraged it. So I the way I look at books, yes, it is to learn, it is to actually further yourself in in every aspect possible, but it is also for enjoyment. And learning becomes a lot more effective when you're enjoying it.

SPEAKER_01 8:04

Absolutely, absolutely. And I, you know, it you are you're one of those rare creatures that you have both the uh analytical mind and the creative mind. So you get the benefit of of both sides of your brain, so to speak, right? Um, tell me a little bit about your book writing process because of course, you know, children's books, it's it's so the creative part of your brain. And then, you know, you have this whole other side of you. I'm so fascinated and curious as to your your book writing process for your series. By the way, guys, um this is a series. How many books are in this series right now? I'm sorry.

SPEAKER_02 8:45

There are uh 10. They're all British, but four are published in four languages. Um, I've published them in English, Turkish, uh, Spanish, and German. Um, Turkish I've translated myself. Um, with German, I had a bit of help from family and friends, and same with Spanish as well.

SPEAKER_01 9:05

That's beautiful. Oh, I love that. Many, many different uh children from different areas get to enjoy this. That's so wonderful. Um, so the process was I'm sorry, go ahead.

SPEAKER_02 9:17

Sorry, I I actually wanted to um take insects because I think they are very little and they are overlooked, usually they are disliked, um, but they are everywhere, and uh you know, uh every little creature makes a huge difference. And I wanted to actually relay that to children using small creepy crawlies, if you like, or small beautiful bugs, um, as I as I call them. I used to be incredibly scared of them uh before I had kids, but you know, as soon as you have kids, oh, you know, it's a spider, you can hold it. You know, it doesn't matter how you're feeling, you're still trying to give that message to them that there's nothing to be scared of. So that was one of the main reasons that I actually chose bugs to relay my my message across or my education across. Um, but the process was actually, like I said, it was to keep me sane uh during a very, very difficult time.

SPEAKER_03 10:17

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 10:18

Um initially I I read the first one, and this was before my mum became unwell. Um, and I read it too, and she really liked it, but I I didn't actually think of writing the 10 books at all. Uh it it that came once my mum was um diagnosed with a very serious heart problem, and uh we went through a couple of years very turbulent as a family, as a person, as as my my kids. Yeah, initially uh essentially my mum brought them up because I had to be at work uh when they had to go to school, so you know, or I had to be at work when they were picked up from school. So they they were going through a very tough period as well. So I had to teach my children that you have to stand up, it doesn't matter what's happening in your life, you have to uh better yourself, you have to deal. Um, and there's no point of giving up. So um, and I I knew that I had to be very strong for my my father, I had to be very strong for my family, I had to be very strong for my kids. Um, the last person I had to be strong for was was myself. So that's how it started. The the uh second book came uh to mind, and then I thought, why not the third one? There is so much message to give to children. Um, and I was enjoying the process because it was taking me away from everything else and keeping me sane.

SPEAKER_01 11:50

Yeah, yeah, that's how it started. And you were able to channel the, you know, from all of the challenges that were happening and difficulties that were happening, you were able to channel that into inspirational messaging, um uh life learning help uh for children through these books. Yeah, that's so wonderful. Um, tell me a little bit about for the b first book, the but the The Bug Who Wanted to Be a Bird. That is the first one. Yes, that's the best one. Okay, I just wanted to make sure I I think I knew that.

SPEAKER_02 12:25

It's um um it's about believing in yourself, uh, and it is about a self-doubting uh ladybug. Um, and she discovers that she she is feeling sorry for herself because she is being bullied in a way, um, however beautiful she is. Um, it is for um she comes to realization that uh exploring your dreams, your ambitions, uh come goes through self-acceptance. Um and I actually think uh you know accepting yourself and being yourself is one of the best things uh in life simply because you are your number one and without yourself. Um people matter, but you have to matter to yourself first. So that was the first message I want to give across.

Why Bugs Become The Messengers

SPEAKER_02 13:20

And and everybody has unique abilities. Um, everybody matters how how small they are, how big they feel, how small they feel, how out of place they feel. Everyone has a unique ability and as a and a place on this planet. So, you know, it is the best way of accepting yourself. Um, and that's what the bug who wanted to be a bird is is giving out as a message. Um, I hope uh is going to be enjoyed by children and big children as well. I mean, when I was reading it to my daughter, she couldn't stop laughing. So that that was my that was actually quite nice um because she doesn't usually uh like every book and she can be quite critical, even though she's only nine. Um but she absolutely loved it, and every night she wants me to read it. Um, in fact, I actually read her the second book just a couple of days ago, but now she wants both of them.

