In Her Heels with Princess Bubble Author, Susan Johnston
http://www.shetakesontheworld.com/
We've all read them: Fairy tales that end with a princess finding Prince Charming and living *sigh* happily ever after. Or so we've been told. Move over damsel-in-distress; there's a new princess in town! Her name is Princess Bubble and she's an independent, intelligent, globe trotting princess that doesn't need Prince Charming to live her life. Creators Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb are changing the way girls think of happily ever after.
Susan, I love this book and I love what you ladies are doing. How did you meet each other?
Although Kim and I were both Delta flight attendants, we actually met through an old boyfriend. So, we joke and say that did not work out but I kept Kim.
What sparked the idea for Princess Bubble?
After being in 17 weddings and exhausted from hearing "Why aren't you married?" I was playing Barbie with a friend's daughter and was told that Barbie could not live "happily ever after" without a prince. I questioned this little princess, telling her I was single and happy and had traveled the world, had wonderful friends and family...And she informed me this was not possible for Barbie or any of the Disney princesses because it had been clearly documented -No Prince equals no chance of "happily ever after."
I thought about this and wondered what we were teaching our girls. Wasn't happiness to be shared and not made the responsibility of another human to fulfill? I wrote an email to friends with a rough draft of Princess Bubble asking what they thought. Isn't it time for a new fairy tale? Kim quickly responded, "Yes! Let's make it happen." So, we published Princess Bubble together. Tell us more about the Princess Bubble character? From an excerpt I read that she took a job with Royal Heir Line to travel. It sounds like Princess Bubble is based on your own lives. Is that a correct assumption?
Princess Bubble is a better version of us. She is educated, well traveled, wants to make a difference, owns her own castle and had also been a bridesmaid and is told in the story that she will wear the bridesmaid dress again.
Recently, my life took an unexpected turn I NEVER expected for myself and I met a prince. This relationship has made me even more passionate about the message of Princess Bubble because we both feel so strongly about being happy first and then as secure happy people you are able to encourage each other to fulfill their dreams and be a better person. Not expect the other person to be the dream.
Kim is very happy single and has a fabulous life traveling, dating and has mastered Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. We are both very close to our nieces and nephews.
What is your vision for Princess Bubble and your company?
We would love for Princess Bubble to travel the world and learn about languages, cultures and the education of travel. But, we self-published Princess Bubble and are not in the financial position to finance her travels just yet. But, that is our dream.
If there are any publishers or investors reading, take a look at Princess Bubble! What is the message you want to get across to women and girls?
Kim and I believe it is far better to be single and wish you were married than married and wish you were single. Our passion is for girls/women to recognize their value and worth. We believe true happiness comes from loving God, helping others and liking who you are already. There are so many girls compromising themselves, starving themselves and in abusive dating relationships-all seeking the attention of some guy. We want these girls to know they are a special princess and feel secure in their own skin. What is a day like in your heels? Kim still works for Delta and she tutors Spanish. She has her Masters in Romantic Languages. I left Delta in 2006 and took a job with a builder. I was recently laid off. So, I am looking for a job and we both are promoting Princess Bubble hoping to empower girls and reach people with this message we are so passionate about. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me today. Happily ever after!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Girls, Self-Esteem & a Princess; As Seen On CNN & The TODAY Show
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
Many concerned mothers today worry about raising their princess. There is a royal struggle to have fun with fairy tales and at the same time teach girls the true meaning of “Happily Ever After!”
This is a story I can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with my children.”
—Noelle Williams, mother of three
“We’ve had countless women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were little.”
—Susan Johnston, Princess Bubble author
Two Sassy Single Authors Redefine Fairy Tale Endings for Young Readers!
ATLANTA, October 8,2008—You know how the story goes—Prince Charming, “Happily Ever After,” The End, right? Is this the ONLY option today’s moms want to share with their young daughters? Two successful single gals are offering parents an updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a new generation of fairy tales that celebrates singleness and self worth. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
Three most common disorders in girls: low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005
(Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)
“I adore sharing the Princess Bubble message with my daughter because it teaches her that happiness comes from within,” said Kim Daniels, mother of two.
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.comFindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”
“We are definitely not anti-Prince,” said Webb. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.”
ABOUT PRINCESS BUBBLE and BUBBLE GUM PRESS: The Princess Bubble message, cleverly articulated by former Delta flight attendants Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, seeks to find an alternate ending to “happily ever after” and change the notion that life begins and ends with finding your Prince Charming. Looking to bolster the poor self-esteem of female youth and the stigma that many single adult women carry, Johnston and Webb believe“this is a book for women of all ages, a story they can believe in and share with their children.” In upcoming adventures, Princess Bubble will travel to distant lands where the knowledge of every new culture will enrich her flourishing life.
-30-
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/showbiz/2008/08/11/intv.susan.johnston.cnn?iref=videosearch
Many concerned mothers today worry about raising their princess. There is a royal struggle to have fun with fairy tales and at the same time teach girls the true meaning of “Happily Ever After!”
