We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Jennifer Suzara- Cheng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Jennifer Suzara-, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I didn’t consciously started a business, I just wanted to write books for my grandson and his generation. I initially thought about just writing and submit my work to publishers but I didn’t like the idea that I will not have a say over the cover design, the drawings and the full message of my books. Thus I decided to go into publishing business. I studied Picture Books Writing at UCLA Extension but never got the time to sit down and write. The inspiration comes and goes but during the pandemic I was able to focus and publish 8 books and I have written 32 stories. Being a publisher gave me the sole driving force behind each book from conceptualizing, design, bilingualism(Filipino, English and one book translated into Spanish) and concept. It also allowed me to add science concepts at the end of the book that the young reader may ask the adult reader and translate it into conversational Filipino or Spanish. So, there are 2 audiences now the child and the adult. A twist happened when I joined Filipino Food Pop Ups and my clients told me that I should also write about Filipino Culture for AAPI Month thus 2 books were published about culture and tradition. The conversations are still happening and listening to our clientele directs our future plans.

What should our readers know about your business?
I do not have a proper business background, I practically researched everything on line, joined groups for authors in FB and IG, I read everything about publishing and selling. I am still learning but it’s fulfilling when people appreciates my books. I know that it’s tough but I am hoping that there will be more patrons who are interested about environmental sustainability, Filipino language and culture.

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?
I always recommend the California Science Center , I believe that sustainability should be taught to the next generation and reading books should be inculcated to the young mind. I would also take them to the Rose Garden, Butterfly Conservatory , Natural History Museum, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Beach and Catalina Island. Exposure to the beauty of nature will make the visit interesting because my best friend is also a science teacher .:)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My books were inspired by my grandson Henry and his generation. This is my way of touching the future, so to speak. They environmental theme and focus on culture and bilingualism in Filipino and Spanish.

Website: https://www.filam-ecograndma.com/

Instagram: @suzaracheng

Linkedin: Jennifer Suzara-Cheng Ph.D

Facebook: FilAm-EcoGrandma

Image Credits
Jennifer Suzara-Cheng Copyright 2025
FilAmEcoGrandma 2025

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