Leading with Gratitude, Grace, and Braille
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By Janie Desir
When life handed me a challenge that could have broken me, gratitude became my greatest source of strength. I’m Janie Desir, founder and CEO of Teaching Your Baby in Braille, and my story is one of faith, resilience, and the unshakable belief that even in darkness, there is light — and that light begins with gratitude.
My journey began not with a business idea, but with a mother’s determination. When my son was diagnosed with Keratoconus, a condition that threatened his vision, I made a decision that changed everything: I would teach him Braille. I had no guidebook, no mentor — only love, purpose, and a fierce refusal to let fear dictate our story. What began as a personal mission soon blossomed into a movement empowering families raising blind or visually impaired children through early Braille literacy and inclusion.
As a blind mother and educator, I know that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about service. Teaching Your Baby in Braille was built on gratitude-fueled leadership: the idea that appreciation and grace can inspire communities to grow together. Every tactile book I create, every parent I teach, and every child I encourage becomes part of something much bigger — a culture of compassion, confidence, and courage.
Gratitude also became my anchor for wellness and balance. Entrepreneurship, motherhood, and advocacy can be overwhelming, but gratitude transforms chaos into calm. It reminds me to celebrate progress instead of perfection. On the hardest days, I pause, breathe, and whisper, “Thank you.” Thank you for the lesson, for the opportunity, for the purpose. Gratitude has taught me that resilience isn’t about never falling — it’s about finding grace every time you rise.
One of my greatest joys is mentoring other mothers and educators through workshops, Sippy Cup & Paint bonding events, and Braille awareness classes. These moments remind me that collaboration is the heartbeat of progress. When women lift one another, we build bridges strong enough to carry generations. Through my advocacy work with the A.L.I. (Autism Loves Independence) Foundation, I’ve seen how celebrating small wins — a child reading their first Braille word, a parent finding confidence, or a teacher learning inclusion — can change lives. Gratitude magnifies those moments until they become milestones.
Leadership, to me, means leading with kindness.
I believe gratitude is the most powerful tool a woman can carry. It allows us to guide with empathy, to inspire through service, and to turn obstacles into opportunities. When we lead with appreciation, we don’t just create successful businesses — we create movements that heal, connect, and empower.
Every challenge I’ve faced as a woman entrepreneur has strengthened my vision. When doors closed, gratitude opened new ones. When people doubted me, gratitude reminded me of my why. And when I felt unseen, I chose to see myself — as capable, worthy, and chosen for this purpose.
Through Teaching Your Baby in Braille, I’ve learned that leadership is not about being perfect — it’s about being grateful. It’s about creating impact with love and showing others that greatness is built in the quiet moments of faith, patience, and perseverance. My mission is to continue empowering families, advocating for inclusion, and reminding women that even when life changes your vision, gratitude will always help you see your purpose clearly.
Gratitude is not just part of my story — it is my story. It’s how I lead, how I heal, and how I rise. Because when women lead with gratitude and grace, they don’t just win — they help the world see differently.
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