The “Let’s Colour” series was born out of a deep desire to connect the next generation with the vibrant culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Created by Aniesa Gismondi, a Trinidadian author living in California, the series was designed to bring the country’s rich heritage to life for young readers, particularly those in the diaspora. As a mother, Aniesa wanted her daughter to understand and appreciate her cultural roots despite living far from her family in Trinidad and Tobago. This personal journey inspired her to create an educational yet engaging way for children to connect with their heritage.
The “Let’s Colour” series blends storytelling and art, making cultural education fun, interactive and accessible to children. With a focus on Trinidad and Tobago’s festivals, folklore and history, the series allows children aged three and up to explore and learn about their culture through colourful illustrations and rhyming narratives. The aim was simple but profound: to offer a creative and educational way for children, whether at home or abroad, to experience the beauty of the nation’s traditions. Through her work, Aniesa hopes to ensure that the cultural legacy of Trinidad and Tobago is not lost on the younger generation, especially those who may not be able to experience the festivals and celebrations first-hand.
The series’ success began with “Let’s Colour Divali” and “Let’s Colour Carnival,” two books that introduced young readers to two of Trinidad and Tobago’s most beloved festivals. These interactive books not only explained the significance of these celebrations but also allowed children to engage in them through colouring and storytelling. The response to the books was overwhelming, with media features, including interviews on CNC3’s Morning Brew and a feature in Newsday Trinidad and Tobago, helping to raise awareness about the series. Aniesa’s mission to educate children through art and culture had become a reality, one that resonated with families both in the diaspora and at home.
Aniesa’s inspiration for the “Let’s Colour” series came from a deeply personal place. As a mother living far from her side of the family, she wanted her daughter, Ila, to grow up with a strong sense of cultural identity. The brand “Ila Maharaj” was named in honour of the two most important people in Aniesa’s life—her daughter, Ila, and her mother, Maharaj. Ila, who was the driving force behind the series, represents Aniesa’s commitment to preserving Trinidad and Tobago’s culture for the next generation. Maharaj, Aniesa’s mother, has been her greatest supporter throughout this journey. Naming the brand after them is Aniesa’s way of honouring their love, wisdom and unwavering support.
Building the “Let’s Colour” series while raising her daughter as a stay-at-home mom wasn’t easy, but Aniesa dedicated herself to the process. She spent countless hours researching, writing and promoting her books, aligning their releases with Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural calendar to ensure they remained relevant to young readers. It was a full-time passion project that she balanced alongside the challenges of motherhood, but it allowed her to make sure that both her daughter and children everywhere could have meaningful connections to their cultural heritage.
Aniesa’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its lessons. She quickly learned that persistence is key. Success didn’t come overnight, and it required hours of hard work, research, and effort to get her books into the hands of readers. The behind-the-scenes work – the late nights, the brainstorming, and the trial and error – was not always visible to others, but it was essential to the process. Another key lesson was the importance of accepting help. As a full-time mom and entrepreneur, Aniesa discovered that she couldn’t do it all on her own. Support from family, advice from fellow creatives, and partnerships with like-minded individuals were crucial to her growth and success. Networking, too, was invaluable. Building relationships with bookstores, schools and fellow entrepreneurs opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed. But perhaps the most important lesson was to stay true to her vision. Aniesa learned to trust her instincts and remain focused on her mission of bringing cultural education to children, even when faced with competing advice and ideas.
For anyone thinking about starting their own entrepreneurial journey, Aniesa’s advice is simple: just start. The fear of not being ready or waiting for the “perfect” time can hold you back. Aniesa remembers being nervous about launching the “Let’s Colour” series, doubting whether there was space for another book about Trinidadian culture. But after a conversation with her brother-in-law, who encouraged her to move past her doubts and just begin, she took the leap. She found that by taking action, learning through the process, and remaining focused on her goals, she could build something meaningful and fulfilling.
To Aniesa, a brand is much more than a product or logo – it’s the identity, purpose, and emotion behind the work. Her brand is about preserving and celebrating the culture of Trinidad and Tobago through storytelling and rhyming. It’s not just about selling books; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that foster a sense of heritage in young minds. The brand is a bridge between culture and education, ensuring that children can connect with their roots no matter where they live.
Aniesa sees her business as the creation and sale of children’s books, but her brand is so much more. It’s about giving children, especially those in the diaspora, a way to connect with their cultural heritage through creative and educational means. Her brand is about offering children a fun and interactive way to engage with their roots, ensuring that the traditions of Trinidad and Tobago are passed down to future generations.
While Aniesa celebrates the growing appreciation for locally made books that highlight the culture of Trinidad and Tobago, she also acknowledges that there’s still work to be done to improve visibility and accessibility for local brands. Many local entrepreneurs, like herself, must work hard to get their products into mainstream spaces. She believes that support from local bookstores, corporate partnerships and government initiatives could help elevate these brands further. What inspires Aniesa the most, however, is the collaborative spirit within the local brand community. She’s encountered many people who genuinely want to see each other succeed and that sense of cultural pride and mutual support is what makes Trinidad and Tobago’s brand community truly special.
While Aniesa has faced challenges in participating in pop-up markets, especially since she’s based in California, she remains committed to reaching her audience wherever possible. She was fortunate to have had the opportunity to sell her books at a costume distribution event for Spirit Mas, thanks to a good friend who made it possible. Though there are obstacles, Aniesa’s dedication to sharing the cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago with children remains steadfast, and the “Let’s Colour” series will continue to inspire and educate young minds for years to come.
