JLM is a multimedia production and development company that stresses the importance of literacy, culturally relevant reading material, and active learning experiences. The mission is to promote a love of reading and increase literacy rates among high-risk readers through an interactive platform that prominently features characters of color.
Please tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
Michelle Person is a passionate educator with 20 years of experience in urban education. While searching for books for her youngest daughter she was disappointed by her inability to find diverse, multicultural characters that her daughter, as well as the students she serves, could identify with, she began writing as a way to fill that void as well as capture the unique relationship between a father and his daughter. Michelle founded Just Like Me Books in response to that void. Michelle has written 5 books including the #1 best seller Nathaniel English in Leaders of the Revolution.
What are some of the projects you are working on right now?
Currently, we are working on our 3rd Kai and the Daddyman book, Kai and the Daddyman Celebrate the Holidays due out summer 2021. Our current project, Meanwhile in Africa is a supplemental Social Studies curriculum for students in grades K-5. Built on the idea that African American history does not begin with slavery, MIA teaches students about the discoveries, inventions, and achievements that were cultivated in Africa before, during, and after the transatlantic slave trade that brought most Africans to the United States and how that knowledge and culture impact us today. Designed specifically to give African -American students a greater sense of self and affirm their identities, MIA’s interactive and engaging activities, coupled with its emphasis on entrepreneurship make it an important tool with which to present a more well-rounded, representative, and factual view of history for any student group.
What were the top 3 mistakes you made starting your business and what did you learn from it?
The biggest mistake JLM made in the beginning was attempting to go to market without proper research. A lot of time was spent revamping and relaunching as a result. Take your time. You are only in a race with yourself.
What are the top 3 online tools and resources you’re currently using to grow your company?
Social media is can be very powerful. But there is something about face-to-face interaction that even the best social media cannot mimic.
Face-to-face networking events have been the most successful form of marketing for JLM. Business cards are exchanged, follow-up emails are sent, and sales are confirmed.
What was the best business advice you have ever received and who gave you this advice?
Early on in her journey Michelle was describing her vision to a friend. As she described how she envisioned sharing diverse literature with children and families, she expressed uncertainty about whether or not anyone would listen to her as an expert in the field. Her friend responded, “Why not you?” and reminded Michelle that she was just as knowledgeable and qualified as any “expert” in the field. Don’t ever talk yourself out of doing the thing you were born to do. Why not you?
Say I was starting my own version of JLM what advice do you have for me?
While I was moving through my career, there were many experiences that I did not see the value in at the time. In my journey as an entrepreneur, there is NOT ONE experience in my career that has not helped me in some way. Find the value in every experience.
How can our community get in touch with you?
Follow Just Like Me Books on FB @readjustlikeme and on IG @justlikemebooks. Visit our website at www.readjustlikeme.com and email us at michelle @ readjustlikeme.com
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