The African Musical Instruments Book is a unique book used to educate children about music and different African cultures. We meet author Natalie Cooper who discusses her journey and inspiration for the book.
What inspired you to
start your business?
I was at a black history event in 2010 where I met a
gentleman, formerly involved in the music business who was looking for a
graphic designer to produce some children’s books; an African musical
instruments book and an African patterns colouring book.
This become my own personal project completing the books in
two months, all of the research, writing and illustration and I got them
printed soon after. I tried to get my book into bookshops and libraries but
without the know-how it was difficult so I jumped at the opportunity to trade
at stalls when I was invited.
Since my first stall in March, the business has grown and
grown and I have plenty of fair-trade African made instruments available also.
I am looking now to do workshops with schools as that would unite my main three
interests: the arts, history/ culture and education.
What have been your
favourite client experiences?
I love talking to people at my stalls, they cannot believe I
am so young and
have achieved so much already, I am always feeling humbled.
Speaking to the public, I’m in contact with people from all walks of life who
are happy to share their thoughts, suggestions and opinions, which are welcome
as I do not have all knowledge of all things, it’s just not possible.
I get to speak to many parents and teachers who would love
to have me come and visit their schools. Everyone is so kind and encouraging
and it keeps me going! People also love my long natural hair, we find anything
to talk about!
What advice would you
give to someone starting up in your industry?
I started my business blind, I approached as a graphic
designer which no knowledge of musical instruments, publishing, distribution,
marketing, sales but I knew it was going to be a learning process so I was
never overwhelmed by my own ignorance. I
always worked to my own watch and deadlines but the style of work I have leads
to burning out fast. Trying to do everything yourself is fine but don’t
be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t agree with or like what someone says,
take note of it, do some research, discuss with others.
It’s not going to be easy in any way, shape or form. You
need to be stubborn with it (which I am so) but you also need to know when to take
a break.
You have to have a product you believe in but don’t expect
it to sell itself for you – get people’s opinions and use these points in your
sales pitch!
If you want to self publish – know what you’re getting
yourself into, it’s a lot of work. I didn’t know, but I like the control and
I’m open to other possibilities in the future.
Be careful with relationships, overwork can put pressure on
relationships with a partner if you’re working all the time. Even if they
support you one hundred percent, you need to know when to make time for them,
yourself (very important) and your relationship.
Try to network (or just speak to people, family, friends)
who have skills that you don’t have, even if they can’t help you on a specific
project, they can at least point you in the right direction. I had someone who
just liked my work and he gave me free advice, it was hard when I hadn’t really
developed my online presence hearing how it wasn’t good enough (yet!) but
constructive and free advice has changed my business for the best!
You can do as much as you can yourself but don’t be afraid
to ask for help.
Don’t be too precious – what feels like your end product
after the blood, sweat and tears, is just the prototype, there’s always room
for improvement and this should be welcomed!
The internet is your friend – you can research anything you
don’t know about!
What are your long
term goals?
To be happy and inspire.
Isossy Children
celebrates diversity through global clothing for children. Why do you think
diversity matters for every generation?
In respect of my book and it’s aims, music is universal, and
an aspect of every culture whether its use is purely entertainment or has a
societal function, it can be used to tell stories, convey a message or feeling,
critique and challenge. Teaching children about music of other cultures can
give an insight into the ethos of a people, their myths, legends and stories,
past kingdoms,
great feats, etc which fosters understanding and can generally
just inspire. Exposing children to different cultures is vital in creating
worldly and cultured individuals. There are a limited number of types of
instruments e.g. wind, percussion etc so people can always identify and make
connections with instruments they have in their own culture. It is also
interesting to learn about the origins and spread of familiar instruments to
see more of what different cultures have in common. It’s world history and we
are all citizens of the world.
What words of wisdom
do you think every child should grow up knowing?
I take my eleven year old sister along with me to stalls
sometimes and she gives me advice… I always say to her “there is no reason why
you can’t do this”; I don’t know if she believes me but I hope I have shown her
through action and getting her involved – she really enjoys it! With the world
at your fingertips, things have become a lot more accessible now, you can build
a free website, free promotional videos which you can post on video sharing
sites, print your own literature.. the list goes on.
Contact Details
Natalie Cooper, info@ami-book.com
www.ami-book.com
@_AMIBook
07988 685 815
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