This is a story I can truly believe in and feel comfortable sharing with my children.”
—Noelle Williams, mother of three
“We’ve had countless women all over the nation tell us they wish there had been a book like this when they were little.”
—Susan Johnston, Princess Bubble author
Two Sassy Single Authors Redefine Fairy Tale Endings for Young Readers!
ATLANTA, October 8,2008—You know how the story goes—Prince Charming, “Happily Ever After,” The End, right? Is this the ONLY option today’s moms want to share with their young daughters? Two successful single gals are offering parents an updated version of the traditional fairy tale. No longer a “Damsel in Distress,” this princess travels the world, helps others, and finds “happily ever after” even before she finds her Prince!
With wisdom gleaned from their careers as independent, globe-trotting flight attendants, first-time authors Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb have crafted a new generation of fairy tales that celebrates singleness and self worth. A contemporary fairy tale for all ages, Princess Bubble was written to reduce the overwhelming sense of failure, self-doubt, and despair that many youth face.
Three most common disorders in girls: low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders
In 2003, breast implants tripled from 3,872 to 11,326 in girls under age 18
Girls ages 12 to 19 spent over $8 million on cosmetics in 2005
(Source: Report of the APA Task Force on the Sexualization of Girls,2007)
“I adore sharing the Princess Bubble message with my daughter because it teaches her that happiness comes from within,” said Kim Daniels, mother of two.
Princess Bubble stars a princess who is confused by the traditional fairy tale messages that say she must find her “prince” before she can live “happily ever after.” Princess Bubble dons her “thinking crown” to research traditional fairy tales, interviews married girlfriends, and even takes counsel from her mother, who advises her to sign up at FindYourPrince.comFindYourPrince.com. With a little help from her fairy godmother (this is still a fairy tale after all), Ms. Bubble discovers that “living happily ever after” is not about finding a prince. “True happiness,” the book reveals, “is found by loving God, being kind to others, and being comfortable with who you are already!”
“We are definitely not anti-Prince,” said Webb. “We just believe that young girls today are bombarded with so much inaccurate advice on how to build their self-esteem—messages that focus on the outside rather than what’s within. We want to change that message.”
ABOUT PRINCESS BUBBLE and BUBBLE GUM PRESS: The Princess Bubble message, cleverly articulated by former Delta flight attendants Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb, seeks to find an alternate ending to “happily ever after” and change the notion that life begins and ends with finding your Prince Charming. Looking to bolster the poor self-esteem of female youth and the stigma that many single adult women carry, Johnston and Webb believe“this is a book for women of all ages, a story they can believe in and share with their children.” In upcoming adventures, Princess Bubble will travel to distant lands where the knowledge of every new culture will enrich her flourishing life.
-30-
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
A life beyond finding Mr. Right
by Christine Fosterwrite the author
Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb (click for larger version)
January 06, 2009 | 10:16 AM
Once upon a time there were two Delta flight attendants who were single and unapologetic. Together, the women wrote a book that turned the traditional princess narrative on its head. The end.
Actually, Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb's story of Princess Bubble is the opposite of "the end" theory, in which every princess gets her man and proceeds to ride off into the sunset. The classic fairytale, they say, is not always reality and can leave many young women wondering where it all went wrong if they don't immediately find a prince charming.
The determination to change that kind of thinking is exactly what led Johnston and Webb to write Princess Bubble. Inspired by play dates with the daughters of her friends, Johnston was struck by the limited view of fairytale fantasy.
"These girls told me, as we played, that their Barbie or princess doll could not live 'happily ever after' without a prince," she said. "I told them that I was single and had a great life. I had traveled the world and loved my family and friends. [But] they said, 'You can't live happily ever after, that's not how it works.'"
A light bulb went off for Johnston. She began hearing more and more reports on girls who took drastic measures to impress boys, often turning to self-destructive beauty routines because they lacked real self-esteem or singular self-worth.
"I thought, 'We are teaching these girls this message, it is time for a new type of fairy tale,'" she said.
Hearing Johnston's idea, her friend, Webb, immediately came on board and together they wrote the story of Bubble, a princess who finds out that living happily ever after is not about finding a prince, but about "being comfortable with who you are already."
"I grew up in the era of 'The Bionic Woman' and 'Charlie's Angels.' These women were not waiting to be rescued. They were strong and independent," said Johnston, who, along with Webb live in Atlanta. "I think it is fun for girls to have all the [dress up] costumes and be able to feel beautiful like a princess, but real princesses - like Princess Diana - do not just sit and wait to be rescued and served. They help others and make a difference. I want young girls to see the beauty that radiates from a person who cares about others. This is a lasting beauty that does not fade with time and gravity."
The message has hit home for many women. The book has received national attention, including features on CNN and The Today Show. Clearly there is a demographic for this new kind of fairytale.
"We have been most surprised that married women have gotten so much out of Princess Bubble for themselves. We hear 'I need to be reminded of this daily. My marriage is better when I remember the message of Princess Bubble, because I can not expect my husband to be everything to me, but to share my life with me,'" Johnston said.
