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

Cielitha, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

The idea for Adventures of Our Imaginations really began with a heartfelt and relatable conversation between my business partner Nikki Golden, and me—two moms trying to navigate the challenges of raising kids in a tech-driven world.

It was during one of our regular phone conversations that we started talking about how much harder it had become to get our kids off their devices. We weren’t against technology—after all, it had its place—but we couldn’t help but feel disheartened. What happened to the joy of playing outside, getting lost in a book, or turning the backyard into a magical kingdom?

“I can’t even get my kids to read for fun anymore,” my business partner admitted. “They’ll do it for school, sure, but when it’s about enjoying a story, it’s like pulling teeth.”

I nodded, feeling the exact same struggle. “And getting them outside? Forget it. It’s like we’re competing with the whole internet for their attention.”

That shared frustration sparked something deeper. We began reminiscing about our own childhoods—the days when a tree was a fort, a stick was a sword, and a storybook was an invitation to explore whole new worlds. We realized how much those experiences had shaped who we were: creative, curious, and full of wonder.

The more we talked, the more we realized we weren’t alone in this struggle. Parents everywhere were asking the same questions: How do I inspire my kids to unplug? How do I help them rediscover the joy of imagination?

That’s when we decided we wanted to do something about it. We didn’t just want to complain about the problem—we wanted to be part of the solution.

We thought, What if we created something that could help parents and kids rediscover the magic of childhood or something that could make books, stories, and imaginative play exciting again?

That was the beginning of Adventures of Our Imaginations. What started as a conversation between two moms grew into a shared mission: to create books, resources, and experiences that encourage families to embrace creativity, balance screen time, and reconnect with the joy of play and storytelling.

Now, every time we work on this project, we think about that moment—the kids on their screens, the frustration we felt, and the hope that sparked in that conversation. It reminds us why we’re doing this: to help families find their way back to the simple joys of childhood, one story, one adventure, and one moment at a time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Certainly! Let me tell you more about us, our journey, and what sets our brand apart.

About Us and How We Got Started:
We’re two moms—friends, collaborators, and passionate advocates for fostering imagination and creativity in children. Our journey into this creative endeavor began with our shared experience as parents. We hoped to inspire children to rediscover the joy of creativity, exploration, and connection that comes from putting down devices and diving into the boundless world of imagination.”

That became the foundation for our first creative project, a children’s book titled Adventures of Our Imaginations. We had the privilege of working with an exceptional self-publishing company Testimony Publishers that supported us every step of the way in creating this book. From the initial brainstorming sessions to the final product, their team brought a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the process. They helped us refine our manuscript, provided expert guidance on illustrations and design, and offered invaluable advice on formatting and layout to ensure a professional finish.

Their patience and attention to detail were evident in every interaction, as they worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life. They even walked us through the publishing and distribution process, making what could have been an overwhelming journey feel seamless and exciting. We are so grateful for their dedication and expertise in turning our dream into a reality!”

The book celebrates the joy of imaginative play and subtly encourages families to find a balance with screen time. But it didn’t stop there. The process of creating the book opened the door to a broader vision: a creative services business dedicated to inspiring children and families to reconnect with their creativity through books, activities, and community engagement.

What We Will Be Offering
Our brand provides:
Children’s Books: Stories encouraging imagination, creativity, and play while gently addressing modern challenges like screen time.
Family Activity Resources: Free and paid resources, like printable guides and ideas for screen-free play.
Content for Parents and Educators: Through our blog and social media, we share tips and inspiration for nurturing creativity in kids.
Workshops and Community Events: In the future, we plan to host events that bring families together to engage in hands-on, imaginative activities.

The Problem We Solve:
The modern world offers many conveniences, but it also comes with challenges—one of the biggest being the prevalence of screen time in children’s lives. Parents often feel stuck, unsure of how to compete with the allure of technology. Our mission is to help families rediscover the magic of imagination by offering solutions that are fun, accessible, and easy to implement.

