Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryson Reaume.
Bryson is a Los Angeles entrepreneur and president of City Constructors Inc. A former Army medic turned construction company owner, Bryson and his company have been an integral part of the revitalization and rebuilding of the historic downtown core.
Lauren McCutcheon has a background in museum art collection management and philanthropic business. She also has a master’s degree in medieval history from the University of Edinburgh.
Bryson’s Books began as the brainchild of Bryson Reaume after the birth of his first child in 2012. He wanted to find a way to help children in need, to make a real impact on their lives. After many nights of reading bedtime stories to his two kids, Bryson began to think up his own stories. Teaming up with Lauren McCutcheon, the company’s “jack of all trades”, Bryson’s Books officially launched in late 2016. From there, Bryson’s Books has grown from a small creative outlet into a full-fledged publishing business that has produced six picture books to date with two more in the works for 2018.
The company has become a passion project for both Bryson and Lauren and a way to share their love of books and encourage a spirit of philanthropy with their own children.
The company’s 25% profit give-back model is a truly unique in the industry; it is designed to increase its charitable impact as the company grows. Donating directly to organizations “on the ground”, Bryson’s Books tries to maximize its donations so that funds are going to charities that are organized and effectual. This allows Bryson’s Books the opportunity to forge relationships with the hard-working people who run these charities and dedicate specific books and their profits to specific charities. The newest book, The Day I Went To Space, is dedicated to children living in poverty. Its profits have been pledged to the Los Angeles-based charity Shelter Partnership which works with a network of homeless shelters to direct donations to where they are needed the most.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with any business, there have been ups and downs. Since neither of us has a background in writing or publishing there has been a sharp learning curve (we’re talking hairpin turns here!).
As we find our voice and our audience, we are always looking for retailers that appreciate our product and mission. You want to find the kind of stores and owners that really “get” what our books are about and have a personal connection with their customers to share what makes our books so special.
One thing that has been eye-opening is just how many times we have to read each story before it is ready for publication. By the end of each run, we can usually recite the books by heart!
Overall, all of the challenges have led to our improvement. Not being tied to existing publishing models or ideas of how to do things has allowed us to get creative, go with the flow and adapt to any wrench that gets thrown into our plans.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bryson’s Books story. Tell us more about the business.
Bryson’s Books is an independent publisher that makes children’s picture books and art prints. What sets the company apart from all others is our profit give-back: 25% of all profits are donated to charities that help children and families with literacy education and poverty alleviation.
The books all have positive but not preachy messages to encourage kindness, creativity and fun! Each book contains a dedication to those in need and inspires readers to learn more about ways to give back. Our books are vibrant, charming, kid-tested and made to educate and inspire without sacrificing fun!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Most people will tell you that good luck (or good timing) is an important facet of any business (alongside hard work, of course!) One stroke of good luck we have had is coming together at exactly the right time. We had previously met while working on a different project and it just so happened that we reconnected right when Bryson was looking to start the company. Definitely a case of the right people meeting at the right place and right time!
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
This past September we participated in the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Starry Night 5K at Griffith Park. We were honored to help raise funds for this amazing organization that supports the children and the families affected by this most deadly form of pediatric cancer. As a company, it is important to us to do more than write a check, we want our give-back mission to be at the very core of who we are and what we make. It was a family event for us; our spouses and young kids we walking along with us. We want to be examples of compassion-in-action for our kids.
It was emotional to work for and with families personally affected by brain tumors but it was so rewarding to see the very children we were working to help and inspire. It’s the kind of thing that can make you want to cry but it reminds you why we created Bryson’s Books- helping people is what it’s all about!
Pricing:
- Our hardcover picture books range from $16.99 to $18.99 and our art prints start at $10.
- Hardcover picture books – $16.99 – $18.99
- Art prints – Start at $10.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 3125 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90031
- Website: https://brysonsbooks.com/
- Phone: 213-806-9000
- Email: lauren@brysonsbooks.com
Image Credit:
Images of Bryson, Lauren and kids, by Monica Haulena. Product images by Lauren McCutcheon
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