Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayna Wrighten.
Hi Shayna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved the arts and STEM. As a child, I particularly enjoyed writing, drawing, and creating anything I could. As I grew up, my curiosity for understanding human behavior blossomed. Eventually, I earned a BS in Neuroscience and a PhD in Biomedical Science and became a biology professor. However, my love for creating never left me. After having children, I began reading science books for children to them, but found that none captured the essence of neuroscience, my passion. So, I decided to create a book to fill the niche.
That endeavor of creating my first children’s book, From Axon to Zebrafish…The ABCs of Neuroscience, led me to creating my business to promote science among young children and their caregivers. Now, Little Sapiens is home to multiple books – and more in the works – as well as science-themed apparel. In addition to selling my work, I am committed to bringing my products to those who may not otherwise be able to afford them. To do this I have a ‘Pay It Forward” program that allows people to purchase products for donation to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them. I want people world wide to know that science is about and for all of us!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say that the journey has been more smooth than not, but certainly not without its challenges. Since starting Little Sapiens I have continued my full-time career as a biology professor. One of my biggest challenges thus far is time! I have a full-time job, two children, and other business projects, so finding time to work on projects to expand Little Sapiens has been difficult. Other struggles that I have had – which I think of more as growth opportunities – are the learning curve for illustrating, publishing, advertising, selling, and all the other business aspects. Since I don’t have formal training in creative writing, illustrating (or drawing of any type), publishing or business, I have had to learn these tasks that are necessary for the success of Little Sapiens on my own. Even though the learning curve has been steep for some of the aforementioned processes, I have really enjoyed learning these new skills and aspects of business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Little Sapiens?
Little Sapiens sells products geared toward children, but many of which are fun for all ages, that are largely science-based. I originally started Little Sapiens solely for the purpose of self-publishing my first book, From Axon to Zebrafish…The ABCs of Neuroscience. However, once I got started with creating products I had a hard time stopping, I am constantly writing down new ideas that pop into my head. It saddens me that so many people find science to be scary or unapproachable and I have a passion to change that. I firmly believe that showing people, especially at young ages, the fun parts of science will help us all not only feel more comfortable with science but also with tackling a variety of issues that initially seem unapproachable or too hard for us. Although production of science content for children is on the rise neuroscience has largely been left out of that arena and I am on a mission to change that! There is also a noticeable lack of diverse voices in the field of presenting science to children. As a black woman, I bring a perspective – and face – to the creation of science products that is currently underrepresented.
I am proud of the fact that I have built a brand that can be appreciated by all ages from 0-92 as fun, exciting, and different. I want people to know that my products, my books in particular, are not bound by age. I fully believe that no one is too young or too old to learn and appreciate the beauty of their nervous system!!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think that one quality that has been instrumental to my success is my passion. The learning curve for starting a business, creating and publishing a book, and creating and managing an online store has been steep and at times has felt impossible to sustain. However, my passion for neuroscience and for sharing neuroscience is unstoppable. I am undeterred on my mission to show the world how fun, amazing, and relatable neuroscience can be!!
Pricing:
- From Axon to Zebrafish…The ABCs of Neuroscience board book is $10.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.little-sapiens.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlesapiens/
- Other: info@little-sapiens.com
