One of my favorite things about running The Picture Book Club has been the people it has led me to. Some are old friends who have offered new mentorship and support, some are fellow book people or entrepreneurs whom I've met through my work, and others are visionaries who inspire me from afar. I'm thrilled to introduce a few of them here.
-YiLing Chen-Josephson, Founder, The Picture Book Club
Kate solomon, founder & ceo of babo botanicals
Q: What do you do?
I create hair, skin and suncare products for the entire family. I try to instill values in my products and marketing that I feel are important to families.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about doing what you do?
I love the creative process. Having an idea and seeing it come to fruition. I like that subtle color changes or wordsmithing can change a product or message completely. It is all in the detail.
Q: What's something you find challenging about what you do?
There isn’t one part of the business that is not challenging. But if it weren’t challenging, it wouldn’t be as gratifying. If you have ever made something from scratch – even a meal – you know there are a lot of moving parts.
Q: What is something you’re proud of?
I am most proud that I was able to secure a World Bank Grant to plant a field of strawberries in Paraguay. I was a Peace Corps Volunteer and applied for funding to create an agricultural project for women. We had such fun growing these strawberries - a fruit they had never tried before! It was a gratifying two years.
Q: Who is someone who inspires you that you know personally?
My father definitely inspires me. He is one of the most hard-working, caring people I know. He is the most loyal and trustworthy person. He lives life with incredible positivity and vigor.
Q: Who is someone who inspires you that you've never met?
Since you focus on books, I will focus on my favorite author, Anne Frank. Her story is so powerful because she wrote with enormous strength, beauty and maturity. She had a wonderful soul which is articulated through her prose.
Q: What’s a picture book you remember as a favorite from your childhood?
The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse was a book I was mesmerized by as a child. It’s a story about a boy and his best friend, a bright red balloon. He follows the balloon throughout Paris which leads to many adventures and experiences with different people.
You can win Babo Botanicals' Moisturizing Oatmilk Calendula Collection (sorry -- scrumptious baby not included)! See below for details.
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Want to win Babo Botanicals' Moisturizing Oatmilk Calendula Collection? Of course you do; it's perfect for newborns or anyone with sensitive skin looking for winter skin care solutions! Signing up for our mailing list (below) will get you one entry. Hop on over to our Facebook page or Instagram feed (@thepicturebookclub) for more chances. Giveaway ends Monday, October 3.