We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathryn Starke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathryn, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I want to teach the world to read. This means, my company will continue to expand our reach in publishing engaging and educational children’s books and increase our literacy consulting in elementary schools coast to coast. Our annual Tackle Reading event supported by the NFL and WNFC just kicked off its fifth year, so we look forward to making that bigger and better every year. Lastly, I want to partner with the right individuals or EdTech company to bring my prototype to life that will actually provide the simulation of quality reading instructional practices for students.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Creative Minds Publications is an educational publishing and literacy consulting company. I originally created this business fifteen years ago to market and sell my first children’s book, Amy’s Travels, which was selected by the California Department of Education as a recommended multicultural text. I was a full-time second grade teacher who worked on my business nights and weekends. Believe me when I say it wasn’t easy. I am a teacher by trade and in my heart; everything I learned about running and growing a business came from reading and learning from the few business leaders who were willing to teach me. Since we started in 2005, we have become an award winning publishing company and we have created partnerships with organizations and companies including the NFL and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Most importantly, our educational books, trainings, and personalized consulting opportunities have helped failing elementary schools achieve and maintain reading success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We will most definitely enjoy the sun and beach! I love the pier in Hermosa Beach for walking around and enjoying a variety of cuisine. I love taking guests for apps and drinks at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes. Depending on the weather, we will either watch the Dodgers or the Lakers play. As an author and creative, I personally love a good power lunch at the Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills; you never know who may walk through the doors.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to send a shoutout to every single teacher, student, and educational leader who is allowing me to work with them in helping all children achieve reading success.

Website: www.creativemindspublications.com

Instagram: @KathrynStarke

Twitter: @KathrynStarke

Facebook: Facebook.com/creativemindspublications

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