After publishing her first book (at 17) and struggling to find a publisher that would allow her to tell her authentic story, Naomi Winston started a publishing company – Revolutionary Hearts Industries – during her freshman year at Xavier University, with a goal of elevating the stories of Black women. In 2019, she started creating affirmation coloring books after seeing her 7-year-old cousin experience colorism for the first time. Now, over five years later, these coloring books, now known as The Creative Representation Empire, have become a nationally recognized, culturally representative educational resource.

With a growing collection of 12+ coloring books, national media attention, including a feature on CBS Mornings’ “Changing the Game” segment, and a community of advocates, Winston continues to uplift community storytelling and emphasize her university’s mission of “creating a more just and humane society.” Winston continues to create coloring books alongside community partners, supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs, and mentoring youth on the importance of entrepreneurship, community journalism, and finding their purpose. She believes that there’s something everyone can do to make the world a better place, and she hopes her work can empower people to find their something! Winston holds a degree in history from Xavier University of Louisiana.