JOHN PAUL PADILLA
Author
Songwriter
Content Creator
Advocate
Hello and welcome. My name is John Paul Padilla, and I am the creator behind Padilla Goldworks—a creative brand built on one simple belief: your story, your voice, and your differences are gold.
I am a self-published author, songwriter, visual storyteller, and public speaker whose work centers on self-worth, resilience, and emotional healing. While my creative journey has evolved over the years—from children’s books to inspirational videos and now original music—the heart of my message has always remained the same: you are enough exactly as you are.
Where It All Began
Growing up, I was teased and bullied because of my appearance—especially my ears. Those experiences left deep emotional scars and made me feel insecure, unwanted, and different well into my teenage years. Although people may see confidence and poise in me today, there was a time when I was shy, withdrawn, and struggling to accept myself.
At eighteen, after undergoing ear surgery, I reached a turning point—not because I “fixed” something, but because I realized something far more powerful: true confidence doesn’t come from changing yourself, but from owning who you are. That realization changed my life—and eventually became the foundation for everything I create.
From Pain to Purpose: The Author
I chose to transform my past into purpose through storytelling. This led to my inspirational poetry book for adults, Wings to Cross an Ocean, followed by my award-winning children’s book series featuring Johnny Big-Ears and the Feel-Good Friends. These stories are rooted in my real childhood experiences and are designed to help children ages 4–10 navigate teasing, bullying, and self-acceptance with compassion and courage.
Each character represents a unique trait—what some may call “different,” but what I call special. My books don’t just tell stories; they open conversations between children, parents, and educators about empathy, kindness, and loving yourself. The series has since expanded to include a Spanish edition, allowing the message to reach even more families.
The Evolution: From Books to Music
As my journey continued, I realized that stories don’t live only on pages—they live in voices, movement, rhythm, and emotion. Music became another powerful way for me to express the same themes I’ve always written about: self-worth, freedom, identity, and healing.
Today, I write and release original songs that speak to the same heart as my books—songs about confidence, independence, self-love, and emotional truth. Whether through lyrics, visuals, or performance, my music is an extension of the same mission: to remind people they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Why Everything Lives Under Padilla Goldworks
Padilla Goldworks is not just a name—it is the umbrella that unites all of my creative work. My books, music, inspirational videos, and visual storytelling are all different expressions of the same core message. Rather than separating them, I intentionally keep them together—because they come from the same place and serve the same purpose.
Every project under Padilla Goldworks is about turning lived experience into empowerment and transforming pain into something meaningful, beautiful, and lasting—gold.
My Message
Bullies are not born—they are shaped by what they see, hear, and experience. When children are taught self-love, empathy, and acceptance, they grow into kinder, more confident adults. The same is true for all of us, at any age.
Being different is not a weakness.
It is your signature.
It is what makes you unforgettable.
Thank you for being here, for listening, and for supporting this journey. I invite you to explore my work, connect with me, and most of all—have the courage to be yourself. I know I will.
With gratitude,
John Paul Padilla
Founder & Creative Voice of Padilla Goldworks
