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Calgary Author Pens Path to Success with the Help of TIES

April 14, 2025

News

Impact Story

Every mama knows motherhood is a journey full of adventures!  

Mama Maureen Juma is no different. She’s a devoted mother to three girls — Milcah, Micaelah and Mireyah.  

She’s now also given birth to “Adventures of Mama” – a book series for parents with children aged four-to-10 years old.

“My books are created to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love for learning all while taking kids on unforgettable adventures,” she says.

The captivating book series brings children into the world of cooking, gardening, farming, storytelling, and even learning Swahili!

“What sets these books apart is the life skills the children learn,” she points out. “From creativity, problem solving, cooking, household chores, coping with failure, communication, facing challenges, manners, independence, teamwork, self-control and many more.”

But most importantly, she says, is learning the value of culture and history.

“By writing these books, I would like to preserve our culture and teach the next generation on how things were done before their time,” she says.  

Mama Maureen’s Inspiration

The immigrant from Kenya says her journey started with a simple, heartwarming moment in her kitchen.  

Her firstborn, Milcah, who was just two years old, was watching her prepare “Chapati”, an East African flatbread. She recounts how Milcah followed her every move with her “big, curious eyes”.  

Suddenly, she says, Milcah turned the kitchen into her own playground.

“She scooped flour, rolled around in it, and giggled as if she had discovered magic,” she laughs.
“That beautiful moment made me realize something special: everyday life is full of tiny adventures just waiting to be explored!”

Exploring Her Talent with TIES

Juma says she just knew, in her heart, that telling these stories was what she was meant to do.  

“I remember sitting in my living room, cradling my newborn in my arms, feeling an overwhelming mix of joy, exhaustion, and determination,” she says.  
“The soft rhythm of tiny breaths against my chest was both comforting and a reminder. A reminder that I had dreams, not just for myself, but for my children.”

So, five years ago she turned those dreams into reality, launching her book series.

She was able to self-publish several editions but still needed help to get the word out – literally.

That’s when she found TIES (The Immigrant Education Society) and IWEP (Integrated Women’s Entrepreneurship Program).

“Walking into the IWEP Program, I knew I was stepping into an opportunity for growth,” she says. “But I never imagined just how transformational this experience would be.”

Juma points out having a vision is one thing, but learning how to “execute it effectively” is another.  

She says TIES equipped her with practical skills, from financial planning and branding to marketing and business strategy.  

She also learned relationships matter, just as much as strategy.  

But most importantly, she adds, she learned that taking action — even if it’s not perfect — is the key to progress.  

“Every successful businesswoman started somewhere, and what separates dreamers from achievers is the courage to start,” she points out.

Living the Dream

Maureen Juma has gone from simply dreaming about becoming an author – to living that dream.

She’s now self-published a total of seven Adventures of Mama books which she’s presented at book readings and signings, and which have been sold around the world.

She’s launched a podcast, to read aloud children’s books-@StoriesbyMama.  

She’s also been invited to various speaking events to talk to women about entrepreneurship.

“Today, I stand not just as a mother, but as a self-published author and entrepreneur, ready to inspire the next generation,” she says proudly.

But her biggest win: investing in herself and her family.

“I wanted to prove to myself and to my children that dreams don’t have to be put on hold. That with the right support, we can build, grow, and thrive.”

Where to Get Your Copy:  Visit JunnineMedia.ca or find the book series at Select Indigo stores in Chinook Mall-Calgary, West Edmonton Mall, and Red Deer, Audrey’s Bookstore, ABC Bookstore, Barns & Noble and Amazon!


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Media RSVP, Interviews & Inquiries:

Tomasia DaSilva

Media and Relationship Strategist

Email: tomasiadasilva@immigrant-education.ca

Phone: 403-291-0002

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