In a media landscape that craves authenticity and underrepresented voices, few stories embody both with as much depth and originality as the journey of Deborah Haile and her 12-year-old son, Jonah Seyum. As the co-founders of Tiny Global Footprints, the mother-son duo is gaining international recognition for blending family, entrepreneurship, and cultural storytelling into a mission-driven brand that’s increasingly catching the attention of the entertainment world. And it all started with a passport.
A Story Born of Travel, Rooted in Purpose
Years before any media coverage or speaking invitations, Deborah’s goal was simple: raise a globally conscious child by exposing him to diverse cultures. Their travels, which began as personal explorations, soon became a shared creative endeavor. Together, Deborah and Jonah began documenting their experiences—turning real-world adventures into children’s books that make global exploration accessible and inspiring for families everywhere.
The result? A growing series of titles that transport young readers to places like Mexico, Thailand, Eritrea, Dubai, and the Dominican Republic—all through Jonah’s eyes. These books do more than highlight locations; they teach empathy, curiosity, and cultural respect, values that reflect a broader vision for the next generation.
From Side Project to Media Platform
What began as a personal project has evolved into a multimedia brand that now spans publishing, public speaking, education, and digital content. Deborah, a seasoned leader in legal operations, applied her corporate acumen to grow Tiny Global Footprints into a platform with a global reach.
Today, the brand includes:
- A catalog of children’s books with international appeal
- A podcast exploring themes of family, culture, and entrepreneurship
- Public speaking engagements and school collaborations
- Strategic partnerships with nonprofits and educational organizations
A Narrative Tailored for the Screen
What sets this duo apart isn’t just the message—it’s the format. Their story naturally lends itself to film and television adaptation. Rich, vivid settings. Emotional depth. Real-life stakes. And the unique lens of a young boy exploring the world with his mother as his guide. This is a family brand with cinematic potential.
Deborah and Jonah’s stories have been profiled in VarietyUAE.com, Harper’s Bazaar, Entrepreneur UAE, and ThriveGlobal.com, among others. They were recently featured in Modern Traveler magazine and will appear in the Modern Elite magazine Holiday Travel Issue later this year. With more global media in the pipeline, the momentum is clear and growing.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Beyond the accolades and media attention is the true heart of this brand: legacy. Deborah and Jonah are building a long-term vision rooted in shared experience, intergenerational learning, and global storytelling. They are showing that a powerful legacy doesn’t have to wait for the next generation; it can be co-created in real time.
Their journey—from classrooms in Minnesota to international press, from book readings to broadcast features—is a masterclass in what’s possible when intention meets execution. And now, as Tiny Global Footprints expands into new markets, it’s not just inspiring families. It’s creating a new blueprint for how personal stories, when told with clarity and purpose, can ripple across industries—including the entertainment industry.
Deborah and Jonah are not just authors, educators, and entrepreneurs; they are also dedicated advocates for cultural awareness and education. They are new-generation storytellers. And Hollywood should be paying attention.
