Finding Direction
By: Bino Books
Tags: Storytelling, Lessons Learned, Startup

Finding Direction

For those who don’t know, BinoBooks is a Canadian-based, woman-founded start-up working to create customizable books that act as conversation starters between parents and young children on otherwise intricate topics (such as gender identity, racism, politics, illness etc.) while making children feel represented in their readings.

What Have We Been Up To?

In a time of complete disarray, it’s been difficult more than ever to find direction. Setting goals for a venture almost seem hideous when considering the ever-increasing COVID-19 cases presented by the news each morning.

With the constant reminder of everyone’s health and happiness during this time, our team has been trying to pave the way for BinoBooks to launch. In all honestly, it’s been a struggle.

Since finishing the Queen’s Innovation Centre Summer Initiative in August, our team has been on a roller coaster of learnings.

Let’s start with the not-so-fun learnings:

Engulfed by Legalities: When starting up, it’s easy to get consumed by the legal incorporation process. There are so many terms that are difficult to understand, it can feel like being back in school again. A Balancing Act: There’s a MASSIVE difference between creating and growing a venture while working on it with no distractions versus working on the venture while having full-time school or work.

Okay, now onto the sunshine and rainbows kind of learnings:

The Moment of Hygge: BinoBooks’ mission is to create the future of children’s literature. Ideating what this future could look like creates a magical feeling. Also, hearing parents’ eagerness for books that represent their children or help act as a conversation starter for difficult topics has warmed our hearts and lit a fire for us in unimaginable ways. Endless Support: There’s that saying, “People like to help, just ask.” We have been so immensely fortunate to have continuous support from parents, professionals and clubs who believe in the future of BinoBooks. This energy drives us to push even harder and keep creating.

What is BinoBooks up to now?

Currently, our team is getting our footing back. Honestly, we don’t have the slightest clue of what’s best to do next, but we are just going to keep pushing and working hard through the ups and downs.

The Technology: We have been collaborating with a driven group of Computer Science students at Queen’s in order to develop the basis of the BinoBooks customizable technology. Book Development: We are in the midst of developing our second book. Alongside this development, we are laying the grounds for how we want our book process to be moving forward. Partnership: We have partnered with Enactus Queen’s as one of their venture projects for the upcoming year. Our team couldn’t be more excited to have sustained support from this organization as we expand our venture. Everything Else: When starting a venture there’s a lot to consider. Our team is continuing to work on legal and financial aspects while also considering the best way to go-to-market.

Please share any stories or tips and tricks for how you are staying positive during these times below. We need to share love and kindness more than ever now.

Stay tuned here for more updates from our team on the process of #BuildingBinoBooks.

The BinoBooks Team,

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