She recently faced a lay off just like many other Americans and has seen the truth in what she preaches become even more important in her own life.
"It reminds me of how easy it is to believe or wish some knight in shining armor would ride up and say, 'Don't worry about money or insurance! You are a princess!' [But] I believe even if Prince Charming was at my door right now waiting to rescue me that I would not truly have 'happily ever after' if I depended on him to be everything in my life," she said.
However, the two authors try to make it clear that they are not anti-marriage. In fact, Johnston believes the message would only grow stronger if she was to get married.
"It appears to me [when you are married], you are having to remind yourself more that you are not perfect either and you are in a partnership and not in a Disney movie," said Johnston, the "ultimate bridesmaid" who has participated in a staggering 17 weddings. "A partnership requires work to flourish."
Johnston and Webb have big plans for Princess Bubble in the future.
"We would love for Princess Bubble to travel the world and learn about culture and how our differences make us special," Johnston said.
So the story doesn't end in the absence of a prince. In fact, it's just the beginning.
Locally, you can purchase the book at the following locations: Phine and Whimsey-Duluth; My Sister's Gifts-Alpharetta; Curls & Boys-Alpharetta; The Chandlery-Roswell; The Cannery-Alpharetta, or visit www.princessbubble.com.
by Christine Fosterwrite the author
Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb (click for larger version)
January 06, 2009 | 10:16 AM
Once upon a time there were two Delta flight attendants who were single and unapologetic. Together, the women wrote a book that turned the traditional princess narrative on its head. The end.
Actually, Susan Johnston and Kimberly Webb's story of Princess Bubble is the opposite of "the end" theory, in which every princess gets her man and proceeds to ride off into the sunset. The classic fairytale, they say, is not always reality and can leave many young women wondering where it all went wrong if they don't immediately find a prince charming.
The determination to change that kind of thinking is exactly what led Johnston and Webb to write Princess Bubble. Inspired by play dates with the daughters of her friends, Johnston was struck by the limited view of fairytale fantasy.
"These girls told me, as we played, that their Barbie or princess doll could not live 'happily ever after' without a prince," she said. "I told them that I was single and had a great life. I had traveled the world and loved my family and friends. [But] they said, 'You can't live happily ever after, that's not how it works.'"
A light bulb went off for Johnston. She began hearing more and more reports on girls who took drastic measures to impress boys, often turning to self-destructive beauty routines because they lacked real self-esteem or singular self-worth.
"I thought, 'We are teaching these girls this message, it is time for a new type of fairy tale,'" she said.
Hearing Johnston's idea, her friend, Webb, immediately came on board and together they wrote the story of Bubble, a princess who finds out that living happily ever after is not about finding a prince, but about "being comfortable with who you are already."
"I grew up in the era of 'The Bionic Woman' and 'Charlie's Angels.' These women were not waiting to be rescued. They were strong and independent," said Johnston, who, along with Webb live in Atlanta. "I think it is fun for girls to have all the [dress up] costumes and be able to feel beautiful like a princess, but real princesses - like Princess Diana - do not just sit and wait to be rescued and served. They help others and make a difference. I want young girls to see the beauty that radiates from a person who cares about others. This is a lasting beauty that does not fade with time and gravity."
The message has hit home for many women. The book has received national attention, including features on CNN and The Today Show. Clearly there is a demographic for this new kind of fairytale.
"We have been most surprised that married women have gotten so much out of Princess Bubble for themselves. We hear 'I need to be reminded of this daily. My marriage is better when I remember the message of Princess Bubble, because I can not expect my husband to be everything to me, but to share my life with me,'" Johnston said.
She recently faced a lay off just like many other Americans and has seen the truth in what she preaches become even more important in her own life.
"It reminds me of how easy it is to believe or wish some knight in shining armor would ride up and say, 'Don't worry about money or insurance! You are a princess!' [But] I believe even if Prince Charming was at my door right now waiting to rescue me that I would not truly have 'happily ever after' if I depended on him to be everything in my life," she said.
However, the two authors try to make it clear that they are not anti-marriage. In fact, Johnston believes the message would only grow stronger if she was to get married.
"It appears to me [when you are married], you are having to remind yourself more that you are not perfect either and you are in a partnership and not in a Disney movie," said Johnston, the "ultimate bridesmaid" who has participated in a staggering 17 weddings. "A partnership requires work to flourish."
Johnston and Webb have big plans for Princess Bubble in the future.
"We would love for Princess Bubble to travel the world and learn about culture and how our differences make us special," Johnston said.
So the story doesn't end in the absence of a prince. In fact, it's just the beginning.
Locally, you can purchase the book at the following locations: Phine and Whimsey-Duluth; My Sister's Gifts-Alpharetta; Curls & Boys-Alpharetta; The Chandlery-Roswell; The Cannery-Alpharetta, or visit www.princessbubble.com.
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