Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sabrina Hughes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sabrina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

The first step began with a realization. I noticed the significant lack of Black and Brown representation in children’s literature. As a second-generation Afro-Latina, I grew up seeing seldom representation which made me understand how important it is for children to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. The idea for Sabrebrebaby’s Brown Book Publishing Company L.L.C. stemmed from my desire to use my voice to make an impact and help the community. I could no longer sit back as the news and social media constantly remind us of the differences among people of color and, frankly, how undervalued Black and Brown lives are. I felt a strong need to show more positive Black and Brown representation and to educate others.

The second step I took was research. Traditional companies weren’t giving me the time of day, and I even encountered a few scammers, which left me feeling discouraged before I even started. I then began exploring more of the publishing world: learning the basics of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, understanding the logistics of becoming a published author, and mastering the art of storytelling to ensure I could express my stories in a way that would truly inspire and empower. As I educated myself, I realized that my journey wasn’t just about writing books – it was about creating a platform for voices that needed to be heard.

The third step was to formalize the business side of things – setting up a company structure and learning everything I could about the legal and financial aspects of entrepreneurship. The process was overwhelming at times, but every small victory gave me the confidence to keep moving forward. Once the business framework was in place, I turned my focus to content creation and building a brand. I wanted Sabrebrebaby’s Brown Book Publishing Company L.L.C. to be more than just a publishing house. I envisioned it as a place where children could find stories they could relate to and feel proud of – a household name. After officially launching my website on 11.11.2022, here we are 2 years later with a completed children’s book series, multiple community events, another published author, an in-house illustrator, an in-house attorney, and more books on the way!

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

I am the founder, CEO, and lead author of Sabrebrebaby’s Brown Book Publishing Company L.L.C., a Black and woman-owned company. My mission addresses two critical challenges: the underrepresentation of Black and Brown voices in literature and the need for culturally relevant educational materials. What makes us unique? We produce empowering books, provide consultations with inspiring authors, provide author visits and readings with kids, provide book publishing assistance, create children-based events for the community, and engage in social media collaborations.

I am proud of all of my milestones that I cannot just pick one. The “My World” children’s book series includes “Colors of My World”, “Alphabet of My World”, “Numbers of My World”, and “Shapes of My World”—perfect for parents who want to introduce positive Black and Brown imagery into their homes while helping their children get ahead academically. Each book is packed with education and features a review/reference page at the end of each story. Don’t let the covers fool you—these books are designed to engage children ages 6 months to 10 years old. “Colors of My World” teaches 13 different color hues with fun pop culture references. “Alphabet of My World” introduces the American Sign Language alphabet along with some words. “Numbers of My World” reads in both English and Spanish, phonetically spelling out each word to reinforce language skills. “Shapes of My World” promotes 13 different 2D shapes while celebrating hair love and diversity. Each book stands strong on its own, but together, they provide a comprehensive foundation.

For my older audiences, I helped to publish attorney Albert Hughes III’s book “I Bet You’re Wondering How I Got Here” that begins with a storytelling of the August 5, 2023, Alabama boat brawl and examines the topics of racism and American Black history from the abstract perspective of chairs throughout history. For his next published work, and other featured authors coming in 2025, please visit www.sabrebrebaby.com.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Since opening my business in 2022, I’ve come across multiple hardships that I had to pivot to attain my goals. In the business world, you have to learn how to adapt or your business is going to fail. As I mentioned before, I’ve come across many scammers who said they know how to execute print-ready images for publishing but sadly were unable to produce the quality of work my readers deserve.

I educated myself by investing in an iPad and learning the programs and processes involved in producing print-ready illustrations for books. I no longer relied on others to tell me the answers; instead, I developed the knowledge saving both time and money. To ensure better results, I created an intake form and implemented an interview process before sharing my ideas or project details. This shift allowed me to filter candidates more effectively. Additionally, I am now focused on building a larger team of illustrators, reducing the need to constantly search for talent. These changes have significantly improved my workflow and set my business up for long-term success.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I knew social media would play a key role in building awareness and connecting with my audience. However, I quickly realized that it’s not just about posting content—it’s about creating a community around your brand and mission. I began by focusing on what made my business unique: promoting Black and Brown representation in literature and providing culturally relevant resources. Every @sabrebrebaby_93 post, story, and live session reflected this mission. I showcased behind-the-scenes moments, shared updates on my My World series, and highlighted the creative process of producing educational books. These personal touches helped people connect with me as a founder, creator, and advocate for representation. Collaborating with other small businesses and creatives also played a huge role. For example, I featured local artists, authors, and entrepreneurs in Instagram Lives to expand my reach while spotlighting others in the community. These collaborations not only brought value to my audience but also fostered a network of support that extended beyond social media. Consistency was another key factor. I posted regularly and strategically, using tools like newsletters, event promotions, and creative content like videos and giveaways to engage my followers. Over time, I learned to experiment with different types of content to see what resonated most. For anyone just starting to build a social media presence, my advice is this: Know your “why”: Your audience will connect with your mission if it’s clear and authentic. Share your story and make it personal. Engage consistently: Show up regularly in your audience’s feed, but prioritize quality over quantity. Even a single meaningful post can leave a lasting impression. Collaborate and network: Partner with people or brands that align with your values. It’s a great way to reach new audiences while strengthening your brand. Be patient: Building an audience takes time. Celebrate small wins, learn from your analytics, and adapt your strategy as needed. For me, social media has been about more than marketing—it’s been a way to build meaningful connections and amplify the voices that matter most. Always remember, your voice matters and all stories deserve to be heard!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sabrebrebaby.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabrebrebaby_93/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sabrina.crawford.52035/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sabrebrebaby_93

  username for socails:
  *Facebook: Sabrina Hughes
  *TikTok & IG sabrebrebaby_93

Image Credits

Sabrebrebaby’s Brown Book Publishing Company L.L.C.