Introduction - Symphony Ferguson

Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina — the Lowcountry raised me.

I spent my early years in North Charleston before moving to Moncks Corner during my developmental years. Today, I call Summerville, South Carolina home.

Each chapter of my life has given me a different perspective on reality.

My family is large, and our personalities are even larger. I was raised to be confident, respectful, and to always put education first.

I fell in love with food science at a young age — and I guess we can thank my Easy-Bake Oven for that. I became fascinated with turning ingredients into what I considered meals. That love for food eventually led me to attend Johnson & Wales University in 2014 after graduating high school.

That decision propelled me into a world centered entirely around food.

I studied Baking & Pastry and graduated in 2016 with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

The years of learning hot and cold desserts, cookies and petit fours, cakes, sugar work, chocolate, breads, entrepreneurship, and business had finally paid off.

But not without failure.

I made many mistakes along the way.

Still, there were accomplishments I remain proud of. I became a cheerleader and eventually co-captain. I also discovered a deep interest in global ethics because of one particular class that challenged the way I thought. My professor pushed us to think bigger while remaining ethical first — to hear side A, hear side B, and only then make a sound judgment after considering both perspectives.

That mindset still influences the way I write today.

During those years, I also had the opportunity to explore Charlotte, North Carolina. I made new friends, discovered new activities, and learned how to survive outside of South Carolina.

But I also made more mistakes.

I drank too much alcohol and was suspended for a semester after one reckless night.

I brought shame upon myself and my family, and that experience forced me to tighten up my life and refocus.

Although I lost an entire semester, I returned and still graduated on time.

Since then, I have pivoted careers many times.

I started a commercial kitchen cleaning business — failed, but I tried.

I earned my Class A CDL, which allowed me to travel across the country while getting paid. That experience introduced me to the world of transportation and logistics and showed me just how massive the industry truly is. But even then, I still did not feel fulfilled.

I even became a substitute teacher to support educators who needed time away from the classroom.

These are all things I am capable of doing. But none of those paths make my heart beat the way reading and writing do.

So that is what I am going to do.

I will write for both enjoyment and understanding.

I have always been a reader.

That habit began in middle school around the age of twelve. Over the years, I read countless books, and after accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in 2019, I began reading the Bible continually — eventually completing it in its entirety.

Now, writing feels like the natural next step.

I have a lot to share, and I welcome you to the journey.

— Symphony Ferguson