Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrin Gleaton.
Hi Derrin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey started with a simple desire to make a difference in the lives of children. I’ve always believed that books have the power to inspire, build confidence, and change lives, so I decided to create stories that teach positive life lessons in a fun and memorable way.
What began as an idea has grown into a mission. Today, I’m an award-winning children’s author, literacy advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of Swagg Bows Literacy & Publishing in Charlotte, North Carolina. I’ve published multiple children’s books, developed educational music, and created interactive literacy programs that encourage children to read, believe in themselves, and dream bigger.
One of the greatest blessings of this journey has been visiting elementary schools, daycares, libraries, and community events, where I read to children, sing educational songs, teach sight words, and often donate books. Seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they discover a love for reading reminds me why I started.
Along the way, I’ve been honored to receive the Reading Hero Award and have been featured by media outlets including PBS Charlotte, Spectrum News, Fox 46, and WCCB. Those recognitions mean a lot, but what matters most is the impact we’re making in our communities.
I’m still growing, still creating, and still finding new ways to serve. My goal has never been just to write books—it’s to build confidence, inspire young minds, strengthen literacy, and leave a legacy that reminds every child they are capable of becoming something great. That’s what continues to drive me every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape who I am today.
Like many entrepreneurs and independent authors, I started with a dream, not a large budget. There were times when I had to invest in myself before anyone else believed in the vision. Building a brand, publishing books, marketing them, and creating opportunities all required patience, faith, consistency, and a willingness to keep going even when the results weren’t immediate.
One of the biggest challenges has been getting people to see that literacy can be exciting. I wanted to do more than simply write books—I wanted to create an experience that makes children laugh, sing, dance, and fall in love with reading. Introducing that vision meant stepping outside the traditional path and believing in my mission even when doors didn’t open right away.
I’ve also learned that every “no” isn’t a rejection—it’s often redirection. Some opportunities didn’t work out, but those moments pushed me to improve, build stronger relationships, and keep creating. Every school visit, every child who smiles during story time, every family that shares how one of my books made a difference reminds me that the journey is worth it.
The struggles have taught me resilience, perseverance, and faith. They’ve also taught me that success isn’t measured only by awards or recognition—it’s measured by the lives you impact. As long as I’m inspiring children to read, dream, and believe in themselves, I know I’m walking in my purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an award-winning children’s author, literacy advocate, entrepreneur, and founder of Swagg Bows. My mission is to make reading exciting, memorable, and fun for children while building their confidence and encouraging them to dream big.
I specialize in creating children’s books that teach positive life lessons through engaging characters, relatable stories, music, movement, and interactive storytelling. Whether I’m visiting a classroom, speaking at a community event, or reading at a library, my goal is to create an experience that children will remember long after I leave. I want every child to see reading as an adventure instead of an assignment.
Over the years, I’ve published multiple children’s books, developed educational songs, and partnered with schools, libraries, and community organizations to promote literacy. I’m especially known for my energetic school visits, my signature bow ties, and my ability to connect with children in a way that keeps them engaged while reinforcing important values like kindness, confidence, perseverance, gratitude, and believing in themselves.
What I’m most proud of isn’t the awards or media recognition—it’s the impact. Hearing a child say they love reading because of one of my books, seeing students smile during story time, or watching a reluctant reader become excited about opening a book means everything to me. Those moments remind me why I started this journey.
What sets me apart is that I’m building more than a collection of books—I’m building a literacy movement. I combine storytelling, music, creativity, and community outreach to create meaningful experiences that inspire children both inside and outside the classroom. My vision is to leave a lasting legacy by helping children discover the joy of reading and the confidence to believe that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Without question, I give God all the glory. None of this would be possible without His grace, guidance, and faithfulness. Every opportunity, every open door, every lesson, and every blessing has come through Him. When things became difficult and I questioned the journey, my faith reminded me to keep going. God has been the foundation of everything I’ve built.
My family has also been my greatest source of strength. My children inspire me every single day. They remind me why I do this work and motivate me to leave a legacy that will impact future generations. Knowing that they’re watching encourages me to lead by example, pursue excellence, and never give up on my dreams.
My wife has been an incredible supporter throughout this journey. Building a business and serving the community requires sacrifice, and having someone who believes in the vision, offers encouragement, and stands beside me through every season has been a tremendous blessing.
My mother deserves so much credit as well. She instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and believing in myself long before I ever became an author or entrepreneur. Those lessons continue to guide me every day.
I’m also deeply grateful for every teacher, principal, librarian, parent, community leader, and organization that has welcomed me into their schools and communities. Their belief in my mission has allowed me to reach thousands of children and continue spreading the joy of reading. Success is never achieved alone, and I’m thankful for every person who has encouraged, supported, and prayed for me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swaggbows.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denimboyswagg
