CHILDREN who dream of seeing themselves as the hero of a storybook can now do just that through Zuri Izabelle Story Studio, a Jamaican business built around personalised children’s books.

After spending the past few years building a catalogue of titles, founder Latoya Hylton formally established the business in late 2025 and is now preparing to expand through Amazon while targeting overseas markets.

HYLTON…the books focus on children’s empowerment, whether it is through problem-solving or confidence, believing in themselves. That’s what the books are focused mostly on (PHOTO: DEXTER SMITH)

For Hylton, the idea wasn’t born from a business plan. She has always enjoyed writing and often made up little stories for her daughter. One day, when one of her daughter’s friends was celebrating a birthday, her daughter suggested they write her a book instead of buying a gift.

“I said, ‘Okay,’ “ Hylton recalled with a laugh. “When her mom received it, she thought it was well written; the covers were nice. She really loved the book and was saying, ‘Why don’t you sell this?’ “

After toying with the idea to make it a business, Hylton eventually took the advice, continuing to write personalised books while gradually building a catalogue of titles before formally establishing the Zuri Izabelle Story Studio. She later launched a website that allows customers to personalise and order books online.

A selection of personalised children’s books created by Zuri Izabelle Story Studio. The self-published titles place children at the centre of the story and can be customised with names, illustrations and personal details.(PHOTO: DEXTER SMITH)

The self-published books are printed as oversized storybooks that place children at the centre of the story. Depending on the package parents choose, the books can include a child’s name throughout the story or go even further by featuring illustrations resembling the child, family members, friends and even the school they attend. Beyond entertaining children, the stories are designed to build confidence, encourage problem-solving and promote self-belief.

“The books focus on children’s empowerment, whether it is through problem-solving or confidence, believing in themselves. That’s what the books are focused mostly on,” Hylton told the Jamaica Observer in an interview.

Children enjoy one of Zuri Izabelle Story Studio’s personalised storybooks.(PHOTO: DEXTER SMITH)

One title, The Determined Unicorn, has become the studio’s bestseller among girls under the age of eight, and the reactions from young readers have been Hylton’s biggest reward.

“I’ve had children take the book everywhere they go,” she said.

One of Zuri Izabelle Story Studio’s personalised storybooks on display.

She recalled one young boy whose mother still keeps in touch because he refused to leave home without his personalised book. In his case, the family chose the premium package, which not only mentions him, his family and friends throughout the story but also features illustrations designed to resemble them. Another mother sent her a video of her daughter’s reaction.

“She was so shocked. Like, ‘How did they know this?’ “ Hylton recalled.

Young readers explore personalised storybooks from Zuri Izabelle Story Studio. The Jamaican business also offers customised journals, sketchbooks and miniature books. (PHOTO: DEXTER SMITH)

That sense of surprise, Hylton said, is what makes the books different. While parents are the primary purchasers, Hylton said many of her customers are actually aunts, uncles, godparents and other relatives who buy the books as surprise gifts. Since publishing her first title in 2022 she has steadily expanded the business beyond personalised storybooks. Today, the business also offers personalised journals, sketchbooks and miniature versions of some of its premium books. The smaller books feature simplified stories and have become popular for birthday party goodie bags, classroom celebrations and keepsakes. Prices for the personalised storybooks range from US$39.99 to US$49.99, while the smaller products provide lower-cost options for parents purchasing gifts or party favours.

While continuing to grow the business locally, Hylton is also looking overseas for growth. Later this year she plans to publish standard-size, non-personalised children’s books through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) while continuing to sell her premium personalised books directly through her website.

The strategy creates two revenue streams: a standard edition for a global audience through
Amazon, and premium customised books for parents looking for a more personal keepsake.

Drawing on her background as a financial professional and business consultant, Hylton’s first
Amazon title will teach children about entrepreneurship, saving and money management. The book is aimed at readers up to age 12. At the same time, she is in discussions with a North American fulfilment centre that would allow personalised books to be printed and shipped more efficiently to customers in the United States and Canada, reducing shipping costs that currently make overseas orders expensive.

“I want a piece of a Jamaican author to also be out there, especially in the personalised space,” she said.