It was also a breakthrough moment to realise the books were resonating not just with children, but with parents, caregivers and educators. Kindness, creativity and eco-consciousness are universal needs. Stories with Starlight became more than books; it became a shared language for families to nurture values together.
Family, Freedom and Flow
My own family is woven into the story too. My three children are grown, but I now share this journey with two beautiful granddaughters, who help test ideas, pose for photos and remind me what this is all about. I still teach casually, and there is no greater joy than reading my own books to a classroom of eager listeners, especially when they spot my name on the cover!
Creativity is constant, and managing the flood of ideas with the practicalities of running a business is an ongoing dance. I set monthly intentions and boundaries to protect space for rest, reflection and focused creation. My motto lately? Keep It Simple, Starlight.
Overcoming and Becoming
There have been plenty of challenges, particularly navigating the high costs of small-batch printing and learning the ins and outs of digital marketing. Building brand awareness while preserving the integrity and heart of the stories has required patience, experimentation and trust in the long game.
But the joy far outweighs the hurdles. Each time a parent tells me how their child has connected with Starlight or felt calmer at bedtime, it reminds me why I began.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, I dream of expanding Stories with Starlight into a global community. I’d love to explore adaptations into film or animation, translate the stories into other languages, and develop an eco-friendly, sensory Bridget Bantam plushie designed especially for neurodiverse children. Imagine a soft, weighted Bridget with silky wings and hidden crystals tucked inside.
Ultimately, this brand is about more than books or bedtime. It’s about restoring belief in magic, in each other and in a planet where love and wonder still grow wild.
Visit us at StoriesWithStarlight.com to explore the stories, products and rituals helping families everywhere rediscover their inner light.
Quotes I love:
- “The universe is made of stories, not atoms.” – Muriel Rukeyser
- “A book is a dream that you hold in your hands.” – Neil Gaiman
- “It is essential that we help children experience the world in such a way that they feel they belong to it, so that they can meet it with confidence. Books should open their hearts to the world, not close them off.” – Rudolf Steiner
All words and story creations by Lisa Mackenzie, Founder of Stories with Starlight. To find out more, visit the Stories with Starlight website and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
