Today we’d like to introduce you to Leneen Faith.
Hi Leneen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Of course! To begin with, I was raised by a single mom. I am the 3rd child out of 6 kids. My parents got divorced when I was 9 years old. My father was abusive. Growing up, I saw the difference between having good character and having bad character. I knew the way my father made me feel and I didn’t like it. I knew the way my mom made me feel and I loved it. I decided to be a person with good character from a young age, based on my experience with my parents.
I’ve always loved to teach and at age 10, I taught my 2 younger siblings how to read. Writing was my favorite thing to do in school, and I realized my love for writing when I was in the 7th grade. I started working at the age of 12 at my aunt’s restaurant and used that money to help around the house. I went to the University of Florida and sold books door-to-door for a summer internship and was a waitress to help pay my way through school. Shortly after graduating, I became an elementary school teacher. When I started teaching, I saw firsthand the need to get children excited about being Kids with Character. I heard a lot about not bullying but wasn’t hearing much about the alternative.
With all the negativity going on in our world, I decided I had to do my part to help this world shine brighter. I combined my passion for writing, teaching, and character and created an 8-book series titled, The Adventures of Peacebe and the Heartwatch. Peacebe is a 6-year-old boy with a magical friend named Heartwatch. Heartwatch can make Peacebe fly, transform, become invisible, and so much more! Together they go on out-of-this-world adventures to teach kids what it means to be a Kid with Character.
The topics include cooperation, responsibility, citizenship, kindness, respect, honesty, self-control, and compassion. Peacebe has a diverse group of friends. My heart behind the Peacebe series is to teach kids that no matter how different we are when we work together we can do amazing things. I also want to get children excited about being Kids with Character! I truly believe kids with good character grow up to be adults with good character. Our books are in 37 schools, hundreds of homes, and we’ve positively impacted thousands of children, and we’re just beginning!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been easy. Peacebe is a great idea but not many people know about him yet. I’m a recent single mom with 3 kids and it’s been challenging balancing motherhood, my career, and my dreams. I love my kids so much and they all help with Peacebe in their own way.
However, they have their own dreams and as their mom I do my best to help their dreams become a reality. I know in my heart that one day Peacebe will be exactly what God wants it to be, but I’ve learned over the past 18 years of having this idea to truly enjoy the process and not to focus so much on the destination.
Peacebe has a long way to go, but I’m beyond grateful for all God has done through Peacebe and I, to get the next generation excited about being Kids with Character.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve always worked with children. I’m a mom of 3 amazing kids that I love a lot. I was an elementary school teacher for 13 years, and I’m a children’s book author. Basically, every area of my life involves children.
As of September 2023, I became the children’s ministry director for my church and I work with amazing staff members and volunteers to teach children ranging from babies to fifth grade about Jesus. Outside of Peacebe, I definitely have my hands full, and thankfully I trust God with it all, which brings peace, when the things-to-do lists seem to never end. I believe my purpose in life is to share my God-given talents, ideas, and gifts to help make this world shine brighter, and to point others to my Source.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’m still trying to do both better and would love suggestions. I do have amazing people in my life who have helped me throughout Peacebe’s process. My mentor Norma Jean Abraham has truly been a blessing throughout Peacebe’s journey through her advice, connections, investment, belief, and support. I’ve also learned a lot from following Daymond John’s Instagram over the past 8 years.
His books, resources, and courses have helped me so much through my journey, and I’m forever grateful. Peacebe wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for God, my amazing family and friends who have supported Peacebe and I, and every person that has purchased books for the little ones in their lives. 2 of my brothers are also my business partners. My brother, David, created all the visuals for the Peacebe world. My brother, Paul, invested over $60,000 into our company. I’m forever thankful for both of them! Peacebe is a team effort, and I’m thankful for the village that has supported Peacebe over the past 18 years in anyway, shape, or form. My encouragement to anyone reading this, is to realize that your dream is bigger than you. It’s meant to help others. The road isn’t easy, but it’s definitely worth it!
Pricing:
- $10.99 for 1 book
- $80 for the entire series
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peacebekids.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/peacebekids
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/peacebekids
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/teampeacebe
