Meet Unique Landrum | Mother, Children’s Author & Investor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Unique Landrum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Unique, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My books, “Sweet Little Angel Eyes” and “Heartbeat”, articulate the parent-child bond, but also communicate the hope and prayer that so many parents have for their kids – that they will choose a path that is fulfilling and productive, and that they feel the support of their family throughout their journey. As a mother, I have a deep love and connection with each of my children. While it is my responsibility to guide them and teach them how to make good decisions, there are so many external factors that will influence their development as well. I hope that my message resonates with parents and influences them to fiercely love, support, teach, and pray for their children. For children, I hope that my books inspire them to reach for their goals, to try new things, to seek their purpose and walk in it all while knowing they have a loving support system.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Life is Luving is all about intentionally loving and celebrating all the successes, hardships, little things that come along with womanhood, motherhood, relationships, and friendship. I chose to share my story through various channels and mediums: including my books, social media, website blogs, and live engagements – to encourage others who may be on similar journeys and to inspire the next generation. During my 15yr career in the field of education, I was already doing these things on the side, but the life shifts that came with becoming a parent of 2 gave me the opportunity to pursue this mission full time.

What’s unique about my books is that they are love letters to my children that I get to share with the world. Every detail of the books from the words and illustrations to the script font is intentional in making them intimate letters from me to my children with messages that other parents likely feel or can adopt as their own. I have succeeded if my children see themselves in these books, if they feel love and support from my husband and me, and if just one other child and/or one other parent benefits from the message.

As a parent, through my creative entrepreneurial journey, I am showing by example that my kids can be who they want to be and try anything they want to try. I am showing them there is always a space for their creativity. Also, they do not have to conform to the traditional ways of earning an income – unless that is what they want to do. I am teaching them to take calculated risks. I am doing this while leaving a legacy that I hope they are proud of – each of my books is dedicated to one of my children.

This journey has its challenges. Work-life balance is a major one. After having our second child, I decided to leave the traditional education workforce to care for my children at home while continuing to invest in real estate and while launching my creative journey into writing children’s books. As an entrepreneur, I have been able to create my own schedule to an extent; but in contrast to a typical school schedule work day, caring for little ones is 24/7! Balancing it all takes planning and partnership at home, but it is rewarding to be able to spend so much time with family, be present for so many milestones, work while traveling, and show our kids that there are options beyond the typical 9-5.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Georgia Aquarium, Coca Cola Museum and Atlanta Botanical Gardens are must see attractions. We’d head over to Chef Rob’s in Sandy Springs for amazing Jamaican Food and Snooks Grill and Cocktails in John’s Creek for delicious southern food. For a laid back vibe, we would visit farmers market(s) on a Saturday morning and markets can be found all over the city. Farmer’s Markets are one of my favorite ways to support local small business owners, especially indie authors. I believe you cannot visit Ga without visiting a farm for fresh peaches if it’s summer or a pumpkin patch if it’s fall. One of my family’s favorite farms is Scottsdale Farms in Milton, Ga.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The most important person I’d like to dedicate this shout out to is my partner in life, love, parenting and business- my amazing husband Darius! In addition, I’d like to shout out my two little loves and biggest inspirations: Nia and Asa. Mommy loves you so much! I’d like to thank my parents, brothers and sisters, extended family and friends for always supporting and encouraging me. I also want to thank my early educators who helped foster my love for reading and writing. A special thank you to a talented young illustrator, DeAnthony Robinson, for helping bring my children’s books to life. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Website: https://www.lifeisluving.com

Instagram: @life_is_luving

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uniquelandrum

Other: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/46685529.Unique_Landrum