Life before disability

After dedicating over two decades to cultivating a thriving career and establishing myself as a recognised authority in my industry, I found myself at the height of my professional journey, relishing a life of comfort while exploring the globe with the freedom to pursue my passions at my own pace.

In my formative years, I had little to no interaction with individuals with disabilities; they simply weren’t part of my environment, whether in school or at work. To say I was unaware of the challenges faced by disabled individuals would be an understatement. I never anticipated that I would be affected, either directly or indirectly. Honestly, it never crossed my mind, primarily because it didn’t touch my life.

However, looking back now, I truly believe that everything unfolds for a purpose. I am committed to shedding light on the unjust struggles of people with disabilities and striving to change perceptions, ultimately creating a future where everyone feels cherished, respected, and included.

The Diagnosis and Creation of MouMou & Friends

Becoming Amani’s mother marked a profound shift in my life when we received her diagnosis of Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Alongside this news, we learned that Amani was born with severe heart failure and would require open-heart surgery as soon as she was strong enough. This all unfolded during the tumultuous times of COVID, making those days some of the most challenging and isolating I have ever faced. As I navigated the dark waters of understanding Down syndrome and dealt with Amani’s heart surgery and subsequent medical interventions, I found inspiration in her incredible resilience and strength. This journey gradually filled me with confidence that Amani could conquer the obstacles ahead.

The fear of the unknown loomed large, accompanied by guilt and worries about Amani’s quality of life as she grew older. It was during this confusing time that I made the decision to leave my successful corporate career, choosing instead to cherish the time spent with Amani and the immense joy she brings to my life. It truly resonates when people say that it’s not about what you want, but rather what you need that leads to genuine happiness and a fulfilling sense of purpose.

That’s when I envisioned MouMou and Friends. I realised that the most effective way to make a positive impact on the world is by nurturing our future generations. Children absorb lessons from the behaviours they observe, so why not set them on the right path from the start?

This led me to establish WAB® – We All Belong LTD and launch MouMou and Friends, the pioneering children’s character and brand with a disability. The inspiration for my brand comes from my amazing Amani (the real MouMou) and other beloved characters like Enzo and Harvey, inspired by real friends and family pets. This vibrant new brand is dedicated to fostering representation and inclusion for ALL children. Every detail of MouMou and Friends has been thoughtfully created by me, including the theme music I composed during Amani’s first open-heart surgery.

Through my stories, children can connect with peers from diverse backgrounds and abilities while embarking on thrilling adventures around the globe! There’s something for everyone, including the adults, as we unite families through the joy of reading and learning. My goal is to disrupt the mainstream children’s industry to offer a meaningful resource and role model that transforms how children engage with education, media, and entertainment, working to eliminate the stigma surrounding disabilities and making them a natural part of everyday life. Our vision is inclusive of EVERY child, not just those with disabilities. Feedback from surveys and focus groups has shown that children of all abilities are excited about our brand!

The Future

Picture a world where every child can see themselves in the stories they encounter. This isn’t merely a fantasy, it’s the vision I’m bringing to life with MouMou and Friends. Why is this important to you? Because with 1 in 5 individuals living with a disability, embracing inclusivity is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. MouMou and Friends exists as the First Children’s Lead Character and Brand with a Disability. It’s more than just a series of children’s books, it’s a powerful movement aimed at normalising diversity and ensuring every child feels they belong. Unfortunately, this vital message often gets overlooked in children’s entertainment. That’s where I come in – bridging the gap and making a meaningful impact. We aim to transform MouMou and Friends into an animated series and create a variety of consumer products. We are a brand, not just a narrative and connect with all children.

Join us in leading the charge for a genuinely inclusive future, crafting a world where differences are celebrated, and every child feels seen and appreciated. Become part of the WAB® movement and let’s embrace the diverse beauty of individuals in every shape and form, in a world where “We All Belong.”

You can follow MouMou on socials:
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WAB® Forever! Sara

Purpl members can get a MouMou discount code and save 30% off their first order, a great discount on children’s books that will hopefully inspire your child and make them feel like they belong.