We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cherelle Yarbrough and Amari Yarbrough a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cherelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In 2019, we decided to produce a movement that would not only shape and change the way society views young black girls, but also condition the self perception of young black girls. That decision came about when I shared an adorable picture of my three daughters Arielle, Brielle, and Lilielle. This sparked the idea for Amari to transform them into mini superheroes. Amari and I talked on the phone for hours about a topic we both didn’t realize we shared mutual views on which was the lack of young black female superhero representation, primarily within mainstream media.

With my three daughters being the inspiration and blueprint behind this movement, we then sought out to actually create these young characters with supernatural abilities to serve as a visual representation for an alternative narrative on female action and adventure. Together we are the brother/sister writing duo turning purpose into power by giving voice to the next generation’s superheroes with the creation of our new captivating sci-fi early readers picture book series “The Elle Rays”.

The Elle Rays series encompass non-traditional superheroes who teach lessons of social awareness, self-discovery, and empowerment. A primary benefit that young readers will get from The Elle Rays series aside from building an excitement and anticipation in storytelling is that this series provides early readers with an introduction to some of life’s most precious virtues through magic and adventure.

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

My name is Amari Yarbrough- Former competitive figure skater, English Writing/Fiction major with past features on BBC America and Fox45 news. Also founder of Throwback Publishing, Inc. authoring the compelling YA novel “Enigma’s Child” and the charismatic children’s book “Bruno The Morkie”.

My name is Cherelle Yarbrough- Mother of three, IT professional, and co-author of my very first children’s book series, “The Elle Rays”.

We aim to normalize seeing young black girls as beautiful, brave, and courageous magical beings. Most importantly, perceiving them as beings capable of expressing a level of vulnerability to which they too should be subjected to maximum protection, this should never be overlooked.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of writing is the feedback. To market and promote your work out there to the public with full transparency, then in return receive positive feedback from both young and older readers of how our story has made an impact on them or the child it was purchased for in itself is rewarding on the highest level. Objective criticism is also great and channeled into positive reinforcement to remain on track, but when we hear of young readers who have completely submerged themselves in The Elle Rays book series, you can’t help but to become overwhelmed with joy. To know that our stories has ignited a child’s imagination to think beyond the realms of impossibilities and focus on endless possibilities is one of the most gratifying feelings ever. It truly reaffirms your purpose.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

For us an effective way is to simply put yourself out there. Network to connect with others not just within your niche but also with those outside of that creating a mindset that in connecting with that individual, they may have a prominent connection potentially interested in your work or service. Though our target audience is generation alpha, which are children 9 and under, the empowering message within The Elle Rays series remains a universal one that all ages and backgrounds can relate to, therefore we don’t limit our networking to just one particular group or niche.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theellerays.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/theellerays?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=