You’re not going to have many friends. I enjoy being in person to meet children and parents who love my book, my pup Sparkle, our message and our mission. Making friends is a challenge because not everyone thinks like I do or wants to be my friend because they don’t understand my commitment and love to help people and animals.
As part of my series about young people who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Faith Abraham.
Toronto-based Faith Abraham describes herself as an author, entrepreneur, and animal activist. She was named Go Daddy Young Entrepreneur of the Year. She won Success Magazine’s Women of Influence 2022. She’s an award winning author. She’s a globally recognized philanthropist. She is a regular in the media — she has been featured on CityTV, Global News, The Financial Post, Toronto Caribbean News and many more. And she’s only six years old. She says, “I believe every child has a right to education and a healthy life.” With a wisdom beyond her years, she says her mission is to empower women and children around the world through her books and to “care for and support animals in need and help heal the planet for generations after me.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I am a 6-year-old Black award-winning author, humanitarian, animal activist, philanthropist, and creative. I am among 50 Success Magazine Women of Influence Award 2022 winners and have received awards and recognition for my books and empowerment message. Parents and children are intrigued and inspired by me and my work as I empower children and delight parents: The Heart of a Superhero is through kindness and compassion, and all children are SUPERHEROES. And I live in Canada.
You are currently leading an organization that aims to make a social impact. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
Faith and Sparkle’s World is an empowerment company specializing in diverse children’s books inspired by Child Author Faith Abraham and her adventures with her sidekick dog, Sparkle. Our founder, Faith, is driven to empower children, support animals, and take care of our planet. Her initiatives include a Creative Writing Workshop to support children’s emotional growth and a mentorship program to support parents and caregivers to help, guide, and nurture their children to their fullest potential.
I am Faith. I am an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and animal activist. I believe every child has a right to education and healthy life. As a philanthropist and activist, I fundraise and spread awareness to organizations close to my heart. My mission is to empower women and children across North America, Europe, and the world through my books. Care for and support animals in need and help heal the planet for generations after me.
Hello! My name is Sparkle, and I’m a fun-loving, adventurous dog who loves to play games and share lots of hugs with my best friend Faith. I am a special needs dog, who was born with bone deformities, tummy issues, and arthritis. My family loves me and I them. I also have a heart for humanity and my fellow fur friend
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
My grandmother is the reason I began this entrepreneurial journey. My pup, Sparkle, and I were her biggest supporters and helpers when she was sick with cancer. Because of her, I identified as a Superhero Doctor and knew that I was destined to lead and empower others.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest it. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
I knew at three years old I wanted to share kindness and compassion in a book. I told my mom I wanted my story to be a real book. I’ve always known what steps to take, and I’m grateful my mother and grandmother supported me and helped me share my message and mission. I advise anyone with a dream, idea, or passion just to do it; start because support is always there.
Many young people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. But you did. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
I had tons of support and help. Without my mom and grandma believing in me and investing in my message and mission, it would not be possible. Enlist the support from your family.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I was most happy and completely surprised, as was my family when I received the Success Magazine Women of Influence 2022 award. I was the youngest (5 years old) and only Canadian.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
My mom manages my business. When I was five years old, Summer of 2022, I told my mom I’m meant to speak to people to share my message on kindness. She arranged for me to read my book at a Children’s Play Place, but; it was not what I expected. I showed up and played with other children, and when it was time to read and have a Q&A session, I sat on a chair with my book next to Elsa with the children sitting on the floor. I followed through with my commitment but said to my mom in the car (when we were leaving), “Mom, I expected hundreds of people, a stage, lights and a microphone.”
At that moment, I learned to be clear about my vision and what I want and make sure those working with me understand my vision and what I want.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My cheerleader and mentor is my grandma. She’s my bestie, and I love her dearly. See below for my story about her.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
My mama, my best friend (aside from God), aka my grandmother, has significantly impacted my life and helped me share my mission and message with others. When my grandmother, Gail, had cancer, Sparkle (my pup) and I was there to help her daily. Once she recovered, I saw myself as a Superhero Doctor, and I wanted to share with other children that they have the power to help others. My grandmother knows my favorite foods and style. She loves me to infinity and corrects me when I forget myself (acting outside of who I am). She inspires me daily to be loved, embody kindness, and always do my best. Her wisdom encourages me, and everywhere we (my mom and I) travel to give speeches, sell books, etc., she’s right there with me every step of the way, blessing, defending, motivating, supporting, and being my biggest cheerleader.
My books Superhero Faith and Doctor Faith were written in her house on her dining room table.
All children should love and honor their grandparents, especially grandmas, because their love and blessings transform your life for the better, and they help you live purposefully.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
1) Parents, educators, and politicians should take a zero-tolerance stance against bullying violence toward children.
2) Kindness, compassion, and empathy should be taught in our schools
3) Have my empowerment books in schools and libraries so all children feel empowered and know they are superheroes and their superpowers come from their hearts.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Not everyone is going to like you. My first book was published when I was three years old, and not many children wanted to be my friend. Some grown-ups didn’t believe Superhero Faith was my book, my story, and that I wanted to help other children.
- You’re not going to have many friends. I enjoy being in person to meet children and parents who love my book, my pup Sparkle, our message, and our mission. Making friends is a challenge because not everyone thinks like I do or wants to be my friend because they don’t understand my commitment and love to help people and animals.
- That I’d be bullied and threatened. I love sharing kindness with others, I enjoy empowering others. However, many children are hurting, and sadly, they bully other children because they (the bully) want to be powerful. I was severely bullied and received death threats but stood in my Superpower and kindness. Thankfully, my mom and grandma supported and loved me and ensured I was safe.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
I want children and young people to remember to be kind. Kindness comes from the heart, and we will change the world through kindness.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Ooh, that’s a tough choice. I like Ryan from Ryans’s World, Adley from A For Adley, Gracie from Gracie’s Corner and the creator of Grace’s World because I love the Barbie skits she creates on her channel.
How can our readers follow you online?
You may follow me online:
Instagram: @faithandsparklesworld
Facebook: @faithandsparklesworld
Youtube: @faithandsparklesworld
Twitter: @faithandsparkl1
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Young Social Impact Heroes: Why and How Faith Abraham Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.