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

Hi Whitney, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My Mom came up with the book concept as a way for children to learn more about the state where they were born. At the time, I was on bed rest with my second son so this was a special project for the two of us to do together along with a family friend and also gave me a fulfilling outlet to write a story for my second son during that challenging time. It took a few years of persistence and fate for the book to get picked up by Brown Books and published. From there, the idea for growing Sweet Child into more started when people would tell us that they bought the book as a baby gift. Mom and I tested out the idea by creating a Sweet Child Born in Texas gift basket for few charity auctions. When the basket sold for a high bid – I knew we had something!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I like to say I have the best career in the world because it compliments my passion to give back. In my role at Sunwest, I work directly with the corporate social responsibility and philanthropic services team to expand services including strategic planning, fund development planning and process management focusing on civic projects, corporate social responsibility, foundations and nonprofit organizations.

I think what sets me apart and what I want people to know about me is my pursuit to find the solution through my work and volunteer leadership. I’m not a sit on the sidelines kind of person – put me in coach! I want to roll up my sleeves and get involved in doing something about issues in our community – particularly equity. I am proud to be actively serving on the Board of Directors for TexProtects, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum and Texas Ballet Theater. I was honored to be selected as Chair of The Concilio Board for this coming year and be a part of advocating for Latino/Hispanic families in North Texas.​My Mom was such a great role model for getting involved in the community and encouraged us to do the same. I have also passed that spirit along to my boys.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would do a true Dallas/Fort Worth itinerary for my best friend coming to visit. I grew up on the Fort Worth-side so would want to give some love to my hometown city as well as hit well-known Dallas spots. In no particular order, I would want definitely want two days in the Dallas Arts District – the Arts District walk is a fun way to take in that area of the city and we would have the chance to walk by the AT&T Performing Arts Center and Hall Arts Plaza. I love all of the museums and spots in that area but would particularly want to take my friend for one day to the Nasher Sculpture Center and Crow Museum of Asian Art and another day at the Perot Museum of Science and Nature. Three amazing museums that were supported or founded by three incredible Dallas families. I would want to show those three off. One evening – I would want to catch a performance preferably of the Texas Ballet Theater – the Dallas/Fort Worth resident ballet company. On another day, I would want to stick outdoors with a trip to Dallas Arboretum or Trinity River Audubon Center but- before going – stop by Bonton Farms to have lunch. There is nothing like having lunch on a patio overlooking a farm. Dallas is known for shopping so would want a day to take my friend to Northpark Mall. Not only the shopping there but artwork and exhibits too. One day I would make a history day and take my friend to the Sixth Floor Museum and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. Close proximity to each other and world-class. We would need a day for some downtime so would schedule time for a spa day and relax at the Mansion on Turtle Creek. At some point each day – I would make a point to visit my favorite Dallas restaurants to show them off to my friend, I would like stick to restaurants by Kent or Tracy Rathbun because the food and ambiance is excellent but also love how the Rathbun’s give back to Dallas. One evening – I would also want to catch a game at the American Airlines Center or maybe live music depending on our mood. Last part of the week – on to Fort Worth! One day for the Fort Worth art museums of the Kimball and Modern. After spending the night downtown near Sundance Square, hitting the stockyards and Joe T. Garcia’s – still my favorite Tex Mex – to round out the week. And of course – driving by TCU to wave to my alma mater. I know I left so much out so my friend would have to come back!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many – behind any endeavor is a village of those that said – go for it! Special and sincere thanks to Brown Books and Milli Brown for believing in us and for being a force of energic support. Much love and thanks to our families and friends who cheered us on throughout the journey and celebrated each milestone with us. I could not let this shout-out be finished without thanking everyone that has bought Sweet Child Born in Texas and Sweet Child Born in California. We have loved getting your stories and pictures of giving the book as a gift and reading it with kids, grandkids, etc. throughout the United States and across the world.

Website: www.sweetchildseries.com

Instagram: sweetchildseries

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

Other: etsy.com/sweetchildseries

Image Credits
Taken by Author

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