We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mo Falomo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Falhouse Books is my labor of love, rooted in a mission to amplify underrepresented voices in children’s literature and create stories that educate, entertain, and foster empathy. Growing up, I saw few books that reflected the diverse world I knew. Thankfully, I had a father who passed down stories from our Nigerian culture—stories rich in morals, identity, and community. These stories were a guiding force in my life, and I realized that for many cultures, literature has replaced the oral tradition as a key way to share values and build identity.

However, a troubling gap remains: while children’s literature has the power to shape perspectives, few bestsellers with Black main characters are written by Black authors. Falhouse Books seeks to bridge this divide. By championing diverse voices, we aim to create a world where every child can feel seen, celebrated, and inspired. It’s more than just publishing books; it’s about building a legacy of inclusivity and belonging.

Mo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Dr. Mo Falomo, CEO and publisher of Falhouse Books. Falhouse was born from a deep love for storytelling, my 15+ years in child development, and my desire to amplify diverse voices in children’s literature. During my childhood, my father, who was raised in Nigeria, passed down stories from our Yoruba culture. One of those stories, *The Princess and the Gourd*, became a favorite for my brother and I as children. After my father’s hospitalization due to COVID, I felt an urgency to preserve his stories. During his recovery, we worked together to adapt The Princess and the Gourd into our debut children’s book, a heartfelt project that means the world to both of us.

At Falhouse, I incorporate my experience in child development into each book we publish. We don’t just create stories to entertain; we create stories that nurture empathy, social-emotional growth, and a sense of identity. Our mission is to provide children with books that reflect their experiences and introduce them to others, building a world where every child feels validated, inspired, and valued.

What sets Falhouse apart is our commitment to authenticity and developmental insight. Each story is crafted to respect cultural heritage while supporting children’s learning and growth. I’m proud to share stories that celebrate diverse identities and offer young readers a meaningful connection to the world around them.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

When I started Falhouse Books, I knew I needed to bring “The Princess and the Gourd” to life with vivid illustrations and high-quality production, but I didn’t have direct experience in book manufacturing. It was essential that the finished product reflected the cultural richness of the story, captivating readers as much through the beautiful illustrations as through the narrative. Finding the right printing partner was critical to achieving this vision.

My journey began with extensive research and conversations with fellow independent publishers. I evaluated several vendors, focusing on quality standards, materials, and sustainability practices. Ultimately, I partnered with a trusted printing house that aligned with Falhouse Books’ commitment to quality and accessibility. One of the first lessons I learned was the importance of clear communication with my vendors. Every detail—from color vibrancy and paper type to binding style—influences the final product. Those small decisions are critical for creating a book that feels authentic and special.

Flexibility also became a key lesson. Manufacturing timelines and costs can fluctuate, especially for an indie publisher, so building in extra time and budget is essential. I also realized the need to account for international public holidays, as some of my vendors are based outside the U.S. Another lesson has been the importance of rigorous quality control. Ensuring the first print meets our standards doesn’t guarantee the same for the bulk production, so I oversee inspections and quality checks before shipment to confirm everything aligns with our specifications. Each experience has been a learning curve, and I’m proud to see our books take shape, reflecting our dedication to quality and inclusivity.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

As an avid reader, a few books have truly shaped my approach to managing and growing Falhouse Books. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho remains one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read. Its core message—that each of us is on a unique path toward our “personal treasure” and that persistence through challenges is essential—is something I hold close, especially when things get tough. Coelho’s emphasis on resilience and pursuing one’s “Personal Legend” reminds me that setbacks are just part of the journey, and staying true to Falhouse’s mission will lead us to something truly meaningful.

Another transformative read is Contagious: How Things Catch On by Jonah Berger. Berger breaks down why certain ideas spread, which has been invaluable as I work to get our books noticed. His ideas on social currency, triggers, and storytelling pushed me to go beyond traditional marketing and focus on creating books and messages that deeply resonate, encouraging organic growth and authentic connections with our readers. It’s taught me that marketing isn’t just about promotion; it’s about building a meaningful relationship with one’s audience.

Finally, Think Again by Adam Grant has influenced how I approach problem-solving and adaptability. Grant’s focus on rethinking assumptions and staying open to new ideas taught me the power of flexibility—vital in the ever-changing world of publishing. His philosophy encourages me to keep questioning, revising strategies, and adapting to the evolving needs of our readers while staying grounded in our mission.

These books have helped shape a management philosophy rooted in resilience, creativity, and openness. They remind me that leading Falhouse Books is not just about building a business; it’s about creating a lasting impact and unleashing the power of imagination, one story at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://falhousebooks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falhouse.books/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/falhouse.books/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/falhouse-publishing/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/falhousebooks
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@falhouse.books

Image Credits

All images are property of Falhouse Books. The author Oluyemi M. Falomo is featured and should be credited.