Today we’d like to introduce you to Francine Juhlin.
Francine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey as an aircraft electrician in the military. I spent years working on complex systems, where precision and responsibility were non-negotiable. Those years taught me discipline, problem-solving, and how to stay calm under pressure.
I joined Toastmasters to sharpen my communication and leadership skills, which opened doors to speaking, event hosting, and collaborating with community leaders. Every step has been about combining my technical discipline with creativity and heart.
When it came time for retirement, I realized my true passion was personal growth and helping others. I went through my own transformation, learning how mindset and confidence can shape a person’s entire life. That inspired me to help others do the same, especially children.
I became an author and created the world of Princess Francy and Sparklefeathers to help children embrace their uniqueness and grow strong in confidence. I also built the Confidence Club for Kids, designed to give families fun and practical tools for emotional growth.
Today, I help families raise confident kids so we don’t have to fix broken adults later. I’m an author, speaker, and community builder who believes that one small spark of confidence can change a life. My journey started with wires and tools, and grew into stories and hope.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I look back at my journey, it didn’t start with confidence. It started with struggle. I grew up as the fat kid who never quite felt comfortable in my own skin. I learned early to be the helper, the one who made sure everyone else was okay, even when I wasn’t. I became a people pleaser, always putting others first and burying my own feelings deep inside. When I joined the military, I found structure, discipline, and a sense of purpose. But even there, I carried the weight of that little kid who felt invisible and not good enough.
When I came home from Iraq, I carried more than just memories. I carried pain I didn’t know how to face. I turned to unhealthy habits to cope, and they nearly cost me my life. I was taking care of everyone else but not myself. It wasn’t until I hit that breaking point that I realized something powerful. I am worthy. My body is worthy. I needed to start treating myself with the same care and respect I had always given to others.
Rebuilding wasn’t easy. I had to let go of old programming that told me strength meant silence, that asking for help was weakness, and that my worth depended on how much I gave to others. It took time to heal, to learn to love myself, and to stand in my own light. But those struggles became the foundation of my mission today. They shaped my purpose. Now I help others, especially children, discover their worth long before the world convinces them to doubt it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart as a children’s author is that my work is not just built from imagination, it’s built from lived experience and deep healing. I don’t just write stories for children, I write them with my inner child sitting right beside me, guiding the way. That little girl who once felt invisible and unsure now runs my business with a spark in her eyes and a heart full of wonder. She reminds me every day to keep things playful, honest, and real. I don’t write from a pedestal, I write from the floor where kids sit cross-legged, dreaming big and feeling everything. My stories are rooted in empowerment because I know what it’s like to grow up feeling different, to doubt your worth, and to learn that confidence can change everything. I bring my life’s lessons, my military discipline, my personal transformation, and my childlike curiosity together to create spaces where children feel seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Any big plans?
My future plans are filled with purpose, creativity, and heart. I’m building an entire world where children can learn to believe in themselves and grow strong in confidence. I plan to write twelve more books in the Camp Confidence series, with each book representing a day at camp and a new lesson about confidence. These stories will guide children through everyday challenges in ways that are fun, relatable, and empowering.
Alongside the books, I’m building The Confidence Club for Kids YouTube channel, which will have a strong STEM focus. I believe learning can be magical, and science is one of the best ways to show kids the power of curiosity and courage. The foundation of the channel will be twenty science-based cartoon shorts that blend STEM lessons with confidence-building messages. These videos will cover time management, reading and phonics, and hands-on science experiments that remind kids that making mistakes is part of learning, not something to fear. I want to fill the gaps that so many kids experience in today’s school curriculums, giving them tools to grow not only academically but emotionally.
Another important piece of my vision is The Parent’s Talk Podcast. This podcast creates a space where parents can learn, share, and grow together. It focuses on real conversations about raising confident children, emotional wellness, communication skills, and how parents can model the mindset they want their kids to develop. By combining stories, practical tips, and expert insights, the podcast is designed to support families on their journey of raising strong, resilient kids. Together, the books, the YouTube channel, and the podcast form a powerful foundation for helping families build confidence and connection in every part of their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sparklefeathers.fun/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/princessfrancyandfriends/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PersonalChangeWarriors
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@francinejuhlin https://www.youtube.com/@TheConfidenceClubForKids
