Building Your Own Table: How Kunda Kids Is Transforming Children's Media and Representation

In a world where children’s stories often lack true diversity, Kunda Kids stands out as a pioneering force. Founded in London by Louisa and Dele Olafuyi, Kunda Kids is reshaping the global children’s media landscape by creating educational storybooks, animations, and digital content that celebrate African culture, heritage, and languages. Their journey is not just about entrepreneurship—it's about rewriting the narrative for the next generation.

Challenging the Status Quo in Children's Media

The traditional children’s publishing and animation industries have long been criticized for their lack of representation. According to a report by the Publishers Association, only 8% of children’s books published in the UK in 2022 featured a main character from an ethnic minority background. Kunda Kids is determined to change this by ensuring that children from all backgrounds can see themselves in the stories they read and watch.

Turning Adversity Into Opportunity

Starting a business as Black entrepreneurs in the UK presented significant challenges. Early-stage capital for Black-led startups remains extremely limited—just 0.02% of venture capital in the UK goes to Black founders. Instead of letting these barriers limit them, the Olafuyis used their outsider status to fuel innovation. By reimagining publishing and animation models with a digital-first, globally inclusive approach, they built a company that welcomes everyone to the table.

“We weren’t bound by ‘how it’s always been done,’ and that freed us to build something truly original.” — Louisa Olafuyi

Innovation Rooted in Culture and Community

Kunda Kids’ stories, like Afam and the New Yam Festival, blend local traditions with universal themes of identity and belonging. This approach resonates with children worldwide, not just in the UK. The company’s creative DNA is shaped by London’s multiculturalism, but its mission is global: to empower every child to see themselves as heroes in their own stories.

Recent research from UNICEF highlights the importance of cultural representation in early childhood development, linking it to higher self-esteem and better educational outcomes. Kunda Kids’ commitment to authentic storytelling is not just about entertainment—it’s about nurturing confident, culturally-aware young people.

Listening as a Superpower

With a background in brand innovation and content strategy, Louisa Olafuyi emphasizes the importance of active listening. She regularly holds feedback sessions with viewers and parents, ensuring that Kunda Kids’ content remains relevant and impactful. This open dialogue helps the team stay ahead of trends and adapt to the evolving needs of families worldwide.

The company’s team spans continents, fostering a culture of trust, autonomy, and experimentation. This approach has been shown to drive innovation and resilience, as noted by the Harvard Business Review.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering their own entrepreneurial journey, Louisa offers practical wisdom:

• Start small, think big: Focus on building something real and useful before scaling up.
• Deliver, don’t just disrupt: Solve genuine problems and create lasting value.
• Know your “why”: Purpose will sustain you through challenges.
• Embrace imperfection: Launch before you feel ready and learn as you go.
• Build a diverse support network: Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.

The Future: A Global Vision for Representation

As Kunda Kids grows, its mission expands beyond the UK. The goal is clear: every child, everywhere, should see themselves reflected in the stories they love. This vision aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4—ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

In an era where cultural representation is more important than ever, Kunda Kids is not just building a company—they’re building a movement. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and the belief that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated.