Meet Summer Nilsson | Bestselling Author, CEO & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Summer, what are you inspired by?
What is your inspiration?

Purpose. In 2006, TOMS launched a new purpose-driven business model and pioneered a platform in which to evolve consumer engagement by integrating cause, product development and purchase behavior into the overarching brand ethos.

I’ve worked in national media and marketing for 20+ years. Like many of my colleagues, we were inspired by TOMS commitment. As a result of my background, I know the impact that content can have on audiences of all ages. I felt a duty to develop a brand that could deliver a message of positivity and kindness to tweens and teens with storylines to support social acceptance.

Why now? One in three young people in 30 countries said they have been a victim of online bullying. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and Children’s Hospital Association have declared a national emergency in children’s mental health. Citing the AAP, emergency visits for suspected suicide attempts increased 51% among girls ages 12-17 years in early 2021 compared to the same period in 2019.

I am the founder and author of the Loodor Tales Series. Told through the lens of animals, the series follows Grey the Kitten on her journey to discover identity and the gift of empathy. With each book in the series, I address complex topics such as imposter syndrome, mind chatter, and false narrative to help combat insecurities resulting from the rising use of social media among youth.

The Loodor Tales Series launched with Amazon bestseller, The Land of the Pines. The Land of the Pines was named “Best Children’s Books, Middle Grade of 2021” by Red Tricycle, “Movie-worthy…a modern-day take on Charlotte’s Web” by CultureMap, “A Must-Read and tale for all ages” by InStyle magazine, and a “Purpose-Driven Book for Tweens Hitting all the Right Notes”, by PaperCity.

The Land of the Strays, the second book in the series, launches September 2022. A continuation of Grey’s tale, The Land of the Strays is dedicated to the military and frontline responders, honoring the men, women and animals who serve our country every day. The Land of the Strays underscores the difference between needs and wants, encourages readers to “try listening, instead of hearing”, and inspires audiences to see beyond stereotypes and reconnect as a united front.

I have donated books to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, Scottish Rite for Children, The Birthday Party Project, Save the Children, and Dell Children’s Medical Center. I plan to continue this movement to provide books and experiences to underserved schools, hospitals, and children’s organizations.

I am committed to making a difference for younger generations. I am inspired by purpose.

What should our readers know about your business?
With a career spanning 20+ years, as an author, board member, entrepreneur, consultant and CEO, my firms have represented the biggest names in publishing, fashion, and the arts, including People, Food Network Magazine, ELLE, House Beautiful, Who What Wear, and Brandon Maxwell, among many others. I have worked with corporations including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott, Dell Technologies, American Express, etc. I also serve on the National Advisory Council for Girls Inc. and the marketing board for the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

I am the founder of Loodor, an impact-driven entertainment brand that invokes thought through fantasy books and premium products. The mission of Loodor is to encourage empathy while inspiring people of all ages to pursue their dreams and pay it forward. The Loodor Tales Series is a book series designed to reinforce confidence, kindness and connection among all ages. The series launched in 2021 with Amazon Bestseller, The Land of the Pines. The second book in the series, The Land of the Strays, is set for release September 6, 2022.

I also established the Nilsson Open A Dor Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and proud partner of Operation Kindness, celebrating over 45 years of saving homeless pets. A portion of sales from The Land of the Pines and The Land of the Strays benefits Operation Kindness, providing sheltered animals with loving homes.

I build global brands and develop purpose-driven partnerships that change narratives because I believe that companies should stand for something. I am especially proud that my work with Loodor helps kids believe in themselves. I strive to remind younger generations that they can become anything. Do anything. As long as they lead with kindness.

A few lessons from The Land of the Pines:

1) “Treat everyone with respect. The most important person in the room is often the one you least expect.”
2) “Your words have power. You can build things or break them. Choose them carefully.”

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.
The Katy Trail is a must. And I’d insist on a margarita at Mi Cocina!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I credit my family’s ongoing commitment to community service as having laid the foundation for me to build a brand that gives back.

I am a 4th generation Texan. I was raised in the small East Texas town of Daingerfield, Texas, where my mother was the mayor from 1998-2022. Daingerfield is home to the Daingerfield State Park, which I credit as contributing to my love of the piney woods. My great-grandfather was among key industry leaders who were instrumental in developing the Daingerfield State Park, as well as Lone Star Steel Company, founded in 1942. My great-grandfather also issued the first farm loan in America under the G.I. Bill in 1945, which inspired my dedication of The Land of the Strays to the military and frontline responders.

Website: www.loodor.com

Instagram: @loodortales and @summer_nilsson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summernilsson/

Image Credits
Headshot: Sebron Snyder Books: Loodor Publishing Can provide additional photos if needed. Please crop headshot around waist or slightly under waistband to shorten the image. Email summer@loodor.com to confirm.