Local children’s author looks to inspire kids to become entrepreneurs

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – There’s now a book series dedicated to helping kids understand entrepreneurship and creative thinking.

Western Mass News spoke with the local author to learn more about the series, and what creative resources are available to help guide children in our area.

Author Erica Swallow explained, “These books are a way to help kids think about career paths in a different way. It’s not about just going into something that you see that looks interesting but more about- what are your interests and passions? What gets you really excited?”

Little Launchers is a nonfiction picture book series about real kids with real life businesses. The series captures the stories of four child entrepreneurs.

Author of the series, Erica Swallow, said her books are meant to introduce children to the concepts of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and creative thinking.

“Solving problems or being an entrepreneur is not something you can only do when you’re an adult. As children, we’re often just given the checklist of different careers you could possibly be but when you get out there in the real world as an adult you realize that the problems you’re solving or what you’re choosing to do with your time is really a big expansive land of opportunity.”

One place dedicated to expanding the horizons of both young people and adults is local organization Make-It Springfield.

Operations coordinator, Sheldon Smith, told us their organization is safe space for residents who are looking to become more in touch with their artistic side.

“Creatives meeting other creatives, inspiring each other, learning from each other as well as just having someone that can relate to you and your process, your hardships your obstacles.”

Not only is Make-It Springfield a place for people to discover their interests, but it’s also helped shape the lives and careers of many local residents.

“We’ve had young people who are struggling with mental illness and hardships of at-home life who have come in and been coached and guided from not being able to speak to going on to teach a class.”

Make-It Springfield is also available as a resource for people who want to become more innovative.

Donald Thackeray, a member of Make-It Springfield, told us, “A lot of people don’t know how to be creative. Most people just follow along, or they see a set of instructions, but they don’t really wonder how or why it’s laid out that way, but I do and I think having these creative avenues is important for finding creative solutions to things.”

Copyright 2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.