Joyce Parlapiano

Joyce Parlapiano is a children's picture book author and illustrator based in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Her debut book, Hey Nani, Love Rowan, was published and launched in February after she wrote and illustrated it as a side project that allowed her to return to her painting and drawing talents from art school. Prior to this, she maintained parallel careers in hospitality and real estate for many years, working in restaurants as a manager, bartender, and server while also serving as a real estate broker, office manager at DeWolf where she oversaw 60 people, and owner of her own real estate firm. She has owned a bakery where she worked as a cake decorator and two restaurants, one of which operated as a live music venue. Parlapiano is a member of the Foxborough Art Association, an illustrator group, the real estate board where she held a leadership role, her church, and a by-referral network. She has received recognition including a feature as a new start in Self Magazine for her bakery, an award for her book illustration from the Foxborough Art Association, and contest wins. Her professional focus remains on fostering community and emotional connections, as seen in her book about grandparents and grandchildren and her plans to expand related programs.