Anna Stare, founder of Stareworthy Custom Children’s Books
As a former professional family photographer, Lowcountry entrepreneur Anna Stare understands the value of preserving precious moments. Eager to come up with a unique, meaningful gift for her young niece, Stare created a storybook filled with personal photos, which caught the attention of friends and relatives.
The pandemic project evolved into Stareworthy Custom Children’s Books, a business devoted to turning family photos into books that put loved ones in the center of the narrative, which launched nationwide in 2024. “Our books really help young children understand and process their own memories,” she says. “We want to give gifts that aren’t too commercial, and these books feel very personal and from the heart.”
Stareworthy’s lineup of books, which range from $30 to $95, are printed on thick, coated photo paper designed to be “indestructible to toddlers.” Before uploading their images, customers can choose from multiple sizes and more than a dozen templates, with stories tailored toward ages ranging from newborns to kindergartners.
Many works celebrate the bonds children have with loved ones, as seen in What Mommy Means to Me, while others lean into educational values, such as best seller Look & Read: Our ABCs, or positive affirmations designed to build self-esteem, like recent release Look How Pretty You Are.
In the new year, Stare plans to add titles and partner with MUSC to donate $1 from every purchase to the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. Find a list of book templates at stareworthy.com.