SPEAKER_03 14:18

Right.

SPEAKER_02 14:18

So I've I've got um a positive reaction from my own child who can be quite critical. Um so I'm hoping it's going to give out the same message, same feelings, um, same laughter to everybody who reads it.

SPEAKER_01 14:36

I love that. That's so sweet. Tell me, um, so obviously there's so many insects to choose from. What made you choose a ladybug? And and maybe if you if you wouldn't mind sharing like some of the other without giving too much away.

SPEAKER_02 14:51

Um well, the ladybug was actually again to do with my mom. I had uh I bought a new car, uh Honda Jazz, and it was red. And as soon as my mom sat in it, she called it a ladybug. So that's how it started. And I thought, uh, and everywhere I looked, and even now, everywhere I look, I actually see one. So I I believe in um energy, I believe in positive energy. So I I'm I'm hoping that my mom is giving me a message with the ladybugs as well. So that's how ladybug was chosen uh because of my mom.

SPEAKER_01 15:28

I love that. I love that. Yeah, ladybugs are actually they were my first favorite, and then later in life, uh dragonflies became my next favorite.

SPEAKER_02 15:37

Dragonflies, I I love them as well. In fact, um I moved a few months ago, well, back in November, uh, out of London to Essex, and now dragonflies are everywhere as well. So I'm taking that as a positive too. Yes. Um, so dragonflies and ladybugs everywhere for me at the moment.

SPEAKER_01 15:57

Oh, I love it. Did so after you wrote the first book, did you find that was it like immediate for you that you had an idea for the next one? Or did it take a little while?

SPEAKER_02 16:11

Did you think it was just gonna be one book and then she thought it was going to be just one book? Um, but later on, when I actually uh asked some people to read it, like my brother and my sister-in-law, and they they said they absolutely loved it and it was funny, it was uh a positive message to children. Um, and they encouraged me to actually write more. They said, Why not more? You know, they they actually were quite surprised because they didn't think that I had that in me, that creativity. Yes, I am quite a problem solver through my engineering and I do uh technical uh thinking, etc. But they didn't actually think that I had um that side of me. And I surprised myself when they gave me that positive reaction as well. So uh they encouraged me quite a lot. That that was uh mainly my brother and my sister-in-law uh are the reason for the next slot I have.

SPEAKER_01 17:13

That's so wonderful. Umce do you think there will be more in this series? Do you will this keep going, or do you feel like you're ready to maybe look at or maybe have something different already going on in the background? Because that's what happens, you know, as for writers. Once we start, like it it triggers all of these other ideas. Are you finding that?

SPEAKER_02 17:37

Yes. Um, my nine-year-old is trying to actually encourage me into writing a chapter book about all of the bugs. Um that I she she keeps mentioning it, mommy, what about the chapter book? Mommy, what about the chapter book? So I am actually thinking uh that I may do that first. But um yes, I've got I've got other ideas and other creatures um in mind as well.

SPEAKER_01 18:04

That's so exciting. I love it. Talk to me about what what what do you think will happen or could or should happen? You know, when families finish reading one of your books together, um, what conversation do you hope that they might have after?

SPEAKER_02 18:24

I'm hoping that it will encourage positive conversations about um being yourself, about acceptance, about friendship, uh, because all of the books actually uh touch upon self-acceptance and um self-belief, as well as other things. Um, you know, thinking what you're doing doesn't matter, however, um your friends uh showing that yes, you actually play a huge part in this little meadow. But our meadow is the planet, so every child will make a difference in their own unique way. Um, so I'm hoping those types of conversations will take place and it will encourage um children and adults alike to have those positive conversations about friendships, acceptance, uh being unique, being different. Uh the fact that being different is actually a positive thing. You know, it is not a negative to be different, uh, simply because it means there's there's only one of you, you know. Um, and whatever you bring to the table, uh you can improve, but you have to accept what you're bringing to the table and then take a step further. Um, I'm hoping those types of conversations will be encouraged and it will be um filled with laughter as well. I I know I was giggling when I was reading, even though I wrote the book when I was reading it to my daughter. Uh yeah, every night I'm actually giggling myself. So I'm hoping that they're going to have fun with it.

