Daily Inspiration: Meet Dina O. Nasr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dina O. Nasr

Hi Dina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has been one of passion, resilience, and continuous learning. From a young age, I had a love for writing, starting with poems when I was just 8 years old. I dreamed of writing lyrics and even started a girl band in school! However, life led me down a different path for a while.

As a mum of three, raising my boys inspired me to dive into early childhood education. I pursued my PGCE from The University of Sunderland and additional diplomas to build my expertise. Over 14 years, I worked across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, wearing many hats—teacher, researcher, nursery manager, curriculum developer, and trainer. I have also provided training and workshops for parents and educators, covering various topics to improve their teaching skills and equip them with strategies for handling little ones in nurturing and caring environments.

Along the way, I had the privilege of being mentored by the best in early years and primary teaching. They equipped me with the skills to ensure the development of all seven areas of learning while creating nurturing classroom and home environments that foster children’s curiosity, love for books, and exploration. I’ve always strived to let children know that they are heard, and their views and ideas are respected.

The real turning point came during my pregnancy with my daughter. I rekindled my love for writing and poured my heart into creating Spark the Sparkly Dragon, a children’s book that teaches valuable life lessons. The story explores themes of sibling love and care, family bonds and trust, the importance of not keeping secrets from parents, and fostering open communication. It educates parents on the importance of having a listening ear for their children to build trust and connection. The book also touches on caring for animals, healthy eating, morning routines, and many other positive habits—all wrapped up in a magical and engaging narrative.

Seeing my book published felt like a dream come true, and it inspired me to take things further. Today, I’m a children’s book author, early years educator, and advocate for screen-free, play-based learning for young children. Through my company, Edukidzz, and my Instagram content, I aim to empower parents, teachers, and caregivers with tools to foster development and joyful learning experiences.

It’s been a long journey, but every step has shaped me into the educator and storyteller I am today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—it’s been filled with challenges, but each one has been a stepping stone to where I am today.

One of the biggest struggles was balancing my passion for education and writing with the demands of being a mum of three. Raising my children while pursuing qualifications like my PGCE and child-related diplomas required immense dedication and time management. There were moments of self-doubt and exhaustion, but I kept reminding myself why I started: to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

Adding to this, I was navigating life as an expat in a new country with no help while working a full-time job. During this time, I completed a CACHE Level 5 Management Pathway Diploma, finalized my book Spark the Sparkly Dragon for publication, and worked tirelessly to market it. I also conducted engaging read-aloud sessions with meaningful takeaways, participated in numerous book fairs to present myself and my work, and continued to manage my family responsibilities. With three children—two of them teenagers—I had to ensure their needs were met while also handling all housework and chores on my own.

Health challenges such as psoriasis arthritis and chronic sinusitis have been a part of my journey as well. These sometimes made the process slower, but they also taught me resilience and the importance of self-care.

Another hurdle was stepping out into the digital space. I had to study digital marketing from scratch to understand how to put myself out there and stand out in a crowded field. Learning how to market myself, manage social media, and develop workshops has been a steep but rewarding learning curve.

Despite these struggles, each challenge has shaped my journey. They’ve strengthened my commitment to providing children with nurturing environments, empowering parents and educators, and sharing life lessons through my books. Every bump in the road has only made the milestones feel more fulfilling.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is a blend of passion, purpose, and creativity. As an experienced Early Years educator and a published children’s book author, I specialize in nurturing young minds through play-based learning, storytelling, and fostering a love for books. I’m also dedicated to empowering parents and educators through workshops and consultations that create meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children.

I’m best known for my debut children’s book, Spark the Sparkly Dragon, which is full of life lessons about family bonds, sibling care, honesty, and fostering trust between children and parents. It also encourages healthy habits like morning routines and healthy eating, while promoting kindness and care for animals. My work aims to educate children and parents alike, creating stronger family connections and an appreciation for values through engaging stories. I design workshops for parents and educators to enhance their skills in handling little ones with care while fostering curiosity, exploration, and respect for children’s ideas and voices. My Weekend is Here, Have No Fear reel series on Instagram is one such initiative, providing families with simple, screen-free activities that build bonds and foster learning across different developmental areas.

What sets me apart is my holistic approach. I’ve been mentored by the best in Early Years and primary education and trained by one of the best child psychologists. I’ve also attended numerous child psychology workshops, which have deepened my understanding of children’s needs and helped me better cater to their developmental and emotional well-being. This knowledge allows me to create nurturing environments that not only focus on academic skills but also emotional intelligence, curiosity, and creativity.

As an expat who has worked in multiple countries, I bring a global perspective to my work. I also leverage my experiences as a mum of three—two teenagers and a younger child—to connect with parents on a personal level.

I’m most proud of the positive impact my work has had on families and educators. Seeing children light up during storytelling sessions or parents implementing strategies from my workshops fills me with immense joy. Receiving my first published copy of Spark the Sparkly Dragon on my birthday was a moment I’ll never forget—it symbolized the culmination of years of hard work and persistence.

My ability to balance creativity with practical solutions, my dedication to empowering others, and my passion for fostering a love for learning and books truly set me apart. Every aspect of my work is driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and educators.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If you’re just starting out, my advice is to be patient with yourself and embrace the journey, even when it feels overwhelming. Building a career or a business in education, writing, or any field takes time, and there will be ups and downs along the way. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the learning process and help you grow.

One thing I wish I knew when I started is the importance of balance. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, especially when you’re passionate about what you do. But it’s essential to take time for self-care and reflection. Without that balance, it’s easy to burn out, and burnout can slow down your progress.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of networking and learning from others. Mentorship has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey. I was fortunate to be mentored by some of the best in Early Years education and child psychology, and I highly recommend finding mentors who can guide you through the challenges. They can offer insights, strategies, and emotional support that can make all the difference.

Another piece of advice would be to start small but think big. When I first began, I focused on one thing at a time my book, my teaching, or a single project and I allowed those things to grow naturally. It’s important to set achievable goals and build momentum before tackling the bigger picture.

Finally, trust in your unique voice and perspective. Whether you’re an educator, an author, or a business owner, there’s only one you, and that’s your greatest strength. Don’t feel pressured to follow every trend or compare yourself to others. Stay true to your values and vision. The more authentic you are, the more you’ll attract the right audience who truly resonates with your work.

Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself. Your hard work will eventually pay off. You can do It! Yes you can!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edukidzz/