School
A Kids Class About Launches Online Classes For Kids
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Photography by Photographed by Kara Brodgesell
Oct 29, 2021
Ever met “big” kids so bright, polite, and pleasant to be around that you automatically want to know all their mother’s secrets? This is precisely how we feel every time we get to spend time with 12-year-old twins Phoenix and Mingus and their super-mom, Charmin Roundtree-Baaqee. This month we paid a special visit to the sweet trio to talk about a topic close to Charmin’s heart—teaching kids about entrepreneurship.
As a full-time engineer and the owner of her own art consultancy (Art Is Luv), creativity and business ownership is something Charmin has incorporated into her parenting from Day 1. It also made her family the perfect fit to try out A Kids Company About’s brand-new venture, A Kids Class About—a series of streamable classes on compelling topics (Being A Musician, Embracing Courage, Living With Authenticity, and more), tailor-made for 10- to 15-year-olds.
One of our favorite classes is A Kids Class About Entrepreneurship, hosted by mother of two Paige Hendrix Buckner, the COO of Founder Gym. Why is entrepreneurship so important to expose kids to early on? As Paige explains it: “Entrepreneurship teaches a variety of skills that apply to all aspects of life. As kids bring their business ideas to life, they learn how to think critically, test their assumptions, build and iterate on their products or services, empathize with their customers, and collaborate with other people to run a successful company. It’s definitely an educational opportunity that builds resilience.”
Check out our interview with Charmin—and some thoughts from Paige, Phoenix, and Mingus—in our slideshow below! Plus, find out how using the code MOTHERMAG will score you 2 months of FREE classes at A Kids Class About!
(Pssst: If the trio look familiar, they invited us over for a home tour two years ago: peep it here!).
This post is brought to you by Mother + A Kids Company About.
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Phoenix (left) and Mingus (right) curl up with A Kids Company About book and online class, respectively, in their Oakland living room.
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month, A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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A close-up of Paige Hendrix Buckner hosting the excellent A Kids Class About Entrepreneurship, which is made up of 12 mini-lessons that are 1-2 minutes each. Paige says her first entrepreneurial role model was her own mother.
"My mom sewed cheerleading uniforms for local programs in our hometown. She developed a whole process from start to finish and made hundreds of uniforms while also raising five children," she recalls. "I didn’t know that she was an entrepreneur at the time, but I can see how watching her as a kid has influenced me today. I never second-guessed that I could be an entrepreneur and a mom because I saw her do it."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"I was born and raised in Oakland, with three siblings–an older brother and sister, and a younger brother. My parents were married almost 40 years, before my dad's passing in 2012. My early childhood years were spent in a community located not far from where I now live."
"My dad worked as a truck driver and retired after over 35 years working for the same company. My mom worked mostly from home until I was about 12 and then went on to work in education until she retired. My grandparents and aunt and uncles also maintained long-standing jobs in various fields, including education, banking, the postal service, etc."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"I don't recall having a business owner in my family, with the exception of a great uncle who was in real estate and the occasional distant relative who had stints as a Tupperware or Avon rep. The general sentiment in my family was to find a good job with a good pension and stay there until you retire. And that was my end goal when I went off to college."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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Cheek-to-cheek love, from birth til forever.
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"One of the most fulfilling parts of my job as a civil engineer is working on projects that are community centered and allow me to think more creatively. About 13 years ago, I was asked to join the art committee of my full-time employer. In this role, I worked with my colleagues to curate rotating exhibitions in the public art gallery space."
"As both a facilitator and a participant, I quickly learned how public art could become a connector of communities and create opportunities to welcome individuals into spaces and conversations they would normally not feel comfortable entering. In this scenario, I witnessed visitors engaging with arts and culture and also learning about how their drinking water made its way through the distribution system and into their homes."
"The idea of starting my own business was formed the day I said out loud that I wanted to create this opportunity in other spaces and with a diverse group of local partners and participants."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"Art Is Luv is all about its namesake. We work with artists, nonprofit organizations, private entities, and collectors to create spaces, programming, and educational opportunities that celebrate community and collaboration all for the love of art and the artists who create it. It was born out of a genuine desire to help a broader range of communities experience art in a more inclusive and interdisciplinary way."
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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Phoenix with a persuasive speech she recently presented in class about the importance of teaching entrepreneurship to youth in schools.
"I was inspired by my mother. She told me about her lack of entrepreneurial examples within her own family and community as a child," she explains. "My mom said that starting a business took a leap of courage and the learning curve was steeper because she had not witnessed business ownership on a personal level prior to the inception of her own company."
"However, she did note that leadership roles as a student council member, committee chair, and even her work as an employee helped to also prepare her to run her own business."
