Startup Corner: Lucinda Dennis, Cindy Lu Books LLC

Minimally viable product …
The books are print on demand and digital through Amazon. Each book delivers the message the child has worth. In our Give a Child a Voice series, there are four books. Friend Manual is described as firm but friendly. We give parents the proper verbiage to empower their child with the tools to be safe.

Problem solving …
The odds a child will suffer one form of abuse is 1-3, so obviously the way we taught in the past isn’t working. I do what I do because my son was molested at 3 years old by a baby sitter with a small window of opportunity. He knew the don’t-touch drill, just as all children do, but I didn’t teach the manipulation of blackmail and secrets and the fact they have no real power, they are lies. So I dedicate my life to saving other families from the scars of child abuse.

Hurdles …
In order to be a voice for the children, I first had to give myself a voice, so I returned to school in 2009. I graduated with honors and a psychology degree from Drury University in May 2014.

Biggest mistake …
I have had more than a few huge mistakes. I have been blessed to strike a chord with many people and a few celebrities; Jada Pinkett Smith had someone contact me asking how she could help with my work, and I gave them a huge wish list – everything I ever dreamed of. I know, that’s not too smart, and it taught me to keep it simple. I also was on “Oprah” for a three-show series, and I froze. I turned shy, which is crazy because I am very outgoing. I was on “Oprah” for something totally unrelated to my books, but I was hoping to share my book with her. I freaked when they took my book away from me, because that was the only honest reason I was there. That taught me to keep it real and enjoy the moment. I actually carry the Omni Hotel key in my wallet to remind me to breathe and have fun.

Next phase …
To become a 501(c)3 as an educational resource for parents, grandparents, foundations for children and educators. The goal is to make a Pixar quality cartoon of Friend Manual, including songs, making this an evergreen project. The students will see the video and receive a copy of the book year after year from pre-K through third grade. We will see change once we start very young and prepare the children instead of repairing the children.

Seed money …
It’s 100 percent in-house. Once I started my child abuse prevention project, I had help from some generous people.

Advice …
David Pelzer, author of “A Child Called It,” had his combat psychologist contact me, and they worked with me for free for several sessions over the phone. They had seen my e-books and saw some of my videos. They worked with me to streamline my passion so that I would be more successful getting my message out.