SPEAKER_01 20:06

I love that you you married the elements of you know, instilling some values, encouragement, uh affirmation, and and all of those qualities and humor, you know, just in a you present it in a in a light-hearted, sweet way where they don't necessarily sit there and say, I'm learning something right now. They're just enjoying it. And the messaging is is sticking in the back of their mind, hopefully, or hopefully in the forefront of their mind, but it if if not in the forefront, in the the back of their mind. And when they're uh you know presented with situations or scenarios where they have to call upon their their inner fortitude, their own strength and their own um resiliency, you know, it's there's those reminders that they can remember what the bumblebee did or what the you know ladybug did. How did the ladybug handle you know this situation? And um I I think that's such a treasure, especially in a a time when, you know, we're so inundated or our kids are so inundated by um the the visual things, you know, uh cartoons, the types of cartoons that they're watching now, and video games and

The Ladybug Story And Its Message

SPEAKER_01 21:20

and you know, even social media, you know. I mean, you see your daughter's nine, so um, you know, if she's not on it already, I'm sure she probably wants to be, you know, checking out social media, which is just wild. You know, all things that we didn't deal with when we were kids. We were outside, you know, the right the rules for us when we were kids was go outside and play.

SPEAKER_02 21:39

Exactly. And and I grew up with that. I mean, in fact, I I broke my leg uh playing outside and doing some somersaults on on a tree um when I was eight. And what did I do with a cast? I carried on doing what I was doing, and and I I loved it. Uh they are I'm trying to encourage obviously my kids, but It's the times are different. They do so different grow up with it. Um, having said that though, my 23-year-old son, he doesn't have a single social media account.

SPEAKER_03 22:10

Oh, that's so awesome.

SPEAKER_02 22:11

So, you know, I am absolutely gobsmacked that that is possible in this day and age, but uh that that's the reality. I can't say the same thing about my uh my two girls.

SPEAKER_03 22:22

Sure.

SPEAKER_02 22:23

You know, at least one of them has been saved uh from certain uh things because social media can be incredibly powerful if it's used properly. However, there's a lot of misinformation out there, um, a lot of things uh can happen if you're not keeping an eye on young kids. Yeah, yeah. So hopefully, um alongside the social media, they're not leaving books because books give you uh a whole load of uh imagination. It takes you to a different world, absolutely, especially if you know if it's written well. Um and I I love feeling that way. So I'm hoping that my books will actually um give that feeling as well. Um, celebrating differences and um helping others uh in this subconscious, subconscious is also very powerful. So even if it's not at the forefront of their of their minds, subconsciously, if if it's instilled, I think that's that's still uh very good.

SPEAKER_01 23:30

Absolutely. I noticed right away with the cover that the the illustrations they're they're they're bright, they're vivid, they're they're just so they're so appealing. Uh talk to me a little about the illustrations, what role you played in that, if somebody else did them for you, like how did you relay your vision to them?

SPEAKER_02 23:52

Um my publishers, Pantheon, they actually did the illustrations, but we did have conversations about how I wanted the characters and what colours I wanted, how I wanted the meadows, or which flowers even. Um and they were incredible in producing such vivid and colourful illustrations. And I think it that plays a huge uh part in the appeal as well, because children like colour. Um, they don't like grey, they don't like black and white, and the world is not black and white, so why should why should the book cover be, you know? Um, and that was one of the things that I really appreciated uh of my um publishers, and they've been incredible with the with the whole inner designs and the illustrations.

SPEAKER_01 24:43

That's so nice. What has been the best part of this experience of of writing the books and publishing the books and doing this part? Of course, this part's your favorite, right?

SPEAKER_02 24:56

Yes, this part is I was so nervous uh because I've never done a podcast before, but I was so nervous, but I was so looking forward to it at the same time. And I was thinking, am I going to be able to speak? Am I going to be shaking? You know, um, usually because I do, um, I get very nervous when I when I'm nervous, I start shaking. Um, even though you know I taught for 20 years and I spoke uh to at least 30 kids at the same time, that doesn't matter. Um, giving uh insets and all of that does not matter. It goes out of the window, right? Um, but I am so grateful to be here. Uh it is so much fun.

SPEAKER_01 25:36

Good, good. I'm so glad. And if it helps any, I'm always nervous. I do so many of these, I'm always nervous before I always have the butterflies. Always, I think it's just I it's just human nature. It's that's what we do. We have to switch it.

SPEAKER_02 25:49

I have a caterpillar as well.

SPEAKER_01 25:53

I do. I yeah, you know what? I was the insect kid, which is so funny because as I when I got older, I I was not, you know, certain ones the ladybugs, the dragonflies, and caterpillars. I still frogs, I know that's an amphibian, not a not a uh not an insect, but you know, we lump them all together. But yeah, so it, you know, I I love this. I these are my grandkids are going to be getting these books for gifts. So I'm very excited. So absolutely coming back to your question.