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"One of the most satisfying things about starting my own business is not only witnessing but also facilitating its growth. In the early days, I remember anxiously awaiting an email inquiry or evidence of a webpage view, seriously just hoping that someone knew that Art Is Luv existed. Thankfully, the word is finally out."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"One of the biggest rewards of juggling both a full-time job and a business is that I am constantly inspired to think more creatively about solving problems. Working in the arts has helped me to become a better engineer. And conversely, being an engineer has enabled me to think more creatively about the various ways in which public art projects can be realized."
"What's challenging about managing a full-time job and business is that it is difficult for me to truly shut down. I work a lot at night and on the weekends. It can also be difficult to separate my personal life from my work life because I love what I do."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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From the dining room table to the treehouse—kids can watch A Kids Class About classes anywhere there's a Wi-Fi connection.
The courses can also be watched on various devices, from laptops and tablets to phones and TVs.
A Kids Class About is available via the Apple App Store, Apple TV, the Google Play Store, and Roku.
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"Mingus is one of the smartest kids I know. He is, without a doubt, a scientist and a budding animal rights activist. Like his sister, he is also an avid reader. He seeks information of all types constantly. Mingus knows a lot about a lot of things. He is always curious and asks questions constantly. I have been pleasantly surprised at how much interest he has taken in my work as a consultant. He asks specific questions about projects and listens in on meetings, especially during the days when he and his sister were still distance learning. I can tell that he's taking it all in. Mingus is an artist and likes to draw, mostly animals. Besides his sister, his two red-eared slider turtles are his forever homies. Mingus is also an anime enthusiast and has watched Demon Slayer multiple times."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"Phoenix is a born leader. I always tease that she entered the world at age 35. I'm still trying to keep up. At this stage in her adolescence, Phoenix is learning about as many things as possible. She is a worldly person who loves to stay well informed and prepared. She is intrigued by opportunities that allow her to steer this ship, including leadership roles at school and testing out entrepreneurial experiences. Phoenix is an avid reader and her latest vice is dystopian fiction. She is an artist at heart and loves to draw and paint. She has a growing fondness for math and science, which makes me especially happy. Most of all, Phoenix loves to spend time with Mingus. She always says, 'We are a package deal.'"
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"Mingus was especially drawn to the A Kids Class About programs related to mental health. In his school and at home, there are lots of conversations around neurodiversity, social emotional well-being, and mindfulness. He told me that what he loved most about these conversations and the A Kids Book About series is that they offer strategies on how to cope with big feelings like sadness. He noted that although it may sometimes feel easier in the moment to mask your emotions, you will quickly realize that it's better to share and let others know when you need help."
"One of his biggest takeaways from the series was that your brain is part of your body, just like your leg or any other part of your anatomy. As such, if you can tell someone that your leg hurts without feeling shame, you should also be able to tell someone that your mental health needs attention."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"Phoenix really enjoyed A Kids Class About Entrepreneurship. What's really interesting is that what resonated with Phoenix most was the host's mention of her being an avid gardener. She said that gardening helped her to cope with the stress of being an entrepreneur."
"This subtle acknowledgement reminded Phoenix that work-life balance and having mental health outlets were two very important aspects of being a business owner. She realized that she had not thought to discuss this important detail in her recent persuasive speech on the importance of teaching about entrepreneurship in schools."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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Alongside gardening, A Kids Class About Entrepreneurship host Paige Hendrix Buckner tells us her other self-care outlets include "massages, acupuncture, pedicures, manicures, and saunas. It forces me to disconnect from work and social media, which gives me time and space to let my mind wander."
"I also love reading science fiction and listening to comedy and true crime podcasts," says Paige. "As I recover from my second pregnancy, I’m getting back into running outdoors, which helps alleviate stress."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"I am really enjoying the content of the classes offered by A Kids Class About. One of the things that I appreciate most about the classes is the creator's use of other media to help create context. It's not that I think that the speakers alone are not engaging enough, but I think the movie clips and illustrations complement the content and offer viewers another way to process the information."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"I am certain that my family would enjoy A Kids Class About offerings on a regular basis. There are so many additional topics that could be covered as part of the series. I personally would love to see more videos on saving and investing. I believe that there is a huge knowledge gap in communities of color with regards to how to build and sustain generational wealth. More resources that help eliminate this gap is beneficial for everyone."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"One of my favorite A Kids Class About videos featured Atlanta-based artist George F. Baker III on embracing courage. I watched his series with the twins and could relate to so much of what he shared, especially his perspectives on 'mountains to molehills' and how those really scary 'first' climbs are often what you need to experience and overcome to open the door to all of the amazing opportunities that lie just ahead."