We don’t just focus on limiting screen time; we aim to fill the space it leaves with something better—joyful, creative, and memorable experiences that strengthen bonds and inspire kids to dream big.

What Sets Us Apart:
What makes us different is our personal connection to this work. This isn’t just a business for us—it’s a passion project born out of real-life parenting struggles and triumphs. We work side-by-side with our own children to develop ideas, ensuring that everything we create resonates with kids and families on a genuine level.

Additionally, we prioritize a positive message. We’re not here to criticize screen use but to offer families alternatives that feel exciting and empowering. Our brand combines storytelling, hands-on activities, and relatable resources to meet parents and kids where they are and gently guide them toward more imaginative play.

What We’re Most Proud Of:
The thing we’re most proud of is the way this endeavor has brought our families closer together. Involving our kids in the creation of Adventures of Our Imaginations has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey. Seeing their pride in the finished product and hearing their ideas for future projects has been a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity.

We’re also deeply proud of the positive feedback we’ve received from other parents, educators, and kids. Hearing stories about how our book or resources have inspired a family to spend more time together, laugh more, or build something out of cardboard boxes is incredibly fulfilling.

What We Want You to Know:
Our brand is about more than just products or services; it’s about creating a movement—a shift back to the joy and magic of childhood. We believe that imagination isn’t just a tool for play; it’s a life skill that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and confidence.

For families looking to create those moments of wonder, connection, and joy, we’re here to support you. Whether it’s through our books, content, or upcoming projects, we want to inspire you to unplug, dream big, and embark on adventures—together.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The driving goal and mission of our creative journey are deeply rooted in the belief that imagination is a divine gift—a powerful tool given by God to inspire, create, and connect. Through the incredible power of our minds and the boundless possibilities of our imagination, we can unlock joy, wonder, and a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

Our Vision: Imagination as a Gift from God
We see imagination not just as a playful activity but as a sacred, purposeful ability designed to reflect God’s creativity. When we imagine, we mirror the divine act of creation, whether it’s through stories, art, problem-solving, or dreaming of a brighter future. Imagination isn’t just for children—it’s a gift for everyone, encouraging us to think beyond limitations, explore possibilities, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

This belief shapes everything we do. Our mission is to inspire children and families to embrace this gift, using it to strengthen their connections with each other and their Creator. In a world filled with distractions, imagination reminds us of our capacity to innovate, dream, and find joy in simplicity.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

Our story begins in 2008, during a time when we were both pursuing our dreams in nursing school. It was one of those whirlwind experiences, filled with endless hours of studying, clinical rotations, and caffeine-fueled conversations. Amid the challenges and chaos, we found each other—a connection that started as classmates sharing notes and tips, but quickly grew into a lifelong friendship.

We bonded over our shared love for helping others, our determination to succeed, and our mutual sense of humor that got us through some of the most stressful days of nursing school. Whether it was late-night cramming sessions or moments of quiet encouragement during tough exams, we realized we made a great team.

After graduation, our friendship remained steady. We stayed in touch, meeting up when we could and supporting each other as we navigated the early years of our nursing careers. Eventually, both of us pursued advanced degrees, earning our Nurse Practitioner certifications—a journey that came with its own set of challenges but further cemented our respect for each other’s determination and grit.

As life evolved, so did our families. We both became mothers and discovered yet another layer of connection. Our kids brought us even closer, and playdates became a regular event. It was during one of those playdates that we had the moment of realization that would spark our creative journey.

Our story is one of friendship, resilience, and the belief that life’s best work happens when you team up with someone who shares your values and vision. We often laugh about how far we’ve come since those nursing school days, but in many ways, our partnership has always been about supporting each other and making a difference—whether as nurses, moms, or creators.

We’re incredibly grateful for the journey that brought us here, and we can’t wait to see how our shared adventure continues to unfold.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adventuresofourimaginations.my.canva.site/home#home

Image Credits

Testimony Publishers, LLC.
Abigail C. Johnson