Meet Christine Mapondera-Talley, Author of Makanaka's World

Christine Mapondera-Talley is the author of Makanaka's World, a children's book series designed to teach your child about the globe, cultures, and languages in a fun and engaging way. Learn more by visiting www.MakanakasWorld.com, and follow Makanaka's World on Facebook.

1. What gave you the idea for Makanaka's World?

Makanaka's World was inspired by my daughter Jillian Makanaka. The idea was to create stories in my native language and include animation that would be appealing and fun for her to read. I'm originally from Zimbabwe and come from a Shona speaking family; therefore, not having them close by limits the amount of language my daughter gets to hear as I'm the only source.

2. In setting out to write a series of books rather than just one stand-alone title, how did you plan out your project?

I initially was focused on just handful of stories, so an actual series was not really part of the plan. However, as the character developed, I realized there was an opportunity to do more with it, and more ideas just started coming without even searching really hard.

3. What are some examples of things that kids will learn in reading your books?

Kids are going to learn about the globe, different languages, and also cultures. Time and again I hear from educators that geography is an area that a lot of students don't do well in, from first grade all the way to high school. I want my daughter to embrace what it means to be a global citizen, and I'm sure there are many parents out there that feel the same way. The key is finding material that will really keep a child engaged, and I believe Makanaka's World is just a start.

4. In writing the books, what has been most enjoyable to you about the process?

As I'm writing, I'm also researching, which is just as fun. I'm either using the internet, borrowing books from the library, or connecting with parents who are natives of a particular country. Connecting with a native person is the biggest treat as I get a very authentic and current perspective of the lifestyle, customs, and traditions.

5. What feedback have you received from parents and kids who have seen the books so far?

I've only recently started sharing the series, and the reactions and feedback I receive get me excited all over again. At least three parents have told me they felt chills of excitement after learning about Makanaka, and another said it reminded her of all the global travels she has experienced with her daughter over the years. Some are just simply amazed at how this all came together. It's all so humbling to see people react the way they do--you can't pay anyone enough money to give you that kind of response.

Thanks, Christine!

Meet Anakiz, Artist, Craftsperson, and Etsy Seller

With her two friends Zeynep and Meltem, Anakiz runs the Etsy shop Nakkashe. They make and sell a variety of crochet jewelry and accessories for ladies. The Etsy shop allows them to make money while doing what they love. Anakiz and her friends live in Turkey.

1. How did you decide to start an Etsy shop?

Four or five years ago, I resigned from my day job. It was very stressful, and I was working late hours. Then we moved to another city where my husband's family live (Mersin). Being alone in a new city pushed me to do something. In the past, I had always earned my own money, and just being a housewife did not make me happy. I took sewing and needle lace classes and developed my crocheting skills. Then I started to design and make crocheted jewelry. While searching the internet to find out "handmade" bazaars, I found Etsy and opened a shop, with limited items at first.

2. How do you choose the designs, yarns, and fabrics to make for your shop?

Crocheting is an art in my culture, and there are many supplies made specially for this. I buy lots of "oya crochet" threads in almost every color, and I buy any fabric I like if it is suitable to make a scarf or neck scarf. Regarding designs, I'm inspired by cultural motifs and nature (especially flowers).

3. What is your process when it comes to working collaboratively with your friends to create items for your shop?

I was alone when I started my Etsy shop. Then Zeynep , my best friend, joined me. Finally Meltem joined the team and we are now three crochet-loving ladies. Sometimes we all together make a design and choose the colors, materials, etc. Other times we do our own pieces. We are a nice team and good friends.

4. What have been some of your best-selling items so far, and how do you hope to grow your shop in the future?

Thread crochet necklaces are our best seller. We hope to open a small brick and mortar shop and take wholesale orders from different countries.

5. Is your work influenced by traditional Turkish arts and crafts?

Absolutely yes! Thread crochet and needle (sewing needle) crochet and scarves are very famous in our country. And our moms taught us crocheting at very early ages.

Thanks, Anakiz!

Meet TK McLennon, Author and Editor

TrailBlasian is a new anthology which shares the experiences of seventeen Black women who have taken the bold step to wave goodbye to their homes in North America and start new lives in East Asia. The anthology is available on Amazon and was edited by Canadian-born writer T.K. McLennon.

1. In your experience, what are some of the factors that motivate people from North America to move to Asian countries?

I would say that lack of jobs at home and financial reasons are probably the most common, but also wanderlust, appreciation for Asian culture, escapism, love/relationship, and career are among the most common reasons I've heard.

