Barclays Black Founder Accelerator 2022 member
Mixd Reality

Mixd Reality are the UK’s 1st Interactive Picture Books, bringing the world of tech education to life using the power of Augmented Reality technology (AR).
Our mission is to make education extraordinary, interactive and inclusive. Where all children regardless of their ethnicity, background or ability feel visible, inspired and supported through immersive learning.
Why did you join the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator?
Because I want to learn, connect and grow my business and I want to do that with the support of people who are believe in equality, diversity and inclusion. As a founder of a tech start up I believe that if we want technology to work for everyone, it needs to be built by everyone. As a start-up it can be a very daunting and isolating space where you are full of ideas but maybe lack direction, business acumen, strategy etc - this is certainly the case for me. Being on this program will give me the opportunity to have access to expert led business strategy masterclasses, mentoring, coaching and so much more.
Why did you want to start your business?
I am a Black mother to three boys of mixed heritage. In 2017 my eldest son Walter was diagnosed with Autsim Spectrum Disorder and he was non-verbal. As parents we struggled to find books where children like Walter could see themselves represented in books. The saying goes "create the things you wish existed" so I created a picture book series that champions diversity, Inclusiveness, acceptance, kindness - and uses AR technology to bring the stories to life. By combining concepts of the real and virtual worlds, AR supports intuitive, immersive, fun and interesting learning experiences, especially for children with additional needs.
What would be your desired outcome from this programme?
To be able to confidently pitch my business to potential investors. Create a clear marketing plan, a ready to go sales strategy, connect and build relationships with other founders, industry leaders and experts.
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
Chris Kenna - (Brand Advance) inspires me greatly. He literally stands for everything I do and shouts loud about diversity, equality, inclusion and representation. What he has achieved in such a short amount of time is incredible and he and his company are really make waves and pioneering for change. Also, I am so inspired about his story, hos difficult upbringing and how he started his business through personal experiences (being fed up of not seeing him or his children represented in media). I love people who are passionate about their 'why' and I'm also a great believer that if you're not helping to make it right, then you can't sit back complaining about it being wrong.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
When I wrote my first children's book "Buster Finds His Beat" and submitted it to publisher's I was told that my books (about a mixed race autistic boy) was "too niche" and "there wasn't a market for it". So instead I worked extra jobs in order for me to self publish my book. 6 months later I submitted the story for a competition and won the Faber Children's Publisher's prize award, my book was featured in the Independent's '10 best children's books that celebrate diversity' and has been recently read online by hollywood actor Will Poulter. This book was also our proof of concept for turning it into an AR book.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is marketing and brand identity. It's been difficult to get our brand out there and understood. AR has been around in the gaming industry for years but it is pretty new in the book industry. So we really need help getting our name out there and highlighting the huge benefits of our books and AR services. Also finding investment and funding has been incredibly difficult. Everything to date has been self funded.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
My dad, podcasts, business forums, LinkedIn,business groups I am part of such as Great British Entrepreneur Awards etc all of these have helped with making new connections, business advice and also getting that emotional support which is really important when running a business. I was told about the Black Accelerator program through a new contact I made via LinkedIn!
What drives you to make your business a success?
My children 100% and all the other children who are currently being failed by the education system due to not receiving the support and resources they need to thrive. The proportion of children’s books featuring a minority ethnic character has almost quadrupled in the last four years, but we are not yet at the point where children of colour and differently- abled children have the same experience of literature as their white, neurotypical peers. According to the Literacy Trust, there are few things as powerful as regularly reading to young children. But what about children who can’t read, have speech and language delays, have learning disabilities, who are non-verbal, etc.? Surely, we should be creating books that also cater for their needs too. We strongly believe in representing and catering to all children. This is why we are the first, and currently the only, UK business to use Augmented Reality (AR) technology to champion diversity and inclusivity in books, something we are incredibly proud of.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
Make sure that your 'WHY' is super strong because purpose is (in my opinion) the ultimate differentiator in business. Our story and our mission has created such a deep connect with our customers. I believe that people don't buy what you do or how you neccessarily do it, they buy why you do it.