SPEAKER_02 26:24

Um, other than the podcast, uh, my favorite part was is the look on my kids' faces when I said uh my books are published. That was my favorite part. That's so awesome.

SPEAKER_01 26:38

They have to be so, so proud of you. And I bet they do, I guess. My mom's an author. My mom's so sweet.

SPEAKER_02 26:46

Well, my nine-year-old took the book to school to show and tell. So, you know, she was very proud. And the next day I had a parent um at the playground when I went to pick her up. Uh, and he just took out a book and said, Could you sign this, please? And that was the first time, and that made me feel like a real author, if you like. Sure. Like, oh my god, uh, somebody's actually got my book and I'm signing it. Uh, is my family. I said, I did my first book signing.

SPEAKER_01 27:16

Oh, I love that. I know it is it is an amazing feeling, it's very surreal, right? Like, it's just like this is this is me, this is real life that this is happening. Oh, how awesome! All right, play a little lightning round with me here. They're gonna be short, quick, easy, very easy questions. Um, or maybe I don't know. Sometimes I get stumped. I get stuffed. Somebody questions me. Uh, ironic,

Illustrations, Joy, And Being Seen

SPEAKER_01 27:40

right? Um, your favorite children's book growing up.

SPEAKER_02 27:45

It was definitely the Lord of the Rings, although it's not really a children's book, I don't think, but uh it was the Lord of the Rings. I I must have read it so many times, and you know, I I I love it.

SPEAKER_01 27:59

That's awesome. Um, favorite bug.

SPEAKER_02 28:03

My favorite bug has to be either a ladybug or a dragonfly.

SPEAKER_01 28:08

Yep, I feel that one. Uh let's see. Favorite bird.

SPEAKER_02 28:12

Favorite bird. Um, I like all of them, but um crows have a special place in my heart.

unknown 28:20

Me too.

SPEAKER_01 28:21

Are we the same person? That's so funny. I love I love them. There's something about them, right?

SPEAKER_02 28:28

They're just they are so clever, it's just yeah, looking at them, watching them. It's it they are mesmerizing.

SPEAKER_01 28:35

They absolutely are. Beach or mountains? I know you're a nature girl, so we're going with all the nature stuff.

SPEAKER_02 28:42

I have to say beach.

SPEAKER_01 28:44

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it. Um, morning writer or late night writer.

SPEAKER_02 28:52

Late night writer.

SPEAKER_01 28:53

Late night, yeah. Yeah, yeah. I used to be, and then I switched over to morning. I I had told myself that I I had to treat it like it was a job, like like it's you know, the job that's paying me. And so I switched over, but yeah, I was I was a late night too. Um, all right, this is the absolute saliest one. If you could spend one day as any animal, what would it be?

SPEAKER_02 29:15

I would love to be an octopus, although bug. I would love to be an octopus, yes.

SPEAKER_01 29:24

They are another one that's like outrageously intelligent, right? Intelligent, yeah. They are so incredible. Absolutely. Um tell everyone, if you could, where they can find your books. If you do any book signing events or anything like that, please feel free to let them know that. And if there's a website, give them all the details because they're going to be running to get these.

SPEAKER_02 29:46

Um, well, my books are available on Amazon uh in 40, well, in different countries, but um it they're also available in 40,000 different outlets around the world as well. Um, but Amazon is a big one. Uh, if they just search for my name, uh all of the books come up in different languages. And I also have um my website, it is being developed at the moment as well. Um, they could go on there at the moment. Uh only the first book is there with the details. Um, but like I said, Amazon, if they search for my my name, um, all four books come in four different languages.

Lightning Round Plus Where To Buy

SPEAKER_01 30:30

That's so cool. That they're in so many different languages and so many different markets. I love that. That's so wonderful. I cannot thank you enough for spending a little time with me here and sharing your books and your story and your life with us. Um, I know my audience is just gonna love you and these books to pieces. So thank you very much.

SPEAKER_02 30:48

Thank you so much for inviting me and your time. You have absolutely and I am not shaking at all. So thank you.

SPEAKER_01 30:55

Yay, that absolutely makes my day. So thank you. All right, my friends. Thank you all for watching. We will see you in the next episode. And as always, all of those links will be in the show notes. You'll be able to click right on them, get right over to Amazon or the website, and purchase those books for your kids and your grandkids. They make fantastic gifts. We have all kinds of things coming up. So um I think that they are perfect, perfect gifts. And we will see you guys in the next episode. Take

Closing And Host Book Mention

SPEAKER_01 31:26

care.

SPEAKER_00 31:26

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