About The Author

 

Hello! I'm Amina Ismail. 

I'm a 29-year-old author on a mission to inspire young minds. My adventure began in 2020 when I created Niah: Mermaid in Training as a fun colouring book. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, captivated by the ocean's wonders. Fast forward twenty years and two degrees in environmental sustainability, I found myself navigating the challenges of job hunting during the peak of COVID-19. It felt like my lifelong dream was slipping away (excuse the dramatised expression).

In those tough times, I opened my heart to new paths and discovered a talent for coding and tech. Surprisingly, I landed a job in the tech world within a year!

I’m truly passionate about blending tech with sustainability and creativity. Inspired by the popularity of mood-boosting colouring books, I decided to create my own, focusing on the ocean—my favourite place! Sharing it with friends sparked their excitement, and soon I was inspired to turn it into a children’s picture book.

I wanted Niah’s story to be educational, interactive, and, most importantly, FUN! After sharing my ideas on social media and receiving an amazing response, I plunged into publishing. I caught the eye of two major publishing houses, but when they wanted to change Niah and her world, I knew I had to protect my vision. After a challenging legal battle, I decided to go solo.

Now, I’m thrilled to introduce Niah: Mermaid in Training! The production cost is higher than what I sell it for, but that’s perfectly fine—I want to show young readers that they are represented and that there’s a world beyond traditional paths. We can dream big, embrace who we are, and make a difference for ourselves and our planet.

Join Niah on her enchanting journey, and let’s inspire the next generation to dive into their dreams together!