We had the good fortune of connecting with Sierra L. Boone and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sierra L., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Realizing that even in isolation, no one is an island.
Yet, there are so many experiences that will lead us to believe the opposite.
This is even (or especially!) applicable when it comes to family relationships. Did you know that most of our dysfunctional behaviors stem from childhood? That’s because 90% of a child’s brain develops by age 5.
As a media professional, I know first-hand the power that ethical, enriching media can have on children. To this day, I can close my eyes and still picture Mister Rogers assuring me of how worthy of love I am. So why is it that when you look around today, a large majority of the media targeting kids is definitely NOT for kids? I felt like I was watching children and families be failed with so many options of overstimulating, inappropriate and exploitative content.
That’s what led to my focus on the power that rest has to heal relationship bonds and nurture healthier families and communities. When we’re well-rested, we’re better listeners, communicators…we’re just better when you take exhaustion out of the picture! And I’m so blessed to have presented the idea to my family who took it and ran with it!
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Nap Time Show isn’t just a YouTube Channel, it’s a movement towards reclaiming the joy and peace of restful moments together as a family, teaching kids and parents the value of slowing down and resting for a fuller, more enjoyable life. That comes through in our episodes but also reaches to our toys, live events & performances and beyond.
From mindful meditations, to nature immersion, to eye-opening imaginative adventures, we use social and emotional learning as a foundation to give children the space to process their emotions, understand themselves better and develop empathy for others.
Compared to our competitors, we’re:
• Authentically diverse
• Globally appealing
And we proudly boast high cross-generational engagement — meaning kiddos are watching it, parents are watching it…heck, even grandma and grandpa are watching it!
Not to mention, our vintage charm and low sensory approach gives millennial parents of all backgrounds the ethical and enriching entertainment they’ve been searching for. Today, families can watch us on the PBS Michigan Learning Channel, the Black Education Station and on YouTube.
As a family-owned and operated and 100% bootstrapped venture, things have NOT been easy. It can be disheartening to receive “no” after “no,” but you know what keeps me going? Ronnie, Tyler, EJ, Bishop, Coltrane, Callie and all the other children whose eyes light up when they hear our theme song start. When I mention my business in passing or casually to a parent who perks up and continues to explain to ME the value of what I’m doing. The complete strangers who tell me to “keep going!” There’s no way I could stop.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a children’s museum aficionado, especially since the one back home in Detroit is gone, so first we’d go to Cayton Children’s Museum in Santa Monica and check out some of the exhibits. There’s always something interactive and fun going on there, even if you’re a grownup! No matter how “old” you are, finding ways to reconnect with your inner child is like a treasure trove of fulfillment.
Then, since we’re in Santa Monica anyways, we’d visit the Adamms Stained Glass gallery, but only after scarfing down donuts from Sidecar.
Then, I’d call my friend Larrenwong to see if he could sneak us into one of his studio recording sessions. I LOVE music, and super secret unreleased tracks? Top tier. There’s no better LA experience than to witness the artistry and collaboration of music in the making.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I absolutely have to dedicate my shoutout to my family, who works alongside me in this venture and without whom The Nap Time Show would NOT be where it is today. From my parents taking on multiple roles including managing props, handling outreach and more; to my little cousin who has truly learned the ins and outs of filming and directing; to my aunts and uncles for voicing some of our most iconic characters; my sisters and even my grandparents (both of whom have agreed to appear on the show!). This isn’t even everyone, which shows just how much their support encouragement have fueled this venture. When you decided to go against the grain and take on the entrepreneurship path, genuine support can be HARD to come by. So it really means the world to me that my “village” isn’t standing behind me, they’re standing right next to me.
Website: https://www.thenaptimeshow.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaptimeshow/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boone-productions-llp
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenaptimeshow
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNapTimeShow?sub_confirmation=1