Angela Priso’s Roots & Rhythms Stories redefines representation in children’s literature, fostering pride and cultural awareness in young readers.
Angela Priso’s Roots & Rhythms Stories is more than a publishing venture—it’s an entrepreneurial movement that redefines representation in children’s literature and builds a scalable platform for cultural empowerment. By combining storytelling, multimedia innovation, and strategic partnerships, Angela is not only changing how children see themselves in books but also how diverse stories find a place in the global marketplace.
A Journey Fueled by Purpose and Passion
Angela’s journey began with a personal realization as a mother: the books her children were reading lacked representation of their culture and identity. This void revealed a market need and inspired her to create Roots & Rhythms Stories—a brand built on celebrating diversity through joyful, inclusive narratives.
Raised in Gary, Indiana, and deeply influenced by both African American and West African traditions, Angela understood early on that children thrive when they see themselves reflected in literature. What began as a passion project quickly evolved into a business venture rooted in mission and purpose. Today, she positions Roots & Rhythms Stories as a unique brand that serves children, parents, and educators across communities, while carving out a leadership role in the publishing and education industries.
Obstacles and Key Decisions
The path to building a cultural brand has not been without challenges. Angela faced the doubts of entering a publishing world still hesitant to fully embrace diversity, as well as the complexities of building a sustainable enterprise from scratch. Yet her background in pediatric medical imaging and cardiology equipped her with the discipline, systems-thinking, and resilience necessary to lead effectively.
Key to her approach was a strategic decision to move beyond traditional publishing. By integrating multimedia—original music, animation, and video storytelling—Angela created a diversified brand ecosystem that extends her reach. This innovation positioned Roots & Rhythms Stories as more than books: it became an interactive cultural experience, scalable across digital platforms and merchandising opportunities.
From Words to Action
Visibility has been central to Angela’s success. Her interview with Cheryl Burton on ABC7 Chicago amplified her message about representation, while coverage in Rolling Out, Heart&Soul, and Urban Arts expanded her credibility.
But perhaps most powerful has been the collaboration with cultural influencers who recognized her mission and lent their platforms to the cause. Their support elevated her brand, increased awareness, and demonstrated the power of strategic alignment between literature, culture, and entertainment. For Angela, these partnerships are not just endorsements—they are part of a long-term growth strategy to scale Roots & Rhythms Stories into a household name.
What Makes Roots & Rhythms Stories Unique Today
Unlike many narratives in children’s publishing, Angela’s work does not anchor itself in trauma or deficit. Instead, she positions joy, culture, and leadership at the center—telling stories of children as explorers, dreamers, and innovators. Books like Tutu and Her Little Big Moves reflect her ability to capture the energy of youth while reinforcing messages of empowerment and cultural pride.
Roots & Rhythms Stories stands apart because of the way Angela seamlessly merges content, multimedia expansion, and strategic vision. Her books affirm identity and spark curiosity. Her digital storytelling brings characters to life through music and video, transforming books into immersive cultural experiences. And her entrepreneurial mindset positions the brand for growth—whether through speaking engagements, merchandise collaborations, or partnerships that extend her impact far beyond the page.
A Heartfelt Dedication to Children
At the heart of Angela’s work is an unwavering commitment to children, but her impact extends to parents, educators, and organizations seeking to empower the next generation. She credits her success not solely to her own efforts but to God’s grace and the supportive communities that have embraced her vision.
Angela’s story is one of passion meeting entrepreneurship—a clear example of how cultural leadership and business innovation can intersect. By blending her personal mission with strategic growth, she demonstrates how women leaders can redefine industries, build movements, and create platforms with global reach.
Angela Priso is more than an author—she is a cultural entrepreneur building a brand that empowers children, strengthens communities, and positions representation at the center of the marketplace.
Discover the magic of Roots & Rhythms Stories and give your child the gift of representation. Visit Roots & Rhythms Stories to start the journey.
