We had the good fortune of connecting with lisa caprelli and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi lisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In creating the Unicorn Jazz world, I wanted to create a place where children can let their imagination run wild and combine meaningful lessons incorporating reading, writing, music and the arts. The main character, Unicorn Jazz, has been named the most unique unicorn in the world with a musical note for a tail. The hand drawn art throughout our children’s unicorn book series is appreciated by kids of all ages. A unicorn is a globally recognizable symbol and we wanted to create something that would last forever. We seek to grow and collaborate and continue partnerships with all kinds of kid brands to license Unicorn Jazz and her cast of friendly animal characters, each with a unique personality.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A child once asked me, “Is it hard to be creative?” He had just been part of listening to my author’s journey on how I am who I am today because of a myriad and collective team of great people who I like to recognize. I shared with the audience how I went from being a shy little girl, at an elementary school, like the one I was at, to take the chances on doing what I love. My reply to him was, “Is it hard to dream?” He smiled as did all the educators in the room. We all have the opportunity to become whomever we want to at any given moment in life. Does it take work? Absolutely. As the quote goes by F. Scott Fitzgerald, For what it’s worth… it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you’ve never felt before. I hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start over again.”
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Huntington Beach, California, has been serendipitous. I never saw the ocean until I was 17 years old — growing up in El Paso, Texas, I could only dream of living near one. There are so many beautiful things to do in this gorgeous city. You can be still and do nothing by the ocean or you can visit and mingle at many local places. My favorite way to welcome a guest would be an invitation to our artful home while my husband and I cook up a delicious meal.
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?
Unicorn Jazz’s friend who is with her throughout every book, is Woof the Crow. He believes in Unicorn Jazz and helps her realize her talent in the first children’s book. I believe there are many Woof the Crow’s we all have access too. My “Woof the Crows” are so many people, my grandma, family and friends who are always recognized in my books and work. The person who has listened to and supported all my visions for Unicorn Jazz, is my humble husband, Dr. Chris Herzig, who supports my work so much so, that he helps produce my kids show as well as create entertaining videos for kids. In the 2020-21 school year, he will be part of an Author Dream team to teach children through virtual school author visits.
Website: UnicornJazz.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/UnicornJazzBrand
Facebook: Facebook.com/UnicornJazzBrand
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/UnicornJazz
Other: The THING I Do Kids show – UnicornJazz.com/Show
Image Credits
Hi I will send you more images in a separate google drive folder.