Meet Nancy Raciti | Founder, Grace & Kind & Children’s Book Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nancy Raciti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My company, Grace & Kind, celebrates the power of kindness through apparel, a kindness character, and a children’s book.

It started with a blog and that led me to designing apparel and accessories that feature kind designs and conversation starting tees. The wearers of those tees have told me they feel compelled to be kinder as representatives of the message they are wearing. They remind people of what is important and lasting, kindness. Furthering my kindness mission, last year I published my first children’s book, “The Adventures of Carry Kindness.” It tells the story of how a kind heart can change the world.

Every time we make the decision to share a kind word, do an act of kindness, or quietly listen, we help change the world.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My earliest childhood memories include being criticized for my appearance and personality. And, when I started kindergarten, two of my classmates locked me in a single bathroom and wouldn’t let me out. I was terrified!

While walking through life, I had no idea my early childhood experiences would lead me to start a business focused on sharing the message of kindness. But here I am, on a mission to increase kindness in the world.

Thinking back to my childhood experiences and considering the research showing children need to learn and practice kindness, I created an interactive character, Carry Kindness®, that helps kids build their kindness muscle. The earlier children learn about kindness and regularly experience it, the more likely it is that kindness will become an integral part of their value system. It’s also worth noting that kind kids grow up to be kind business leaders. And kind business leaders see the benefits in the workplace through more productivity, increased innovation, and happier (less turnover) employees.

There is an illustration of Carry Kindness at the back of my book, The Adventures of Carry Kindness, and children can immediately color their own Carry and begin to practice kindness. She is a fun and interactive way for kids to practice being kind. She’s even being used in classrooms to teach geography and contribute to Social Emotional Learning.

As adults, one of the ways we can help kids incorporate kindness into their lives is by modeling it for them. Grandiose expressions of kindness are not required. Even the simple things make a difference: offering a thank you to someone, opening a door for another, or picking up some litter.

And, there’s no need to forget about yourself in this process! Being kind to yourself has been shown to reduce stress and boost your immune system.

Everything is better with kindness!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to do in Boise, Idaho! We’d start the day having coffee on our back deck. After easing into the morning, we’d leash up our pooch and hike the surrounding hills (Table Rock or Military Reserve). In the afternoon we’d lather up with sunscreen, grab our rafts, and spend a couple of relaxing hours floating the Boise River.

We’d need to check out Capital City Public Market on Saturday, pick up some cool finds from local business and artists, and have lunch downtown. A trip past the Idaho State Capitol and to Freak Alley are good sites for visitors. And honestly, I’m not sure where we’d go to eat – there are so many great restaurants here! I’d let my best friend make the choice. We can always visit some other top spots on her next trip!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have helped and encouraged me along the way. It’s a long list!

At the top of the list is the Lord. He is always present and ever faithful. He gave me the desire to build something that helps me to walk out His call to love one another. After all, kindness is love in action.

Next in line is my high school sweetheart and husband, Vince. I’m so grateful for a husband who encourages me, supports the goals I have for Grace & Kind, and stands beside me through it all.

Website: https://www.GraceandKind.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceandkind/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceandKind

Image Credits
Photo credit: Grace & Kind, LLC