As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Deborah Haile.
Deborah Haile is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Tiny Global Footprints, a platform dedicated to inspiring family travel and global learning. She has traveled to 20 countries with her son, Jonah Seyum, turning their experiences into bestselling children’s books and co-hosting the Global Footprints Stories podcast.
She holds a Master’s degree from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s from the University of Minnesota. Originally from Eritrea, she now lives in California, continuing her mission to make storytelling and travel accessible for all families.
At just 12 years old, Jonah Seyum is an award-winning author, podcaster, and the youngest published Eritrean author. As co-CEO of Tiny Global Footprints, he has co-authored three books with his mother, bestselling author Deborah Haile, and written four solo books. Jonah has traveled to 20 countries, embracing new languages and cultures while turning his experiences into stories that inspire young readers.
Outside of writing, Jonah is passionate about basketball, soccer, martial arts, and video games, and he enjoys spending time with his large extended family. He’s been featured by multiple news outlets via live interviews and articles, including NBC, ABC, Tripadvisor, BuzzFeed, Travel Noire, Billion Success, Thrive Global, and Authority Magazine.
In this interview, she talks about the obstacles she’s overcome, the milestones she’s achieved, and the wisdom she’s gained along the way.
What was the inspiration behind starting Tiny Global Footprints with your son Jonah?
The inspiration came from my desire to create meaningful experiences with Jonah that went beyond the typical parenting experience. Traveling together allowed us to connect deeply while exposing him to the world’s rich diversity. It soon became clear that our stories could inspire other families to embrace travel as a tool for education and empathy, which led to the founding of Tiny Global Footprints.
How did your own upbringing and heritage shape the mission of your brand and books?
Growing up as a first-generation Eritrean-American, I experienced the power of cultural stories firsthand. My heritage instilled in me a strong sense of identity and the importance of representation. This shaped our mission to create books and experiences that reflect diverse voices and teach children to appreciate global cultures from an early age.
What do you believe is the greatest benefit of exposing children to global travel and culture early on?
Early exposure to different cultures teaches children empathy, adaptability, and curiosity. It broadens their worldview, helps them appreciate diversity, and develops critical thinking about their place in the world. Travel is the ultimate hands-on classroom, where lessons are memorable and impactful.
How did you transition your personal travels into bestselling books and a successful family-focused brand?
Our transition was organic—each trip inspired stories we wanted to share. We started self-publishing to maintain authenticity and control. By combining engaging storytelling with educational elements and a mission-driven approach, our brand resonated with families looking for meaningful, multicultural children’s literature.
What challenges have you faced as a mompreneur creating a platform around global learning, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing a demanding career with entrepreneurship and family life is always challenging. Initially, building credibility as self-published authors required patience and persistence. We overcame these challenges by staying true to our mission, leveraging community support, and consistently producing quality content that connects with our audience.
How do you involve your son in the creative and business side of Tiny Global Footprints?
Jonah is a true partner, from co-authoring books to podcasting and business decisions. I encourage him to share his perspective and ideas, which keeps our work authentic and relevant to young readers. His involvement also teaches him leadership, responsibility, and creativity in a hands-on way.
What advice would you give to parents who want to travel more with their kids but feel overwhelmed?
Start small and be intentional. Travel doesn’t have to be extravagant to be educational or memorable. Focus on quality time, choose destinations that spark curiosity, and involve your kids in planning. Preparation and flexibility are key to managing stress and making the experience enjoyable.
You’re also a speaker and advocate—what message do you try to instill when speaking to parents, educators, and families?
I emphasize the power of storytelling and travel in shaping compassionate, globally aware children. I encourage families to prioritize experiences over things and to use travel as a platform for learning and connection. Education should extend beyond classrooms to real-world engagement.
What’s your favorite destination you’ve explored with Jonah, and what made it special?
Each place holds unique memories, but Eritrea stands out due to our personal connection. Visiting family, sharing our heritage, and seeing Jonah embrace his roots made the experience meaningful. It was a blend of culture, history, and family that strengthened our bond and inspired our storytelling.
How do you see storytelling playing a role in education and global awareness for kids today?
Storytelling is a universal language that builds empathy and understanding. Through stories, children can experience cultures, challenges, and values beyond their immediate environment. It’s a powerful tool for teaching global citizenship and inspiring curiosity about the world.
What legacy are you building—not just for your family, but for the families who follow your journey?
We aim to build a legacy of connection, curiosity, and courage. For our family and others, it’s about inspiring a lifelong passion for learning and empathy, showing that understanding the world and diverse cultures enriches lives and communities.
What’s next for Tiny Global Footprints—any upcoming books, projects, or destinations?
We’re excited to launch new books that continue to explore global cultures and stories, including a special focus on collaborative works with young authors in Eritrea. We also plan to expand our podcast content and engage more families through educational programs and virtual events.
Where can our audience connect with you and learn more about your work or offerings?
Our audience can find us on our website, follow our journey on Instagram, and listen to our podcast, Global Footprints Stories, available on all major platforms.
