Most people think creating a children’s franchise is about ideas and inspiration – but they rarely see what happens behind the scenes.

The truth? Sometimes it’s cramped cupboards, endless pallets, and a coach trip across Eastern Europe that pushes every comfort zone you’ve got 😅.

How One Webinar Series Became a Book – And a Mission

Some of our best NLP4Kids products started small – a simple idea or a question from a parent. But one of our most impactful began as a webinar series. From that came the NLP4Kids book – and it was a project I decided to self-publish.

Self-publishing might sound empowering… and it is. But it’s also a massive job. You don’t just write the thing – you design, print, store, ship, promote and distribute. And I wanted it done right.

The publisher name I used? “I Blame My Age.” That’s actually an anagram of someone you probably know quite well by now 😉.

📚 “It wasn’t just a book. It became one of our biggest tools for reaching parents, professionals and schools – and it took over every inch of space I had.”

Printing Problems and a Pallet Full of Perseverance

Keeping costs low but quality high was my mission. So I scoured the UK printing options. But none gave me the combination of affordability and excellence I wanted. Eventually, I found a printer in Bulgaria.

So off I went. By coach.

Now, let me be honest – all the self-development in the world doesn’t take away my motion sickness. And coach travel? Still not my thing 🤢. But I knew I had to do this. I needed to see the product being made.

At the factory, I recorded video and created a behind-the-scenes documentary. It was fascinating – the machinery, the process, the realisation that this book was actually happening.

A few weeks later, a pallet of books landed on my doorstep. Literally. My house turned into a storage unit. Shelves, drawers, under the stairs – every space was filled with boxes of books. I’d bulk ordered to keep the costs low… but I hadn’t quite planned for the volume.

It was a moment of chaos – but also of pride.

The Book That Built a Community

The NLP4Kids book wasn’t just a product – it became a gateway.

We expanded into other resources: the webinar series continued, the audio content grew, and we introduced our “Parents and Professionals” membership area. It became a safe space – a place where people could explore, ask questions, and find new tools and confidence in working with young people.

Some joined just for personal growth. Others wanted lesson plans, classroom support, and strategies they could use immediately in their work with children.

And through that, our children’s franchise started to grow stronger – not just in size, but in impact.

“It wasn’t just about getting information out there. It was about building a community around shared values, questions, and the commitment to helping children thrive.”

This Is Why We Do It – And Why It Still Matters

At NLP4Kids, our mission has always been about creating powerful tools that help young people live healthier, happier lives. But we also recognise that the adults supporting those children – parents, educators, carers and practitioners – need help too.

Our children’s franchise doesn’t just give people a business opportunity. It provides purpose. It offers a library of resources, a network of support, and a way to create measurable change in the lives of families.

And that all started from a single webinar.

So whether you’re someone who’s looking to develop yourself professionally, or someone wondering whether the next step might be starting your own children’s franchise – know that the journey is never perfect.

But it’s always worth it.

by Gemma Bailey (with the help of Ai)

Becoming a Licensee