There’s a new creative business helping people see themselves in colour, and it started with a mom, a daughter, and a nickname.

Lunastar Ink is a personalised colouring-book business founded by Zandile Mhlonga. The name itself is deeply personal because her daughter’s second name is Luna, and her nickname is Superstar. Zandile combined the two to create Lunastar.

The business began with no formal plan. Zandile decided to put it online as a way of holding herself accountable, knowing she tends to get excited about ideas and then quit when things get difficult. What started as something personal has grown into a brand that allows other people to see themselves, their loved ones and their stories in colour.

For Zandile, the idea began with her daughter. For as long as she can remember she struggled to see her own life in colour, and she wanted something different for her child. When she had her daughter, she started thinking about the kind of life she wanted her to experience, and she wanted her to always see her life in colour.

“I initially created a colouring book as a symbol of that idea, a colourful life,” Zandile said.

Her niece saw it and immediately wanted one for herself. Then people around her started showing interest. Zandile asked online if people would actually want to own a book like this, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

For her, the books are about reminding yourself that a colourful life is beautiful. And on the days when you don’t see the colour in your life, you can remind yourself by colouring yourself. Colouring is already therapeutic, but colouring yourself, your family, your memories and the things you love makes that experience even more personal.

The personalisation process has very few limits. Customers can include themselves, their family, friends, special moments and places that mean something to them basically anything that sets their heart on fire.

Lunastar Ink also offers personalised activities. There are crosswords with words that describe the customer, word searches, letters, and a tracing activity for children to trace their own names. The books are being made both fun and educational.

For kids, the books can place their picture next to their favourite cartoon character. “It gives them this feeling that they are the lead character in their own story, while also featuring the characters they love,” Zandile said. The idea is that even when you forget who you are or what makes you special, you can always go back to your book and remind yourself.

Zandile initially thought her market would be toddlers. She was surprised by how many adults started ordering.

“I was actually shocked by how many adults started ordering. So, I’ve realised that my target audience is really anyone who needs an escape, wants to celebrate themselves, or wants to create something personal,” she said.

Most books are bought as birthday gifts and special gifts. The business also supplies personalised colouring books for children’s party packs. Zandile loves that because instead of giving a child another toy they might eventually forget about, you’re giving them something that is actually about them.

The biggest difference, Zandile says, is that you aren’t just colouring a picture, you’re colouring yourself into the story.

To order

WhatsApp: 0678614952.

TikTok: LunaStar Ink

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