MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DLE MEMBER ELIZABETH HELLER HOLDS SUCCESSFUL KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN FOR NEW BOOK

By Olivia Moen, DLE Copywriter/ Content Creator Intern, Junior at Syracuse University, Syracuse NY

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on hardships for everyone. Social distancing, quarantine and isolation consistently created stressful and overwhelming situations. 

The pandemic has also created life-altering impacts for children and young adults. From school closures, limited social contact and mental health struggles, the youngest generation has a lot of trauma to cope with. Many are fearful of the long-lasting psychological impacts on children who are struggling to process the pandemic. Elizabeth Heller, DLE newcomer member and Kids Wellness Entrepreneur, had the exact same fear in the midst of the pandemic.

“At the time of the pandemic I had spent the past six years teaching children yoga, mindfulness and journaling. By the end of 2020 my work had completely ended, and I was feeling very concerned for children,” she explains. “From my personal experience, I knew that there were important tools that could help with this major trauma happening. I couldn’t reach them, and I was somewhat tortured by it. I spent a lot of time thinking: What can I do? What is next?” 

Elizabeth reflected upon her own childhood trauma to discover ways she could help. Growing up, she suffered serious adverse childhood experiences and coped in a unique way. “When I was eight years old I went to ballet class for the first time. I had big feelings about it and I decided to pick up a piece of paper and pen and write about my experience. I felt so profoundly empowered from taking my feelings and putting them somewhere else. I felt like I had control. I have not stopped journaling since–and that was 50 years ago.” 

From this realization, Kids Super Journal was born. To reach kids as fast as possible, it began as a podcast. The podcast is now in its third season and continues to provide children with mindfulness tools to manage life challenges.

In June 2022, the Kids Super Journal won the grand prize from the EforAll Berkshire County Business Accelerator program. This provided half the money for the first print run of the book. The other half has been funded by a Kickstarter campaign. Kickstarter is a product-based campaign in which individuals are only charged if the project meets its funding goal by the set deadline. Luckily, the goal was exceeded, with 148% funding.  

“Kids are really struggling. The tools are simple, easy to access and fun. I know that kids can find help here on their own. This book can help kids have an outlet to start healing from trauma. Even if they don’t need healing, all kids need a way to discover self-awareness. It’s important for physical, emotional and mental health for everyone, but especially these kids, and I really want to help.” 

Congratulations to Elizabeth on her impressive accomplishments with Kids Super Journal. We look forward to more of her amazing contributions for kids everywhere!  

Learn more about Elizabeth in this feature story from the Berkshire Eagle!