Meet Dori Gronich | Paraprofessional & Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dori Gronich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dori, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Back in 2020, the pandemic was raging and everyone was feeling isolated. I decided I couldn’t let my feelings of depression win, so I turned to making art. I ended up making a beautiful poster with colorful flowers and positive messages. I hung it up so the neighbors could see it. That wasn’t enough. I created a QR code that when scanned would take people to a link to my poster as well as positive messages and images. I hung the codes all over my neighborhood. People loved it. A few days later it rained. All of the codes got wet and soggy. I took them home and cut them to pieces. I formed the pieces into a rainbow and hung it on the door with the poster. This experience helped me see the impact my work had on the community! Also I work as a paraprofessional, where I assist special needs children during their school day. It is tiring at times, but seeing children thrive and grow makes it worth it. Recently I was asked to give an author talk on my new book to the 4th graders. Afterwards one of the kids told me they hope to write a book just like I did.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My obsession with guinea pigs has played a major role in making art. I’m excited to have created merchandise for my brand: planetpiggies. This includes hats, shirts, and so much more! To get to where I am today, I practiced drawing everyday since I was 6 years old. Then I took classes in adobe photoshop when I was in middle school and that’s when I discovered my passion for graphic design. I went to the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego for Graphic Design and a minor in art therapy. I received my degree even though college was one of the toughest life experiences I’ve had so far. I’ve learned that in order to succeed it takes perseverance and hard work. I recently published a collection of my poems called: “What About Tomorrow?”. My hope is that my work can inspire others to keep reaching for their dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

First on my list would be to go to a football game at Nissan Stadium which is home to the Tennessee Titans! You can schedule to take a tour of the stadium which is so fun. Then get ready for an amazing view from the pedestrian bridge which is within walking distance from the stadium. This bridge leads to the honkytonks (bars with live music) on broadway. This area has many different stores and restaurants. For amazingly delicious barbecue go to Honey Fire BBQ. They are located in several different places but their newest store is on Broadway! My mouth is watering thinking about their loaded bbq nachos. If you like music and bars, the nightlife is something else. There’s nothing like seeing peddling bars(you drink and pedal while sitting at a motorized bar) and bachelors and bachelorettes hollering on the party buses. It’s always a good time in downtown Nashville.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This shout out goes to my mother! She has been supportive throughout my life. Whenever I’m feeling lost, she’s there for me. We don’t always see eye to eye, but I can’t imagine my success without her playing a role. Thank you for always believing in me even when I didn’t believe in my self! (Side note she even helped me edit this article)

Website: https://dorigronich.myportfolio.com/childrens-books

Instagram: Planetpiggies

Other: My poetry book: https://www.amazon.com/What-About-Tomorrow-Dori-Gronich/dp/9358368640/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=Dori+gronich&qid=1698891016&sr=8-1 Merch: https://my-store-cd8cbb.creator-spring.com/?_ga=2.211082771.769776747.1682001736-1071994863.1682001736&_gac=1.180232022.1682001736.Cj0KCQjwxYOiBhC9ARIsANiEIfa2wHI8zGEQccK5zH96xchLV6e0l9lF8uqUUrOeFVyle_cDf8CDK9waAjtNEALw_wcB&fbclid=PAAabawvwaJDk0X_bXxK5xI78lFb4PrIWg5T7lf86h4MGlsY3Iaj24-K6t9bg_aem_AeEp1qBSNuHbgfWCCWyHTwk_ELNR8s0ToHss_aC5m7-0-_zafVZi-U6m7tdgs5sF2U8 2020 positive poster project: https://dorigronich.myportfolio.com/positivity-poster-campaign