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

Nury, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

As an educator and entrepreneur CEO/Founder of 1010 Publishing, who genuinely cares about children and their families, my hope is to leave a lasting legacy that reflects my commitment to fostering an inclusive and multicultural learning environment. I want people to remember me as someone who tirelessly advocated for multiculturalism and bilingualism, always working to empower communities by helping them recognize their unique attributes as strengths.

I envision that people will say, “Nury Castillo Crawford was a dedicated educator who made a real difference in our community. She was a champion of multiculturalism, embracing and celebrating the diverse backgrounds of our students and their families. Nury passionately advocated for bilingualism, recognizing the value of preserving and promoting multiple languages. She truly believed that our cultural and linguistic diversity was an asset, not a limitation.”

In my legacy, I hope to be remembered for championing literacy and, in particular, biliteracy. I want people to say, “Nury’s commitment to biliteracy was unwavering. She understood the importance of preserving and passing down languages from one generation to the next. She not only taught students to read and write in multiple languages, but she also instilled in them a sense of pride in their cultural heritage and family languages.”

My ultimate goal as an educator and owner of 1010 Publishing has been to help communities continue to celebrate their culture and their family’s language. I hope to be remembered as someone who not only taught subjects but also instilled a sense of cultural pride, instigating a lifelong love of learning and language. Through my work, I aimed to leave a legacy that encourages others to embrace multiculturalism, promote bilingualism, and empower communities to see their unique attributes as strengths to be cherished and celebrated.

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?

I entered the publishing industry with a strong desire to enhance the representation of diversity in literature. My passion lies in ensuring that everyone, especially children, has access to stories that reflect their own experiences and cultural backgrounds. I founded 1010 Publishing to address this need, focusing on creating books that cater to a wide audience.

At 1010 Publishing, we offer a range of products and services that center around our commitment to increasing representation in literature. One of our primary offerings is the publication of books in bilingual and dual language formats. In the bilingual format, we present a story in two languages within a single book, making it accessible and enjoyable for readers from different linguistic backgrounds. In the dual language format, we provide the story in two separate books, allowing readers to delve deeper into both languages.

We’re proud to be problem solvers for our clients by addressing the need for diverse and inclusive literature. We recognize the importance of representation and cultural awareness in the stories we publish. Our work aims to bridge the gap in the publishing industry by offering a platform for unknown, diverse writers who share stories that resonate with our communities. We take pride in promoting culture in its broadest sense, encompassing language, traditions, music, food, and faith.

One of the key challenges we face is marketing and expanding our reach to new customers. We are constantly seeking the means to secure the necessary resources to continue our mission of increasing diversity in literature.

What truly sets us apart from other publishing houses is our unwavering commitment to culture. We believe that culture is a multifaceted concept that includes not only language but also traditions, music, food, and faith. Our dedication to highlighting and celebrating these aspects in literature is a distinguishing factor that guides our work.

I am most proud of the positive impact we’ve had on readers, especially children, who now have access to books that resonate with their experiences. We’ve empowered diverse writers and allowed their voices to be heard, and that’s something I deeply value.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that 1010 Publishing is a brand committed to increasing representation in literature. We’re dedicated to providing diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich content through bilingual and dual language formats. We believe in the power of storytelling to foster a sense of belonging and cultural appreciation, and we’re always working to overcome challenges to continue our mission. Join us in this journey towards a more inclusive and culturally diverse literary world.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Starting 1010 Publishing was a dream I had nurtured for quite some time, and I was determined to turn that dream into reality. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, the challenge of securing the initial capital was a significant hurdle I had to overcome.

I decided to use my personal savings as a foundation for the business. I had been diligently saving for a few years, with the goal of one day channeling those funds into a venture that aligned with my passion for diversity in literature. It was a big step to invest my own money, but it was a testament to how deeply I believed in the mission of 1010 Publishing.

However, I knew that my personal savings alone would not be sufficient to kickstart the business and publish our first book. I needed additional capital to make that happen. So, I set out to secure consulting clients in my field of expertise. Drawing on my experience and skills, I pitched my consulting services to potential clients who shared an interest in multiculturalism and bilingualism.

Securing those consulting clients was no small feat. It required dedication, persistence, and a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of these clients. With their support, I was able to raise the necessary funds to take the crucial first steps in publishing our inaugural book.

These consulting clients not only provided the financial backing I needed but also served as a validation of the importance of our mission. Their belief in my vision for 1010 Publishing was a significant boost to my confidence and motivation.

With the combination of my personal savings and the support of these clients, I had the capital required to publish our first book. This marked the beginning of an incredible journey to bring diverse, inclusive, and culturally rich literature to readers of all backgrounds. It was a testament to the power of determination and a strong belief in the mission I had set out to accomplish.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me has undeniably been personal contacts. Building and nurturing personal relationships have been instrumental in the growth of 1010 Publishing. These connections have opened doors to valuable opportunities and introduced me to individuals who share our passion for diverse literature.

Through personal contacts, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with fellow authors who were eager to contribute their unique stories to our cause. This collaboration not only enriched our content but also expanded our network of writers who believed in our mission.

Additionally, personal contacts have led me to parent groups and communities that are equally dedicated to promoting multiculturalism and bilingualism. These connections have allowed us to reach a wider audience and tap into the very communities we aim to serve. They have provided insights and feedback that have shaped our publications and services to better meet the needs of our clients and readers.

In essence, personal contacts have been the lifeblood of 1010 Publishing. They have helped us grow, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals who share our vision. I am immensely grateful for the support and connections that personal contacts have provided, as they have played a pivotal role in our journey toward a more inclusive and culturally diverse literary world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.1010Publishing.com
• Instagram: @1010Publishing
• Facebook: @1010Publishing
• Linkedin: @nurycastillocrawford