In a media landscape crowded with influencers and content creators chasing the next viral trend, few stories stand out for their authenticity and heart. But that’s precisely what makes Deborah Haile and her 12-year-old son, Jonah Seyum, so captivating. Together, they’ve quietly built a powerful narrative empire through their company, Tiny Global Footprints—and now, they’re poised to take center stage across entertainment platforms.
What started as a simple passion project—a series of children’s books chronicling their real-life travels—has evolved into a fast-growing brand that includes bestselling books, a popular podcast, and soon, a leap into video content and public speaking that could position them as breakout stars in family-focused media.
From Fun Stories to a Global Publishing Phenomenon
Deborah and Jonah’s journey began not in a boardroom but at 35,000 feet. When Jonah was just a toddler, Deborah took him on their first international trip to the Dominican Republic. That journey sparked a tradition of travel that would eventually take them to 22 countries and counting. Each destination brought life lessons, unforgettable experiences, and the seed of an idea: what if these travels could teach Jonah and children worldwide?
Their first book, The Search for Elephants in Thailand, wasn’t a calculated business decision but a love letter to adventure and cultural curiosity. But what followed was nothing short of remarkable. Jonah became the youngest published Eritrean author, co-authoring three books alongside his mother, including Finding My Amigo in Cuba and Filling My Pockets with Nakfa in Eritrea, and publishing three solo books, The Torture of Chores, What Does Daddy Do All Day?, and Basketball or Soccer?. His most recent release, The Eri Basketball Boys, co-authored with friends in Eritrea, taps directly into youth culture and the global love of sports. Yet, for Deborah and Jonah, the books were only the beginning.
Building a Multimedia Empire
Recognizing that modern audiences want more than just printed stories, Deborah and Jonah have expanded into the booming world of digital entertainment. Their podcast, Global Footprints Stories, now streams on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, blending travel tales with essential life lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and global citizenship.
With growing momentum, the mother-son duo is also planning a leap further into video content. A dynamic Instagram series is in the works, offering vibrant, bite-sized cultural stories, travel adventures, and behind-the-scenes insights into their creative process. Designed for families, educators, and curious kids, the series promises to combine visual storytelling with education.
Jonah has also made a name for himself as a budding media personality with his unique YouTube shorts. In these, he delivers quick, insightful takes on current events and cultural topics—impressively, from a 12-year-old’s perspective. With a natural on-camera presence and a gift for storytelling, it’s clear Jonah isn’t just following the media trends—he’s helping shape them.
The Rise of Their Celebrity in Parenting and Education Circles
As their media presence grows, so does their celebrity status—especially within the parenting, travel, education, and cultural communities. Major outlets, including NBC, ABC, BuzzFeed, Thrive Global, Travel Noire, The CEO Chronicle Magazine, and Authority Magazine, have featured them. Their story resonates because it’s not manufactured. It’s the real journey of a mother and son who set out to explore the world together and find a way to bring that world to others.
Expanding Influence Through Strategic Brand Partnerships
As their media footprint grows, Deborah and Jonah are exploring exciting new opportunities to partner with purpose-driven brands aligning with their cultural education and global citizenship mission. From collaborations with travel and lifestyle companies to partnerships with educational platforms, Tiny Global Footprints is poised to extend its influence beyond books and podcasts into experiential and branded content.
“We’re focused on building relationships with brands that believe in empowering families and inspiring children to see the world differently,” says Deborah. “Whether through curated travel experiences, cultural education programs, or interactive content, we want to continue creating resources that spark curiosity and connection.”
This next phase of their brand expansion includes exploring partnerships with family travel organizations and platforms that offer curated cultural experiences for children and parents alike. With a highly engaged and growing audience, Deborah and Jonah are not only storytellers—they’re tastemakers helping shape how families approach learning, travel, and entertainment in meaningful ways.
Entertainment Meets Purpose
Their unwavering commitment to purpose sets Deborah and Jonah apart from many rising media personalities. Every piece of content they produce—a book, a podcast episode, or an upcoming video—carries a message of global awareness, cultural appreciation, and family connection.
Their brand is not about building fame for fame’s sake. It’s about building a legacy—one that teaches children to be curious, compassionate, and confident explorers of the world. In today’s entertainment landscape, that kind of authentic storytelling resonates with audiences and industry executives alike.
In a world saturated with content but starving for meaning, Deborah Haile and Jonah Seyum aren’t just creating media—they’re creating movements. And as they continue to build their entertainment footprint, one thing is sure: the world will see a lot more of this inspiring mother-son duo in the future.
