Exploring Life & Business with Christian Johnson and DeLayna Green of ABC Black Iconic Figures

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Johnson and DeLayna Green. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Embodying the true definition of sisterhood, DeLayna and Christian have been friends since they were 9 years old. From summer camps to college, the two have been inseparable for the better half of 20 years. Both graduates of the Historically Black College, Kentucky State University, their desire to educate and empower young minds led them to graduate with their teaching degrees.

As their passion for teaching, mentoring, and working with young children of color continued to grow, they realized there was a serious lack of positive Black representation in the educational system and in educational materials. Understanding that children begin to learn about who they are as early as two years old, DeLayna and Christian knew there had to be a way to instill education and cultural pride into these young minds. DeLayna being the imagineer with robust systematic educational knowledge, and Christian having a knack for creative design, the two combined their strengths one evening around the kitchen table, and ABC Black Iconic Figures was born!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where we are has seemed like an eternity. After two years of ideation and creation, we have finally reached the point to where we are ready for production. Our greatest challenge has been raising capital to mass produce and sell our products.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ABC Black Iconic Figures is for early learners who are in the elementary stages of reading and writing. The flashcards and coloring book connects culture and education in an enlightening and interactive way. Each card and page has a brief fact on how these figures made their stamp in history. Both the flashcards and the coloring book allows young children to learn how to read and write their ABCs while practicing letter sound/formation and the ability to read and write short & long vowel words. Both items are appealing to students, teachers, and parents, creating a fun- collaborative experience for all! We believe that not only will our customers appreciate the all-inclusive learning approach that our products take on, but they will find value in the highlighting of Black representation and education.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentor: Do not be afraid to ask! If you find someone who has been successful in accomplishing what you seek to accomplish, ask to sit down and have a conversation with them. Interview them, and allow them to interview you. Then, make the ask. See what you can offer them to make their life easier while they share with you their knowledge and resources.

Networking: Go where people are, and meet them. Find a common entry point for conversation, and just talk to get to know people. Be open to sharing your story and your business. Networking is all about organic yet strategic conversation. Be open with your words and your body language. Be interested and engaging in the conversation. If you found the conversation to be fruitful, do not leave without exchanging contact information.

Pricing:

• ABC Black Iconic Figures Bundle: $40 (cards, coloring book, crayons, and dry-erase marker)
• Flashcards: $25
• Coloring book: $10
• Accepting Donations

Contact Info:

• Website: www.abcblackiconicfigures.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abcblackiconicfigures/?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abcblackiconicfigures1/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: linktr.ee/abcblackiconicfigures