2. In addition to the teaching/education field, are there other major areas of employment that offer opportunities for English-speaking people moving to Asia?

Well, if you're American, there are several Army bases in Asia, particularly in South Korea. Of course there are expats who work for multinational for profit or not for profit organizations and also small or medium business people who do trade and whatnot.

3. Are there aspects of the expat experience that you feel are unique to Black women?

I would have to say concerns about how to maintain healthy hair and skin is a bit of a big deal. In the intro to the book, I discuss this a bit more, but also in Asia (as in other parts of the world) there is a thriving skin-bleaching industry. I found it nearly impossible in some countries to find lotions or other skincare products that did not contain some kind of whitening agent. Of course a bigger concern for many is racism/sexism, especially as it relates to your personal safety. Black women are often typecast in a few narrow stereotypes perpetuated through American media, and as expats in Asia there is a concern that we may be denied work or social opportunities due to race or sex prejudice.

4. Do you see the anthology as memoir or scholarship--or both?

Both!

5. Your book has been described as "groundbreaking." What has been the response from readers so far?

The readers have their favorites. People intensely agree or disagree with some of the writers' viewpoints. Readers can relate well with the story writers and appreciate the photos and bios that give the writers' journeys their unique context. Even people who have not read the book are intrigued by the the subject matter. It's early days since the official US launch though, and I expect there will be several ongoing panel-style and book-club-like discussions in the near future.

Thanks, TK!

Meet Chris Yeung of Vimbly

Chris Yeung is the Chief Technology Officer of Vimbly, an online booking platform that allows users to find things to do in New York City. Before Vimbly, Chris was a Vice President at BlackRock. He founded Vimbly after being frustrated at how difficult it was to find and book activities online.

1. What makes you so passionate about Vimbly?

When my partner, Sam, first came to me with the idea for Vimbly, I honestly couldn't believe that something like this didn't already exist. I felt that this was a product that people really need and that I would genuinely love to use. There have been so many times when I've thought about taking a cooking class with my girlfriend or trying to do some fun, out-of-the-box activity in New York, but given up on the idea because it simply took too much time and effort to decide, plan, and execute. 

More generally, I believe that life should be exciting. Too often, I feel that people get stuck in ruts and daily routines where they are rarely trying new things or trying to live a thrilling life. I believe that a good life is a life lived in a creative, human, and expansive way. Every day should be new. Youth and age are only concepts. The reason why I love Vimbly so much is that it facilitates this process of bringing more fun, excitement and novelty to one's daily life, which is without a doubt something vital but too often ignored. 

2. How does your background in technology come into play in your current position?

My background in technology comes into play constantly in this role. I am in charge of Vimbly's technological infrastructure and I make sure that everything about our site runs smoothly. You can always find me making improvements and implementing features to our website so that it can be the best it can be. 

3. With all the activities happening all the time in NYC, how do you choose the ones to feature on your site?

First of all, we have to make sure that we here at Vimbly would all actually use and enjoy anything that we feature. We try to test every activity ourselves before we put it on our site so that we can be sure that our customers are signing up for activities that will be both quality and enjoyable experiences. We also try to have a diverse selection of activities so that there is something for everyone. We want our customers to be able to find something they want to do on our site no matter what they are interested in; whether they are artistic, athletic, or adventurous, there is something that Vimbly has to offer for each and every one of them. That being said, we are constantly adding new activities to feature on our site. 

4. What are some of the most interesting (and unusual?) classes that people are finding and signing up for with the help of your site?

We have tons of interesting and unusual activities bookable through Vimbly. In fact, we have a whole section on our site called "Make Me Interesting" featuring captivating and unconventional activities. Some noteworthy ones are tandem hand gliding and Accomplice, an immersive scavenger hunt-come-show around New York City (which I will personally vouch for because I think it was one of the most fun and unique things I've ever done). 

5. Are there some activities and/or classes you've discovered through Vimbly and participated in yourself?

Tons! I wouldn't even be able to count how many activities/classes offered through Vimbly that I have participated in over the years. I make a point to try at least two of our activities a month and I always make sure to bring along friends or family because I know it'll always be a good time. Some of my favorites have been whitewater rafting, the French macaron workshop, and the dream car tour (though I'll admit I was sad I couldn't take any of the cars home with me!)

Thanks, Chris!