SUMMER NILSSON: My grandfather, Bo, was the patriarch of our family. His word was his bond. A handshake superseded a signed agreement. He was wise and well-known as a visionary leader. However, in our family, my grandmother, Gwendolyn, was the unsung hero. She was a woman of faith and filled food baskets for families in need. She was as devoted to her community as she was to her home. And, like all southern women of that time, she never missed a standing appointment to get her “hair set” at the beauty salon. She was beloved by all, except on Saturdays.

On Saturdays, Gwendolyn hosted bridge (a card game), while serving finger sandwiches and freshly baked desserts. The sweet smell of pound cake misled many. Game days were not for the faint of heart.

When researching words for naming inspiration, I came across an old card game called Loo. My mother’s name is also Lou. Loo provided the perfect metaphor to honor the two women who shaped my life the most, my mother and grandmother.

SUMMER NILSSON: Like many, I believed that climbing a career ladder would provide fulfillment. I lost sight of the fact that happiness comes from within. I took time to reframe my definition of success. I then set out to share my story and instill that same inner strength in my nieces. My intention was to make sure they stayed true to themselves and felt empowered to succeed on their own terms. I uncovered an opportunity to create content on their terms. The Land of the Pines and The Land of the Strays are books for all ages, designed to capture a tween reader's creativity while fueling their growth. The stories are transformative and written to act as a guidepost for the next generation of mindful leaders.

SUMMER NILSSON: The honest answer is that I’m more of an animal person than a people person. That said, it’s easier to engage kids with complex topics when the stories are told by animals. Additionally, the US pet industry reached $123.6 billion in sales in 2021. Consumers of all ages respond to pet and animal stories, and this provides an organic opportunity to cross market and develop co-branded collaborations.

SUMMER NILSSON: My hometown, Daingerfield, has a population of 2,600 and three traffic lights. I often joke that there are no secrets in a small town. Stories seem to get better with time, and small towns are rooted in gifted storytellers. I learned the art of a good tale in East Texas. I also developed an appreciation for basic kindness and simple pleasures. A smile goes a long way, as does a cup of Sonic ice and a gentle breeze on a balmy, summer night.