Today we’d like to introduce you to Ekaterina Gaidouk.
Hi Ekaterina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I came to the states in 1994 from Moscow, Russia. I fell in love with storytelling and decided to publish my first book, “The Adventures of Chi-Chi the Chinchilla,” based on my own experiences and beloved pet (Chi-Chi the Chinchilla). While tutoring kids, I saw how the children were entranced with my pet chinchilla, not knowing if it was a squirrel or a rabbit. His cute and playful personality entranced the children- inspiring her to write stories about his adventures.
“I wanted to create stories that instill lessons through a lovable character. I’m always interested in my surroundings as well as people and find that no matter how different we are, we all carry stories with us through our lives. Some carry stories from fairytales, some from parents and some carry stories from experience- I hope to achieve the same with the chinchilla series-I hope these are stories and lessons children carry into adulthood and through life.”
Once the first book’s following grew in size, Ekaterina released Chi-Chi’s second adventure with even more colorful characters.
“In the second book, I wanted to introduce unique characters from different worlds as well as introduce a completely different color of chinchilla — purple! Many times in life we have to learn how to deal with the ever-changing world and different people around us. We often forget that life would be so boring if we were all the same! Our differences make us stronger! Chi-Chi learns this valuable lesson and discovers that true gifts are not material, but are intangible — like friendship!”
My series are based on my own experiences of growing up and living in different environments (Bronx, Miami, Los Angeles). Although I’m bi-coastal, I consider Miami my home and the city continues to inspire me to think bigger.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but nothing ever is. Being a small business owner, you learn many things from accounting to web development. There are many times you have to start over on projects but with time, things get easier and the brand grows.
The biggest struggle is learning on the go, I came to this country and have to learn many things as I go.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our brand is based on quality and connection with our readers. We are focused on inspiration -that is the main goal. Since I believe that world change depends on the younger generation, I wanted to create a character who would build a home in children’s hearts. Our Chinchilla family is all about inspiring future generations and making sure we give back by partnering with other companies. What sets us apart is the connection and authenticity in our brand and myself.
Most proud moments is to meet my readers throughout the years and have them recall the time I either read at their school or they read the book and remembered the “Chinchilla series.”
I have donated to many charitable foundations including ChildFund- if my books can inspire a child to believe in the future and warm their heart (especially children from less affluent backgrounds)- then I have achieved my goals (regardless of monetary benefit to myself). I have seen that when we donated books to India’s orphanages and when I read stories in schools that do not always have funding. The children oftentimes run up to me, hug me and are so engaged when I’m reading that it is the best feeling in the world!
When I see inspiration and lessons inspire a child regardless of background, it makes the whole project worth it!
My brand will continue to grow- we currently have two books on the market (hard and softcover), three variations of chinchilla plush toys, and a game app. I’m working on the third adventure/book- and it will be full of imagination!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Persistence, Imagination, Authenticity, Kindness, Belief in oneself and the betterment of the world, Love for what I do
Pricing:
- Books starts at $7.99
- Game app – free
- Plush Toys start at $16.99
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@advofchichi.com
- Website: Www.advofchichi.com
- Instagram: @advofchichi https://instagram.com/advofchichi?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: The Adventures of Chi-Chi the Chinchilla https://www.facebook.com/TheAdventuresOfChiChiTheChinchilla/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/advofchichi @advofchichi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AdvenofChiChi
