We recently got inspired during a conversation with Anna Stare, founder and CEO of Stareworthy Custom Children’s Books. Read on to learn how Stareworthy started, the biggest hurdle Stare has had to overcome, and her advice for fellow creative entrepreneurs.

(Are you a local founder? We'd love to hear from you.)

What was your idea?

Stareworthy started as a gift idea for my nieces and nephews. I have a background in photography and had accumulated years of family photos that were sitting on my computer. I wanted to find a meaningful way to share those memories with them, so I created children's books using my photos, and they were a hit. At the time, it was simply meant to be a special gift, but once I saw how meaningful it could be to turn real family moments into a story a child could enjoy, I realized there was something bigger there. That idea eventually became Stareworthy.

How has it evolved?

At first, it grew entirely through word of mouth during the pandemic. I was creating every book manually, and my husband was actually the one who suggested it could become a business. That's when we started building the brand, including the name Stareworthy, which comes from my last name. As demand grew, we wanted to make the books available to more families. That led me to create a line of pre-written stories and eventually develop our book-builder software, allowing families to create personalized books using their own photos. We started locally in Charleston, but the addition of accessible technology enabled us to grow to a broader audience.

What’s been your biggest hurdle?

Building awareness has been the biggest challenge. The personalized gift market is competitive, and it takes time for people to discover your brand and understand what makes it different. Personally, patience has probably been the hardest part. It's easy to second-guess yourself when growth doesn't happen as quickly as you'd like, and I've learned how much it helps to stay focused on your purpose and remember why you started in the first place. If you really believe in what you're building, consistency and persistence pay off.

What are you looking forward to?

I'm really excited about several new book formats we're introducing. One is a line of memory albums that focus on photos and optional captions rather than a full story. They're designed specifically for young children, with durable pages and a wipeable coating that holds up to everyday use. We're also expanding our StoryScribe™ collection, which allows families to add photos and details page by page to create highly customized books. "Meet Your Family" is our newest release, which introduces a new baby to their family members in adorable rhyming detail. We’re also bringing additional options to families who want to tell their own unique stories this summer.

What advice do you have for future founders?

Don't lose sight of the meaning behind your idea. It's easy to focus on what might be successful the fastest, but I think the strongest businesses are built around something you genuinely care about. I'm proud that Stareworthy began with a desire to preserve memories and help children connect with the people and experiences that shape their lives. That purpose has helped me stay motivated through the challenges of building a business. My best advice is to remember your why and be willing to stick with it. Meaningful things often take time to grow.

Bonus question: Are there any Charleston-based businesses or creators you think more people should know about?

Charlotte Berger, the founder of CBPR, is an inspiring leader in Charleston. She has steadily grown her business and client list to include some of Charleston’s most-beloved institutions, and has somehow done it all with two children under four years old. If that’s not an inspiration, I don’t know what is.