Meet Shari Penn of The Kai & Izzy Tales in Vinnings

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Penn.

Shari, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am the creator and author of The Kai & Izzy Tales; which is a diverse children’s book series, based within the Caribbean. I was born in New Jersey and raised between Central Florida and the United States Virgin Islands, my upbringing has made a significant impact on how I view the world.

Shortly, after completing my undergraduate degree the idea for a children’s book series came to me. Education and Entrepreneurship are two of the main things that were embedded in me as a young child; so it was to no surprise that I combined the two. The original version of “A Fruitful Lesson” was released back in 2014, through a partial self-publishing platform.

In 2015 after obtaining my MBA I relocated back to Central Florida (from New York). It was then that I was able to secure a Managerial position in the Youth and Development Department at a renowned Non-Profit, and then eventually became the Director of Programs. It was there that I built and implemented an after-school program. It was there that I discovered my love and dedicated my life to investing in the lives of our youngest learners and bridging the gap between what our communities see. I decided to relaunch the brand and continue the series solely on my own.

I relocated to Atlanta, GA in the spring of 2018 and relaunched the brand in the summer of this year. It is my purpose to invest in proper representation for our communities; especially that of the Caribbean.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. All trial and error to be honest. Creating/writing the story was the easy part. Being 100% Self-Published comes with great responsibility. Ranging from raising the capital to marketing the series.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
The Kai and Izzy Tales is a diverse children’s book series, centered around one thing: representation of communities of color, with a Caribbean flair. The series targets youth between the ages of 3-7 and their guardians. Centered around the main character Kai and his best-friend Izzy the iguana, each story is moral based.

In recent years the Children’s book industry has seen an increase in diversification, especially with self-published authors like myself. However, the Caribbean community is still largely underrepresented. The Kai & Izzy Tales was created to not only promote literacy but to bring a sense of pride to a community in need.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t necessarily believe in the word “luck”. I’ve been blessed to make connections throughout my life that have allowed me to propel my business forward.

Pricing:

• A Fruitful Lesson – $16.00

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kaiandizzy.com
• Email: contact@kaiandizzy.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kaianidizzytales
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaiandizzytales

Image Credit:
Daniele and Arianna Wheatley (two little girls reading)

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.