We were lucky to catch up with Yobe Qiu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yobe thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

If I could go back in time with the knowledge I know now, I would’ve definitely started my business years sooner. I first started byYQ Multicultural Books and Toys in July of 2020, right at the start of the pandemic. At some of the most critical points of the development of my business I was stuck in lockdown, and it was very difficult to grow. Starting my business sooner could’ve made my journey a lot easier, but I am so grateful for how things turned out.

Yobe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an author, educator, entrepreneur, and mom based in New Jersey. I’ve always been in business  where I worked with amazing children in some way. Before going into creating multicultural children’s books and products, I owned and operated several private preschool centers in NYC.  As an educator, I taught children and their families to embrace love and diverse cultures. One of my favorite unit studies is the Winter Holidays where we talk about Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years – but when it came time for Lunar New Year, I couldn’t find a book that featured the holiday in a inclusive way. That was when the idea of my first book, “Our Lunar New Year” was born. Fast forward a few years, I decided to wrap up my preschools and dedicate my passion for writing to create children’s books that featuring Asian characters and cultures to fill the gap in children’s literature. Today, I am most proud to publish books that help children like my daughters feel seen, heard, and represented.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I first started my business I also created several social media accounts to help promote it (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). I shared my mission and goals across the internet hoping to find other authors and business owners to connect with, and I did! It was difficult at first, but after a couple years I found a great community online, and my company has flourished because of it. My advice to those who are just starting social media is this: be consistent! Post on a regular schedule, engage with other creators online, and make new connections.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think the most important thing that has helped me build my reputation is my mission. I have always been dedicated to helping AAPI youth learn about their culture, and all my books focus on positivity, acceptance, and diversity. My unwavering focus on my goals is what has really made my business special.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.byyobeqiu.com
• Instagram: By Yobe Qiu
• Facebook: By Yobe Qiu