Meet Sharon Jones-Scaife | Literacy Advocate & Founder of Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharon Jones-Scaife and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon, how do you think about risk?
To me, risk is just another word for faith. When I wrote my first book, I didn’t have a publishing background, a roadmap, or even a clear plan—I had passion and persistence. That was a risk. Expanding Lil’ Marco and Friends into a full brand with books, merchandise, our soon-to-launch Club Box bundles, and now building an animated series? Another risk. Even dreaming up the Lil’ Marco and Friends Mobile Literacy Van—a rolling mini-library and tutoring hub designed to take literacy straight into neighborhoods—is a risk.

But here’s the thing: every bold step has required me to bet on myself and trust the vision God placed in my heart. Risk has been less about danger and more about possibility. It’s taught me to be resourceful, to lean on community, and to keep moving forward even when the path wasn’t clear.

Taking risks has also brought joy into the journey—like imagining the excitement of kids opening their customized Club Boxes for the very first time, or the smiles when they see Lil’ Marco stepping out of the mobile van with books made just for them. Those are the moments that keep me grounded in my “why.” Risk isn’t just about what you stand to lose—it’s about the lives you stand to touch. And that’s a gamble I’ll take every time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has always been shaped by creativity, but also by resilience. I started out in graphic design and illustration, which gave me the foundation to tell stories visually. But my path took a deeply personal turn after losing my husband to lung cancer. In trying to help my grandchildren process their grief, I wrote my first children’s book, I Miss You Papa. That single story revealed both a need and a calling—there weren’t enough books where children of color could see themselves, their families, or their real-life experiences.

What sets me apart as an artist and entrepreneur is that my work is not just about entertainment—it’s about representation, healing, and literacy. I’m proud that Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC has grown into a multimedia brand that creates inclusive books, engaging merchandise, and soon, customized Club Boxes, an animated series, and a Mobile Literacy Van. I’m especially excited about the van because it will literally take literacy on the road, putting books and learning experiences directly into underserved communities.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. I had no background in publishing, animation, or merchandising when I started—I had to learn everything from scratch, and I’m still learning, growing, and adding new tools to my creative toolbox. There were financial challenges, self-doubt, and plenty of trial and error. But each obstacle became a lesson in persistence. I learned that passion paired with perseverance can turn challenges into skills, and that community and faith are what keep you moving forward when things get tough.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that representation truly matters. When a child lights up because they see themselves in a book, a plushie, or soon on screen—it reinforces why this work is so important. That’s the thread running through my career as both an artist and entrepreneur—and it’s the work I’m most proud of.

What I want the world to know about my brand is simple: Lil’ Marco and Friends exists to close the literacy gap and to let every child feel seen, valued, and inspired to dream big. My story is proof that even from loss can come legacy—and that one idea, one story, can grow into a movement that changes lives.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Dallas–Fort Worth for a week, I’d make sure they experienced a little bit of everything—great food, culture, fitness, and of course, a lot of fun.

We’d start the mornings with a scenic run on the Katy Trail or around White Rock Lake, and if it was a group run, I’d link up with Black Girls Run for the energy and community. For cycling, we’d take a ride with Major Taylor Cycling Club or Plano Bicycle Association—both are amazing groups that make biking around Dallas even more fun. After that, breakfast at Bread Winners Café in Uptown or First Watch for something fresh and energizing.

One day would be dedicated to the arts—we’d head to the African American Museum of Art and the Nasher Sculpture Center, then stroll through Klyde Warren Park where there’s always food trucks and live energy. We’d also stop by Pan African Connection Bookstore and The Dock Bookstop, cultural gems where books, art, and community come together. For a movie night, I’d take them to Alamo Drafthouse or Angelika Film Center, where you can enjoy dinner and a film in a fun setting.

Food is always a highlight of Dallas, so I’d make sure we hit local favorites—Pappadeaux for seafood, Mi Cocina for Tex-Mex, and a trip to Deep Ellum for live music and eclectic eats. For a sweet treat, Emporium Pies in Bishop Arts is a must.

We’d also spend a day exploring Fort Worth Stockyards for a taste of cowboy culture, and another day wandering through the boutiques and restaurants in Legacy West or The Star in Frisco. And of course, no trip would be complete without checking out the Dallas Farmers Market, where I often set up with Lil’ Marco and Friends—it’s a great place to meet local makers, enjoy fresh food, and soak in the community vibe.

By the end of the week, they’d get the full Dallas–Fort Worth experience: mornings on the trail or bike with incredible running and cycling communities, afternoons exploring art and culture, evenings with great food and entertainment, and plenty of time to connect with the people and places that make this city feel like home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to start with my late parents, E.J. and Beatrice Jones, who were my very first example of entrepreneurship. My father, with only a 6th grade education, ran his own mechanic shop, and my mother, with an 8th grade education, ran her own retail business. Together, they not only managed their own businesses but also raised 15 children—a true testament to their resilience, faith, and work ethic. They showed me that with determination and love, you can build something lasting against all odds.

I also have to honor my late husband, Albert. He was my constant supporter, always encouraging me and cheering on every “crazy” idea I dreamed up. His belief in me has carried me farther than I ever imagined.

I also owe a lot to my brother Tony who has been with me every step of this journey and my sister Shirley, my CPA, who gave me tough love and pushed me to grow. She told me point blank that I needed to learn my numbers, and that I had taken my business as far as I could on my own. That advice opened my eyes and pushed me to seek out resources like the cohorts that have since shaped my journey.

Along the way, I’ve been blessed with incredible communities—programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Start.Pivot.Grow., the Dallas Mavericks Business Assist Cohort, and The DEC Network, among many others. The support of these organizations, their incredible staff, and my fellow cohort members has given me not just tools and knowledge, but also the encouragement and confidence to take Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC further than I ever imagined.

I also draw inspiration from books that speak to my journey as a Black woman entrepreneur. One that stands out is The Memo by Minda Harts. It’s a reminder that our experiences, challenges, and voices matter—and that our dreams belong in every room.

And finally, my deepest thanks goes to every single person who has supported me—whether through words of encouragement, purchasing a book, liking or sharing a post, recommending my work, or showing up at a pop-up. Every act of support, big or small, has been fuel for this journey, and I don’t take any of it for granted.

Website: http://www.LilMarcoAndFriends.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilmarco.andfriends

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-jones-scaife-0977a12b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lilmarcoandfriends

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