We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grace Gaymon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grace below.

Grace, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As most parents at the beginning of Covid, I was trying to figure out the best way to give my child a full educational experience while still at home. My husband and I had already spoke about possibly going the homeschool route for our kids and so it began. Now in my research of homeschool worksheets, books, exercises, etc. To my dismay, every character did not resemble my daughter. I mean, none. It seemed like the whole thing was geared to one type of child. At first it made me sad, but then I thought, why don’t I just make my own. So that is exactly what I did. I started using Canva and making lessons for my child with characters and stories she could relate to. This is how Little Voices, Big World was born. Out of necessity and love.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Absolutely, I’d be delighted to share my journey. My story, like many, is woven with threads of purpose, love, and the relentless pursuit of representation. As a 39-year-old African American woman, my life is beautifully filled with the joys and challenges of being a mother to two wonderful children and a partner to my supportive husband. This tapestry of my life took an unexpected turn during the Covid-19 pandemic, an era that redefined normalcy for many of us.

Like numerous parents worldwide, I was thrust into the role of an educator when schools closed. My daughter, just three at the time, needed an educational structure that was not only effective but also reflective of her identity. In my quest to find suitable homeschooling resources, I noticed a glaring gap. Most of the available curriculums showcased characters and narratives that didn’t resonate with our experiences as a Black family. It was a world viewed through a lens that wasn’t ours.

This realization sparked a transformative idea. I decided to create a curriculum that not only catered to academic rigor but also celebrated inclusivity and joy. A curriculum where my daughter, and children like her, could see themselves reflected in their learning materials. This is where Canva became my ally. Its user-friendly interface allowed me to weave my creative ideas into tangible educational tools, despite juggling a full-time job.

My venture into creating educational materials was born from a necessity, but it blossomed into a passion. Today, I offer a range of products designed to give young children a quality educational foundation. These include preschool and kindergarten daily worksheets, lesson templates, flashcards, and more. Each piece is crafted with the intent to foster self-worth and self-love, essential ingredients for children to grow into their best adult selves.

What sets my brand apart is its heart. Every product is a labor of love, a testament to the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and important. It’s not just about the academic skills they acquire but the personal growth and self-acceptance they experience.

I am most proud of the impact my work has on children and parents. To know that I am contributing to a child’s early sense of identity and self-worth is immensely fulfilling. For anyone getting to know my brand, I want them to understand that this is more than just a business. It’s a movement towards inclusive education, a journey to empower the next generation right from their first ABCs.

My message to potential clients, followers, and fans is simple: In our world of diversity, every child should have the opportunity to find themselves in their education. My brand is committed to making that a reality, one joyful, inclusive learning experience at a time.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn was, in essence, unlearning myself. It might sound peculiar, but let me explain. Throughout my life, my actions, decisions, and even thoughts were heavily influenced by a deep-seated need to survive. This survival mode, a constant companion, subtly but significantly shaped my entire existence.

It wasn’t until the world itself slowed down during the pandemic that I truly confronted the extent of the anxiety that had been my shadow. For the first time, I was forced to pause, to feel the depth of emotions that I had skillfully sidestepped in my perpetual state of alertness. I realized I had been treading on eggshells, always bracing for life’s next challenge, perpetually prepared for the proverbial “other shoe to drop.”

This revelation was a mix of sadness and enlightenment. It was heartbreaking to acknowledge that the person I had become was largely a construct of my coping mechanisms. Yet, there was a profound strength in this realization. To unlearn who you’ve believed yourself to be is a journey filled with tears and trials, but the destination is extraordinarily liberating.

On the other side of this unlearning process, I found a newfound sense of surety. It’s a form of confidence that doesn’t just shout; it resonates deeply within. It’s an assurance that is more profound and satisfying than any temporary comfort my old self could offer. The journey to this new understanding of self is arduous, no doubt, but the peace and authenticity that await are infinitely rewarding. It’s a metamorphosis that I cherish, for it has led me to a truer version of myself, a version that is unburdened by the weight of mere survival and is free to truly live and thrive.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a defining moment in my life, a pivot that reshaped not just my career but my entire perspective on adversity and opportunity. I lost my job. Suddenly, I found myself transitioning from a busy professional life to being a full-time stay-at-home parent. While to some this might seem like an unexpected blessing, it carried with it a heavy financial burden, one that weighed on me deeply.

In those early days, I grappled with fears and anxieties about our family’s financial future. The responsibility of ensuring our children’s needs were met without the security of my income was daunting. I spent sleepless nights haunted by the uncertainty of what lay ahead.

However, during one of those long, tearful nights, a realization dawned upon me. While I couldn’t control the circumstances that led me here, I did have control over how I would respond to them. I recognized that this period in my life didn’t have to be remembered as a time of loss and fear. It could be a time of growth, transformation, and empowerment.

With this epiphany, I pivoted my perspective. I put my heart and soul into embracing this new role at home, not just as a caregiver but as an innovator. It was during this time that I channeled my energies into creating an inclusive educational curriculum for my daughter, which eventually blossomed into a full-fledged business.

This pivot was more than a mere change in career direction. It was a profound shift in my outlook on life. I learned to find opportunity in adversity, to see potential where I once saw only roadblocks. This period of my life, which began in fear and uncertainty, is now remembered as a time of resilience, creativity, and breakthrough. It’s a testament to the power of perspective and the human spirit’s capacity to adapt, grow, and thrive even in the most challenging times.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/littlevoicesbigworld
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlevoicesbigworld?igsh=MXJ1Z3p2YjN4aGRjOQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlevoicesbigworld