How a Mother and Son Became Co-CEOs and Turned Their Love for Travel Into a Thriving Media Brand

Deborah Haile & Jonah Seyum Are Redefining Storytelling, Family Entrepreneurship, and Global Education

For many, writing a book is a lifelong goal. For 11-year-old Jonah Seyum, the youngest Eritrean author in history, it’s just the beginning. Alongside his mother, bestselling author and entrepreneur Deborah Haile, Jonah has turned real-life experiences into six books, a thriving publishing brand, and a growing media platform—all before finishing middle school.

Together, they have transformed their adventures into Tiny Global Footprints, a company that blends publishing, podcasting, and media storytelling to help families see the world as a classroom. What started as a mother wanting to expose her son to global experiences has become a business that inspires children, parents, and young entrepreneurs to embrace storytelling and cultural exploration.

Deborah and Jonah’s unique journey as co-authors, co-CEOs, and business partners has made them stand out in publishing and the larger conversation about family entrepreneurship, global education, and representation in children’s literature. Their story is about creativity, innovation, and an unbreakable bond built through adventure.

From Travel Memories to a Book Series

Deborah has always believed in the power of experience-based learning. She began traveling internationally with Jonah when he was just 17 months old, and by the time he was seven, he had already visited 10 countries. Their shared experiences—from exploring new cultures to navigating unexpected challenges—became stories they wanted to share with others.

Rather than keeping these memories to themselves, they transformed them into books that introduce young readers to new places, traditions, and languages. Together, they have co-authored three travel-inspired books:

1. The Search for Elephants in Thailand: Jonah embarks on an adventure through Thailand, eager to see elephants, but faces unexpected obstacles.
2. Finding My Amigo in Cuba – A heartwarming tale of friendship as Jonah travels to Cuba, hoping to reunite with his best friend while navigating the excitement of a new country.
3. Filling My Pockets with Nakfa in Eritrea – A story that brings Jonah to his family’s homeland, where he learns about Eritrean culture, currency, and traditions.

These books go beyond storytelling—they create a bridge for children to explore cultures and places they may never have visited.

Jonah’s Solo Writing Journey

As Jonah grew, so did his confidence as a writer. While he loved writing with his mom, he also had stories to tell—ones that reflected his everyday experiences as a kid. Over time, he branched out and wrote three solo books, proving that storytelling isn’t just about faraway places but also about the moments that shape childhood.

1. Basketball or Soccer? – A relatable debate between two of the world’s most popular sports and the challenge of choosing a favorite.
2. What Does Daddy Do All Day? – A humorous and imaginative take on the mystery of what parents do while their kids are at school.
3. The Torture of Chores – A hilarious look at every kid’s least favorite responsibility—chores!

With these books, Jonah has shown that young writers don’t need to wait until adulthood to share their voices with the world. His ability to balance school, content creation, sports, martial arts, and writing while managing a growing brand has positioned him as a role model for other young entrepreneurs and creatives.

Building a Business and Expanding Their Reach

Beyond their books, Deborah and Jonah have built Tiny Global Footprints into a multi-faceted brand that spans publishing, media, and education. Their podcast, Global Footprints Stories, gives families an inside look into their experiences. It provides valuable insights into traveling with kids, balancing entrepreneurship and parenting, and the behind-the-scenes process of publishing books.

Their work has also attracted attention from major media outlets, including NBC, ABC, Buzzfeed, and top business and literary publications. As their brand continues to grow, they are focused on expanding their reach through speaking engagements, partnerships, and new creative projects.

For Deborah, building a business with Jonah is more than just a career—it’s a legacy. Through Tiny Global Footprints, she shows parents how to introduce their children to the world and demonstrates that entrepreneurship can be a family affair. By co-running a business with her son, she proves that kids can be leaders, storytellers, and business owners from a young age.

What’s Next for Deborah & Jonah?

With a growing audience, international recognition, and an unstoppable drive, Deborah and Jonah are just getting started. Their next steps include:

1. Publishing more books that expand their travel series and explore new themes.
2. Growing their podcast audience to reach more families, educators, and aspiring young authors.
3. Speaking at conferences and schools to share their journey and encourage kids to dream big.

Their story shows the power of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and son. As they continue to expand their reach and influence, one thing is sure—this is just the beginning.