Founder Spotlight: Meet Pamela Aculey
Pamela is an award-winning author and the creator and co-founder of MIXD Reality. Pamela’s invention originated when her eldest son, Walter, was diagnosed with autism. She struggled to find picture books for children like Walter. Therefore, She created the UK’s first interactive and inclusive pictures that use Augmented Reality (AR) technology to champion diversity, inclusiveness, acceptance and kindness.
“If all children could see people who looked like them doing amazing things; could you imagine what that spark could do in their mind for their future?” — says Pamela.
Pamela recently discussed her experience setting up MIXD Reality with us, and the challenges she had to overcome on her entrepreneurial journey! Check it out below.
Pamela, tell us about MIXD Reality and what motivated you to startup.
In 2017 my eldest son Walter was diagnosed with Autism and was non-verbal. Walter adored books and would use images and illustrations to try and communicate to us what he needed. We found this absolutely fascinating but struggled to find books where Walter could see himself in the pages of books. The saying goes “create the things you wish existed” so I created a children’s book series that uses Augmented Reality technology to champion diversity, and inclusiveness whilst bringing stories to life.
MIXD Reality can take any existing illustrated book and convert them into an AR experience including an accompanying app that you can download onto any smartphone or tablet device.
By combining concepts of real and virtual worlds MIXD Reality supports intuitive, fun and interesting learning experiences, especially for individuals with additional needs. Where all children regardless of their ethnicity, background or ability feel seen, inspired and supported through immersive learning.
Tell us about your journey on the Barclays Black Founder Accelerator 3.0.
When you join the Barclays Black Founder accelerator you immediately become part of the community — something which in my opinion is so important for any founder/start-up. Connecting with like-minded professionals who are also experiencing the highs and lows of running a business, instantly gives you that sense of camaraderie. The content provided in this program is exceptional and the masterclasses are always delivered with professionalism in a fun and inclusive way.
I have ADHD and at first, found the amount of content a little overwhelming but there is always a team on hand to help, guide and support you. Plus, the masterclasses are recorded so if you need to go over any sections you can do and digest the information at your own pace. The team are so welcoming and you soon start to build friendships with your fellow cohorts which makes the whole experience even more enjoyable.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome in your entrepreneurial journey?
Work-life balance
I used to be in the camp that working longer and harder would get me to my goals faster. What I’ve now found is that the more free time I carve out for myself, the more creative I become. The more creative I become, the more successful the business becomes. I am so much more aware now of how and where I am spending my energy.
TIP: Being deliberate with my time whilst knowing my limitations (i.e. not saying ‘Yes’ to every opportunity) not only gives me more headspace but also creates a wave of insights and possibilities.
This is still very much work in progress but I’ve definitely made vast improvements that have benefited both my family and business.
Focus
As mentioned before I have ADHD so I struggle with focus. I think this is something that many entrepreneurs struggle with regardless of ability or the industry they are in. As an entrepreneur, I sometimes feel as if there’s so much to do in my business and I can’t focus on one task because there are so many other challenges occupying my mind.
TIP: One simple tip I’ve learnt is to stop trying to do a million things every day. I now give myself three tasks to do each day (I assign these the night before) and focus only on completing those three things. Once completed I’m free to either stop or keep going — anything else I do is a bonus.
Is there anything you wish you’d known before starting up?
That it takes time for results to show up. Big ‘overnight’ success is really the culmination of steady, consistent small efforts over time.
So be patient and consistent with your efforts and don’t forget to celebrate each small win.
What are some of the important milestones and recognitions in your journey so far?
Winning the GREAT British Entrepreneur Awards in 2020. Being a finalist for the National Diversity Awards 2022 and my first book ‘Buster Finds His Beat’ being one of the 2020 Faber Children’s publisher’s prize winners.
Awards and recognition are great but the true reward is knowing that we are creating a product that will change the landscape of learning. One that improves student retention and academic performance, while enhancing engagement and learning motivation.
A personal gain has been through the work we do with MIXD Reality I’ve been able to connect with even more families, teachers and professionals who are working hard to champion neurodiversity.
Any top tips for entrepreneurs struggling with structure?
It’s easy to get stuck, trapped and lose sight of your goals if you don’t have an accountability structure.
Have someone you will be accountable to, someone you can check in with on a regular basis. This could be an ‘Accountability buddy’, coach, mentor, group or community.
Accountability will really help increase clarity, perspective and confidence. Even if you can’t find someone you can start creating your own structure through planning. Laying out your goals and objectives and setting measurements and deadlines against them it is a further opportunity for you to hold yourself accountable.
Entrepreneurial communities can be such a powerful support network — do you have any asks or gives to the vine community?
- Keep passing on knowledge
- Encourage networking and give a welcoming hand, especially to those to who this does not come naturally
- Be open and learn from each other's mistakes
- Continue to support and encourage each other. There will be a time when we all need that support and motivation
So what are some of the goals in your journey ahead?
Diversify the publishing industry
As a Black girl growing up in the 80/90’s in Staffordshire I hardly saw children’s books where the protagonist looked like me. Fast forward 30 + years my three mixed-race boys still do not find representation in children’s books.
Just 4% of children’s books published in 2019 featured a Black or minority ethnic character and just 1% had a minority ethnic main character.
However, I’m a great believer that if you’re not helping to make a problem right, then you can’t sit back and complain about it being wrong.
So we’ve recently set the mammoth task of getting my award-winning children’s book ‘Buster Finds His Beat’ into every UK primary school. We want to diversify the publishing industry and make it a much more welcoming space that provides children from marginalized and underrepresented communities with a full sense of pride, identity and belonging.
Collaboration
Books are for everyone and therefore should represent the diverse melting pot of today’s society. So we want to collaborate with authors and publishers are able to bring to prominence the beauty of our diversity.
We have some great projects in the pipeline which I’m super excited about. And we are now in the position to work with authors and small independent publishers who are passionate about technology and learning. I’m excited for the future and for creating inclusive and supportive learning for all through Augmented Reality books.
Thanks, Pamela, any final words of wisdom for our Vine Community?
Being an entrepreneur can at times be a lonely journey. So just in case nobody told you today, well done, you’re doing a great job!
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