We were lucky to catch up with Sara Armstead recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My most meaningful project has been my very first publication, the children’s science book Nature’s Dark Treasures. I outlined the project before even planning to start my business, Kids on the Wise. As a Black mom, I began to wonder how children feel about people of color being called “Black” when, at the same time, they learn negative terms like “black market,” “blacklist,” “blackout,” or “black sheep.” I also noticed that in children’s movies black and darkness forebode danger, discomfort, lifelessness, and are often the ultimate colors of villains. Why can’t children’s movies use black and darkness in a more creative, noble, brilliant?

I was determined to offer children from all backgrounds a broader perspective, and I knew I could get some help from nature and science. Nature’s Dark Treasures was born—a science book in the form of a calendar that explores how nature itself celebrates the beauty and value of black and darkness. This concept is unique in many ways, as I am entering uncharted territory in children’s nature and science literature. Children not only read and learn about geology, biology, chemistry, and astronomy, but Nature’s Dark Treasures also encourages independent and creative thinking.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a German-born and raised graphic designer, illustrator, and newly published author with German college degrees in media design and media management. I now live in Arizona with my husband and our six children.

When I was nine years old, I created my first magazine along with an imaginary publishing company. However, it wasn’t until I became a mother and started living in America that I considered launching a children’s brand. With my creative eye always open, I noticed something missing in the landscape of children’s products—something educational, inspirational, and cultural that speaks especially to children of color. This led to the idea of creating and publishing an educational science calendar book for kids that explores nature’s way of saying, “Black Is Beautiful.” That concept inspired further ideas for posters, wall art, and an inspirational graphic t-shirt line. I loved the idea and began building Kids on the Wise, a recognizable, purpose-driven children’s brand with the mission to elevate young minds, bodies, and souls.

I am proud of Kids on the Wise because, even though I founded it, it found me first. It took me a moment to realize how all the pieces of my life led me toward launching this brand: my imaginary childhood creative business, my choice of college education, becoming a mother, and even moving to America. Still, Kids on the Wise is bigger than me. It is love—love for children, for knowledge, for freedom, for progress, and for the visual arts.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I am a German graphic designer and author now living in America. Ironically, I just recently discovered that printing my products in Germany is a very cost-effective and reliable option for me. In particular, the calendar book Nature’s Dark Treasures is difficult to manufacture in the USA due to its unique format, which is uncommon to print both here and in other places, like Mexico or China. Until now, I have bulk-printed the pages and wire-bound them myself, but this process is very time-consuming and has prevented me from confidently selling Nature’s Dark Treasures in larger quantities.

Discovering this option has been a game-changer—shipping costs and transit times are not an issue, the quality is excellent, there are no import taxes, my profit margins are unbeatable, and most importantly, I don’t have to compromise my creativity or the calendar’s aesthetics, allowing me to maintain its unique format.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Kids on the Wise is a project born from a mother’s heart. The desire to send children out into the world with a strong foundation of knowledge, independence, and self-love sparked my creativity to develop something new for children.

My number one goal is to change perspectives—placing children in the driver’s seat so they can see the world in 360 degrees, while communicating powerful messages both visually and verbally. One thing about my creativity: I never aim to recreate what’s already been done. My purpose is to deliver what doesn’t exist yet, but is essential, especially for the thriving of the next generation. Creating for them is the heart of what drives me. I aim to provide empowering knowledge, break down big concepts for young minds, and package it all into beautiful images, layouts, and messages of joy, strength, and kid-sized wisdom. That’s the output I always strive for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kidsonthewise.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsonthewise/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidsonthewise
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-armstead-a4465725b/

Image Credits

Sara Armstead