"I also appreciated that he encouraged the idea of baby steps and starting in the shallow end as an entry point to a big idea or adventure. The notion that even small steps are courageous acts is one that I think so many individuals would benefit from understanding. As a growing entrepreneur, I find that courage, along with passion, resiliency and faith, is what truly sustains me in the moments that I feel alone or doubtful."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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Mingus digs into A Kids Class About Mental Health, taught by award-winning mental health speaker and trainer Ross Szabo.
The class teaches kids how to differentiate between typical emotions and mental illnesses, useful ways to handle emotions, and strategies for developing good habits for one's mind.
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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The twins' picks from the A Kids Book About series include A Kids Book About Empathy, A Kids Book About Immigration, A Kids Book About Anxiety, and A Kids Book About Voting, all written by a diverse cast of thought-leaders.
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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"As a person of color, I think representation in educational programming is essential for not only people who look like me but for everyone who finds value in seeing the world through diverse perspectives. We all benefit from unique voices and it's important to normalize diversity within all communities of subject-matter experts."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
Score 2 months of classes for FREE using the code MOTHERMAG.
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"Because I want them to see what agency looks like. I want them to know that they can enjoy what they do, contribute to the greater good, AND be their own boss. Generational wealth is more attainable when we are in position to provide access and opportunities for others."
A Kids Class About, $9.99 per month (plus a 14-day free trial), A Kids Class About.
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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Phoenix and Mingus enjoy some new titles from A Kids Book About in their backyard.
While most of these books are best-suited for elementary years through the early teens, the company also recently rolled out a series of topical board books for babies and toddlers.
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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"I talk to my kids about entrepreneurship often. But I also talk to them about the importance of working for someone else. It's much harder to be a successful business owner when you have no insight on the organizational or operational needs of a company."
"I foster an entrepreneurial mindset in my children when they see me working. I invite them into spaces where they see my work and meet the people I work alongside. I also share with them my successes and growth areas."
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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"Honestly, I admire anyone who is brave enough to start and maintain their own business. Entrepreneurship is certainly a commitment. It is not for everyone, but for those who decide to take on the challenge and to lift up other budding business owners along the way, I salute and celebrate you."
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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We posed the same question to the twins with heart-warming results.
"There are so many inspiring entrepreneurs to look up to and many of them are often younger than us. However, we have to say that our mom inspires us the most," they said. "We have the benefit of watching her run a business, work a full-time job, manage a household, and still make time for everything fun in between."
"We have also witnessed her growth and her resilience during challenges and most recently a pandemic. We aspire to be a strong, community-focused, and innovative creator like her one day."
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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Of course, the overlap of entrepreneurship and motherhood is a difficult, but rewarding journey. Something A Kids Class About host Paige Hendrix Buckner knows too well.
"Becoming a mother while running a business taught me how to prioritize what is really important to me," says Paige. "Before having children, I would work endless hours and was not judicious with my time. I would say yes to everyone and everything. After having our first child, it became abundantly clear that I had built an unsustainable and unhealthy lifestyle."
"Additionally, I had less time because I wanted to spend more time with my husband and son. To align my time with my priorities, I changed my career, added more time for self-care, and made time for family and friends. Then, I started applying a similar prioritization process to my role as an entrepreneur."
"It was a huge change for me and not always easy, but it was a powerful experience that has helped me be a better mom and entrepreneur. I’m more productive than I’ve ever been and I love what I do. In fact, as I write these responses, I’m breastfeeding my infant daughter!"
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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Bold graphics and engaging text are the hallmarks of the A Kids Book About series as well as the A Kids Class About videos!
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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Mingus with an important read for all ages: A Kids Book About Empathy.
The book was written by Daron K. Roberts, a father of five and a "recovering" NFL Coach, practicing leadership professor, and hopeful triathlete.
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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Phoenix flips through a new favorite: A Kids Book About Immigration.
"She felt that it broadened her understanding of how arduous of a journey immigrating to another country can be for so many families," says Charmin. "This book covered so many facets of what immigrants face when trying to find a new home abroad, including fear of persecution from an individual's origin country, travel expenses, facing xenophobia, and the lengthy process of gaining citizenship."
A Kids Book About, $19.95 each, A Kids Book About.
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To watch these topics come to life, check out the A Kids Class About series for $9.99 a month—starting with 2 months for free with the code MOTHERMAG!
Plus, we'll leave you with a last bit of advice from Paige Hendrix Buckner to young entrepreneurs:
"Just get started! Try to sell your first product or build the first version of your website. The first iteration of your business won’t be perfect, but it’s a start and you’ll have endless opportunities to improve."
"For entrepreneurs who are trying to sustain their business, make sure what you’re building aligns with your priorities and your passion. As any entrepreneur knows, building a business can be a brutal experience. To get you through tough times, you should build a company that fits into what’s most important to you so you have the fuel to keep going."
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