We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Meckes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Just weeks after the birth of my first child, I began referring to her as my Sweet Pea. After quite a few more nicknames, I happened to refer to her as a bean. It was on that day that the idea for a book series about a group (or pod) of legumes was born.

Children’s books are just one piece of what I enjoy doing, but after seeing the work attract fans in my daughter’s preschool, I thought it might be time to share them more widely. If all goes as planned, the books will be available via major booksellers early next year. There is a mailing list on my website that will alert subscribers to their release. However, the vooks or video versions of the books are available on my website and YouTube right now.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The process behind my simple children’s books was pretty complicated. They went through a couple of iterations before they were ready for public consumption. Ultimately, this required quite a bit of learning about the printing process, which was not difficult but time-consuming.

What I want people to know about these books is that early on, I saw the opportunity to do something for others with them. Since the books are about beans and peas, which are food products, I’ve decided to donate a portion of the proceeds to end childhood hunger. My intention is to start with a local group and hopefully grow from there. So, the branding has a purpose. That’s what I would want people to know. And that they can learn the specifics on my website under the “Philantro-Pea” page.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My family often spends a morning or afternoon at Duke Gardens. It’s an inspirational place for me, as one of my recent films features video footage taken there. My kids love it, too. There are ducks, coy, chickens, and more. We also enjoy the Museum of Life and Science. It’s a children’s museum that offers plenty of activities and fun. Lastly, I should probably say our local library is somewhere we enjoy going. They’re not carrying any of my books yet, but maybe one day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think people like Jim Henson and Fred Rogers have been bubbling under the surface of my creative life for some time. They get plenty of recognition, but these figures were a staple of my childhood. And while I wouldn’t put myself in the same category as either one, I feel safe in saying I don’t see many like them in children’s entertainment today.

Perhaps because I now have two children, I watch quite a bit of children’s TV, and much of it seems to be style over substance. Some of it’s just content. So, Rogers and Henson are two I (and most others) would credit for making thoughtful children’s programming.

On the other hand, there are plenty of children’s authors who are doing significant work these days. I’ve enjoyed books by Mo Willems and John Klassen recently. The late Maurice Sendak is a favorite around our house as well.

Website: justinmeckes.com

Instagram: instagram.com/justinmeckesbooks

Youtube: youtube.com/@justinmeckesbooks

Other: instagram.com/justinmeckes, threads.net/@justinmeckes

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