Today we’d like to introduce you to SumerStrawbree.
Sumer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In elementary school and still after transitioning to the 6th-grade, kids made fun of my hands asking me often, “Why are your fingers so long?”. It made me really sad. I had been a self-taught artist, but my digital art hadn’t always reflected girls that looked like me. So, my self-esteem wasn’t where it is today.
As I began to draw black and brown girls my self-image began to improve over time.
I realized that after posting a ton of my digital art that depicted confident images of black and brown girls to Instagram and Facebook that if I removed digital layers keeping only the line art, that I had images of girls that could be used for a coloring book! I named it “Black, Brown & Beautiful”, to let girls of color know that they are special and beautiful. Oftentimes, children are born with self-confidence, however, that can be quickly ruined at school, a neighborhood, by close friends or during other situations where parents are unfortunately not there to protect us. My coloring book introduces positive self-affirming written affirmations that can be read aloud daily. Affirmations are used to rewire a person’s mind to affirm positive thoughts about themselves until they become second nature improving their self-esteem.
Examples: I love myself, I am loved, I am beautiful
“Black, Brown, & Beautiful” is a coloring book that inspires girls with positive self-imagery through art as well. Illustrating girls of different shapes, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds, I want to always remind young girls that they are smart, sassy, talented, and magical. Being a princess and queen is something inside of you – not a label you get based only on outward appearance.
As a young artist and entrepreneur, I donate a portion of all revenue to a charity that uplifts black & brown girls’ self-esteem.
Summer of 2021, I won first place at a children’s business expo in the Central Florida area. This quickly accelerated my business sales as three media outlets covered my story. To date, I’ve sold over 400 copies of my coloring book.
By the way, the same kids that talked about how long my fingers were now think I am famous and know that I am making money with these long fingers!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the struggles along the way were building an online presence/ following and Facebook marketing. Growing Instagram followers is one thing, but narrowing down the target demographic for a Facebook campaign was a challenge. The girls that would color in my coloring book aren’t on Facebook. Their mom, grandmothers and so on are the decision makers and purchasers. Facebook algorithms can be tricky and so it is a process to get someone from my Facebook ad then to my website then on to purchasing a book.
Most sales have been in person so far until we can iron out the Facebook marketing.
Another obstacle is balancing school, relaxation and business!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My name is Lauryn Jones, but I go by SumerStrawbree a young, black female professional artist. I am 12 years old and am self-taught. YouTube taught me how to draw.
I am most proud of being able to give back helping young black & brown girls with their self-esteem through my art and positive affirmations.
I give portion of all revenue to a charity that uplifts black & brown girls’ self-esteem.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
It has been great seeing people from multiple ethnicities buying my coloring book for their young girls! It has become a resource for teaching diversity to all children. Great seeing people with open minds support me. Check out my Instagram for pictures with all of my customers and their children.
I have also completed my second coloring book, “Glow Up”. What is Glow Up? It is the transformation, not just of an art style, but every Black & Brown girl’s transformation into realizing who she is and what she is to become. A Glow Up is for you, not for anyone else. Take the powerful affirmations sprinkled onto each coloring page to reinforce your Glow Up.
Pricing:
- “Black, Brown & Beautiful” Coloring Book $9.99 USD
Contact Info:
- Email: sumerstrawbree@gmail.com
- Website: www.sumerstrawbree.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sumerstrawbree
- Facebook: facebook.com/sumerstrawbree
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAtPdllSH3T6e9eSTqv8Fvw
Image Credits
Main photo of SumerStrawbree with coloring book @janayevaliscephotography
