Her Story
About Traci
Traci Owen is an author, creative entrepreneur, and psychology student whose work explores the intersection of mythology, storytelling, and mental health. She has written approximately 13–14 books, including Speaking for Medusa, which explores themes surrounding reclaiming one's voice following domestic violence, as well as works that examine mythology and contemporary issues such as masculinity, accountability, identity, and personal wellness. Her broader Mythology and Mental Health collection seeks to connect myths from cultures around the world with mental health themes while respecting the cultural origins and significance of those stories. Her books also incorporate resource information intended to help readers find additional support.
Alongside her writing career, Traci is a full-time student at Southern New Hampshire University, pursuing a master's degree in counseling psychology. She has earned Dean's List recognition three times to date and ultimately hopes to establish her own practice incorporating creative and therapeutic approaches, including art therapy, hypnotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Her professional background also includes approximately seven years as an Operations Manager with CVS Pharmacy, where she developed experience in operations, customer service, training, and team management. In addition, she operates Black Forest Heathens, a creative craft business producing handmade jewelry, embroidery, resin pieces, and other custom creations.
Traci's creative and professional journey is strongly rooted in resilience, relationships, storytelling, and service. She credits the people who invested in her throughout her life—including teachers, mentors, family members, and close friends—with helping shape her path and encouraging her to continue pursuing her goals. She also gives back through volunteering at memory care assisted-living facilities and frequently creates handmade items to give to others. Her personal philosophy centers on family, love, honesty, and trust, while her advice to aspiring writers emphasizes the importance of sharing one's story. Through her writing, education, and creative work, Traci seeks to use storytelling as a bridge between cultures, generations, mythology, and contemporary conversations about mental health.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Traci
01What do you attribute your success to?
All of the incredible people who invested their time and energy into me and talked me out of suicide three times, including my martial arts teacher Peter Hill, history teacher Mr. Bishop, English teacher Mrs. Modi, sister Diane, best friend Elizabeth, husband, and mother-in-law.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can't edit a blank page, which boosted my writing. The greatest life advice from my grandmother: do good and be good, because you can do good things without being a good person, and you can be a good person without doing anything good, but to combine both is the only thing that really gives life meaning.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Remember that a story is only worth having if it is shared with others, because stories are the way that we connect the ancient world to today, it's the way that we connect societies and cultures, it's the lifeblood of belief and faith. Just because your story may not be glamorous or adventurous doesn't mean it's not worth sharing.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Organizing my time so that I can meet everyone's needs, including mine.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, love, honesty and trust.
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