We recently connected with Latoshia Lawrence-Martin and have shared our conversation below.
Latoshia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
It really started in my classroom. I remember sitting during story time, watching my students, and thinking, “They need more books like this…books that look like them, teach them, and truly connect with their everyday lives.” That moment stayed with me.
At first, it was just an idea. But the next step was asking myself, “What would that book look like if I created it?” So I started writing—late nights after work, jotting down ideas, creating characters, and shaping stories based on what I knew my students needed.
Then came the part where the idea became real. I had to figure out everything from scratch—how to publish a book, how to find an illustrator, what sizes and formats were needed, and even how to turn a manuscript into something that children could hold in their hands. I spent hours researching, asking questions, and learning the business side of publishing.
Once my first book was complete, I realized I didn’t just want to be an author—I wanted to build something bigger. That’s when Martin’s Children’s Books was born. I started thinking beyond one book: creating a full brand, building a website, designing products, and figuring out how to get my books into the hands of families, teachers, and communities.
The early days were a mix of excitement and learning. I was teaching full-time during the day, then coming home to work on my business at night—packing orders, creating marketing content, planning events, and connecting with customers. Every step required me to learn something new—how to sell, how to promote, how to show up confidently as both an educator and a business owner.
Over time, things began to grow. I started vending at events, connecting with readers in person, and expanding my product line to include workbooks, coloring books, and more. Each step built on the last.
Looking back, it wasn’t one big moment—it was a series of small, consistent steps. An idea turned into a draft, a draft turned into a book, and that book turned into a business.
And even now, I’m still learning, growing, and building—but it all started with seeing a need and deciding to do something about it.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m an elementary school teacher, author, and the proud owner of Martin’s Children’s Books. I’ve been in education since 2005, and my classroom has always been the heart of everything I do. Working with children every day gave me a front-row seat to their needs—their curiosity, their challenges, and their desire to see themselves reflected in the books they read.
My journey into this space began with a simple realization: there weren’t enough books that combined education, representation, and real-life skills in a way that truly connected with young learners. I didn’t just want to read stories to my students—I wanted to create stories for them. That’s how I stepped into writing and eventually built my business.
Martin’s Children’s Books is more than just a book company—it’s a learning brand. We create children’s books, workbooks, coloring books, and character-based products designed to support early learners academically and socially. Our books focus on key areas like early literacy, math awareness, self-confidence, and social-emotional learning. One of our newest titles, The Polite Parade, teaches children the importance of manners through fun, relatable storytelling, and it’s paired with interactive resources to extend learning beyond the book.
What sets my brand apart is that everything is created through the lens of an educator. I’m not just writing stories—I’m designing tools that can be used in real classrooms, at kitchen tables, and in everyday life. I understand how children learn, and I intentionally create products that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and meaningful.
Another key difference is representation. I make sure children from diverse backgrounds can see themselves in the stories, because that sense of belonging is powerful. When children feel seen, they become more confident, more engaged, and more open to learning.
The problems I aim to solve are simple but important: helping children build a love for reading, supporting parents and teachers with educational resources, and teaching life skills that aren’t always easy to explain—like kindness, confidence, and communication. My books make those lessons approachable and fun.
What I’m most proud of is the impact. Hearing from parents that their child is more excited to read, or from teachers who are using my books in their classrooms—that’s everything to me. I’m also proud of building this business while continuing to serve as an educator and a mother. It shows that passion and purpose can truly come together.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that Martin’s Children’s Books was built with intention and heart. Every book, every product, every idea is created to pour into children—to help them learn, grow, and believe in themselves.
This is more than a business for me—it’s a mission to shape confident readers, kind individuals, and future leaders, one story at a time.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine connections and showing up consistently—both online and in person.
As a vendor, I’ve had the opportunity to meet families, educators, and community members face-to-face at events. Those moments are powerful because people don’t just see the books—they experience them. They hear me read, ask questions, and truly connect with the purpose behind Martin’s Children’s Books. That personal interaction builds trust, and trust turns into loyal customers.
At the same time, I’ve been intentional about growing my online presence—especially through social media and email marketing. I don’t just promote products; I share my journey as an educator, a mom, and a business owner. That transparency allows people to connect with me beyond the brand.
Another key strategy has been creating products that solve real problems. Parents and teachers are always looking for tools that help children learn and grow, and my books are designed with that in mind. When people see the value, they not only purchase—they come back and share with others.
Word of mouth has also played a huge role. When a parent loves a book or a teacher uses it in their classroom, they naturally recommend it. That organic growth has been incredibly powerful for my business.
Overall, it’s been about consistency, connection, and creating meaningful products. When you lead with purpose, people feel it—and they support it.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
I primarily sell through my own website, martinchildrensbooks.com, because it allows me to have full control over my brand, my customer experience, and how my products are presented. I’ve made a very intentional choice to focus on direct-to-consumer sales because it helps me build a stronger, more personal connection with my customers.
One of the biggest advantages of selling on my own site is ownership—I own the customer relationship. I’m able to communicate directly with my audience through emails, offer exclusive bundles, provide preorder incentives, and really create an experience that goes beyond just a purchase. It also allows me to keep more of the profit, which I can reinvest back into creating new books and products.
That said, platforms like Amazon and Etsy definitely have their benefits. They offer built-in traffic and visibility, which can help new customers discover your products more quickly. For many shoppers, those platforms are convenient and familiar, which can lead to faster sales.
However, the downside is that you don’t have as much control. There are fees, competition is high, and it can be harder to build a direct relationship with your customers. You’re also relying on their platform rather than building your own foundation.
For me, the goal has always been long-term growth and brand building. While I understand the value of marketplaces, I’ve chosen to prioritize my website so I can create a more intentional and connected experience for my customers.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
2025 -2026 : Teacher of the Year for Goulds Elementary School
Sister and Husband helping with vending – Jennifer Lawrence / Iry Martin
Participate in online business classes with Miami Bayside Foundation
Participating in a variety of in=person event : I have partnered with Macy’s / Miami-Dade Book Fair/ Miami-Dade Medical Campus – Black History event / Read loud
Behind the Books – a collection of images : I am elementary teacher, tutor after-school at Second Baptist/ wife & mother / business owner / and children’s book author
