By: Jessica Monroe

Kathryn Starke never planned to become a CEO. In fact, when she wrote her first children’s book, Amy’s Travels, in 2005, she was a full-time second-grade teacher just trying to solve a problem in her classroom: how to teach her students about all seven continents using a single story.

She couldn’t find one—so she created her own.

Two decades later, that spark has grown into Creative Minds Publications, a thriving independent publishing company with global reach, award-winning titles, and a deeply rooted mission: to teach the world to read.

As Starke celebrates 20 years in business, she reflects on the journey from educator to entrepreneur—and the strategic, creative, and purpose-driven decisions that built a company changing the face of literacy, one book at a time.

Solving a Classroom Problem Sparked a Global Business

“I never imagined I’d be an author, let alone a publisher,” Starke says.

She launched Creative Minds Publications in 2005 to self-publish Amy’s Travels, based on her friend Amy’s real-life experiences living on five of the seven continents. The story instantly resonated with teachers and students and has since been adopted in schools across 26 countries, turned into a ballet, and recognized by the California Department of Education.

“No matter where you live, you learn about the seven continents,” she explains. “I knew this could be a story with global impact.”

From Passion Project to Purpose-Driven Company

What started as a one-book venture quickly evolved into a full-fledged publishing business. Starke’s background in literacy education and instructional leadership gave her the tools to scale with intention.

“I used what I knew—how to plan strategically, work within timelines, and stay organized—to create a business that supports both creative storytelling and measurable outcomes,” she says.

Creative Minds Publications now publishes dozens of titles focused on education, diversity, cultural awareness, and inspiration. Its catalog includes children’s books, teacher guides, and a growing imprint of Christian titles—responding to a strong demand from readers.

“We’re a publishing house that curates books with purpose,” Starke says. “We select stories that educate, inspire, and stay with you long after you turn the last page.”

Strategic Marketing with a Human Voice

One important lesson Starke learned on her entrepreneurial journey came in the early days—when she hesitated to market herself.

“I wasn’t comfortable posting about myself or sharing my wins. But I’ve learned no one else is going to tell your story for you.”

Today, she manages a growing social media presence on LinkedIn and Instagram, utilizing digital storytelling as a strategic tool to amplify both her brand and the work of her authors.

“Your visibility is a business asset,” she says. “When it’s done authentically, marketing isn’t about bragging—it’s about impact.”

Bridging Education and Entertainment: Tackle Reading

In 2016, Starke launched one of her successful initiatives to date: Tackle Reading, a nationwide literacy campaign that merges two unlikely allies—books and football.

Each March, coinciding with Read Across America Week, NFL players, legends, and Hall of Famers visit schools to read to students and promote reading culture. The program, now entering its 10th year in 2026, has evolved into a movement, supported by partners such as Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books.

“It’s been an incredible way to reach students who might not otherwise feel connected to books,” Starke says. “And it proves that literacy can—and should—be celebrated across every interest group.”

Leading with Intention—and Results

Starke isn’t just a publisher—she’s also the author of six books herself, including A Touchdown in Reading: An Educator’s Guide to Literacy Instruction, which has helped over 200 schools improve literacy outcomes and was voted one of the “best books to teach kids to read.”

In 2025, she was invited to speak at the World Literacy Summit at Oxford University, cementing her position as a global thought leader in literacy and education entrepreneurship.

“That moment reminded me how far we’ve come from that one second-grade classroom,” she says.

Celebrating 20 Years—and Planning for the Next 20

To commemorate the company’s 20th anniversary, Creative Minds Publications is publishing 20 new titles in 2025 and is currently accepting submissions from debut authors—no agent required.

“We’re always looking for talented writers and illustrators who are mission-aligned,” Starke says. “We love helping first-time authors bring their stories to life.”

Looking ahead, Starke plans to expand beyond publishing, partnering with producers and creatives in the entertainment industry to turn her catalog into animated series and family-friendly films.

“We’re building intellectual property that educates, entertains, and endures,” she says. “Books are just the beginning.”

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

After 20 years of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, Starke offers this advice to aspiring business owners—especially educators stepping into the CEO role for the first time:

“Don’t wait to be chosen. Choose yourself. Start with one story, one solution, one goal—and let it grow from there.”

“And share your story,” she adds. “You never know who’s listening or how your work might change someone’s life.”

Find out more about her books, mission, and educational initiatives by visiting her official website: Creative Minds Publications.