Meet Harleigh Manske | Children’s Book Author/ Illustrator & Author Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Harleigh Manske and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Harleigh, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, it started with me realizing that I didn’t just want to create—I wanted to build something that could grow and last. I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and illustration, and when I wrote my first children’s book, I knew I didn’t want to wait around for permission from a publisher to share it. I wanted full creative control and the ability to get my work directly into kids’ hands.

At first, it was simply about creating one book, but once I saw the joy it brought to families and the impact it had, I started thinking bigger. I asked myself: What if I could turn this into a brand? What if I could create not just books, but a whole world kids could connect with- activities, characters, lessons, and a community around it? That’s when it shifted from “I made a book” to “I’m building a business.”

Starting my own business has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. It’s not always easy, but the freedom to create, the excitement of seeing kids light up when they read my books, and the opportunity to help other authors along the way—that’s what keeps me motivated every single day.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business really started with just one book idea, and it has grown into something so much bigger. I’m a children’s book author and illustrator, and what sets me apart is that I don’t just stop at the book itself. I’ve been building a whole brand around my character, Doppy, with books and activities that kids can actually interact with. I want Doppy to feel like a friend to kids, not just a character they read about once and forget.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to build this business from the ground up without relying on ads or a big publisher behind me. I’ve had to figure out marketing, social media, and sales all on my own, and while it definitely hasn’t been easy, it’s made me a lot more resourceful and confident. The challenges have actually pushed me to grow. Every time something didn’t work out, I had to get creative and try something new, and that’s how I found strategies that really connect with people.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency beats everything. Even on the days where it feels like nobody’s noticing, you just have to keep showing up, creating, and putting your work out there. Slowly but surely, the results add up.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s all about connection. My books are meant to spark joy and teach kids simple ways to care about the world around them, and my journey is proof that you can build something meaningful from scratch if you just keep at it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d take them straight to Door County, Wisconsin. It’s my absolute favorite place in the world. We’d spend the week exploring all the little towns, because each one has its own charm. We’d start our mornings at cute coffee shops, and then probably wander into some of the independent bookstores that are scattered around. I could spend hours just browsing shelves in those cozy spots.

In the afternoons, we’d head to the beach or take a walk by the water, then go to a cute restaurant for dinner, probably Trixie’s because it’s one of my favorites. And of course, we’d have to end at least one evening watching the sunset. The sunsets in Door County are just unreal. There’s something about sitting on the beach watching the sky change colors that feels so peaceful. For me, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and inspiration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d definitely have to give my shoutout to the children’s book author community. This group has been such a big part of my journey. Writing and publishing can feel really lonely sometimes, but having other authors who are going through the same ups and downs makes it so much easier.

I’ve learned so much just from people being willing to share their experiences, the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s such a supportive space and it has inspired me to not only keep going with my own books but also to give back and help other authors in the same way.

Website: https://www.doppys.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doppysofficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorHarleighRose