Imagnary House
What does your company do?
Imagnary House is an award-winning publishing house and developer of kids media with a massive heart for imaginative storytelling driven by authentic characters. Founded in 2015 by Brad and Alison Harris, we've grown in heart rather than corporate size, creating over 40 titles that have travelled to 13 countries worldwide.
Amongst roaring monsters, dragons, magicians, and little heroes, we tell heartwarming tales of friendship, courage, love, and family that discover what it means to be human. Our stories, crafted by 30+ creators, prove that authentic narratives from local creators can captivate audiences globally.
We're Bologna Prize winners (2025) and two-time shortlisted publishers, expanding beyond books into audio, animation, and experiential retail. Our philosophy guides everything we do: "If you walk in the measurable, you miss out on the imaginable."
What is your biggest success?
My greatest success has been recognising the golden thread of connection that runs through my life, culminating in Imagnary House, the children's publishing company I co-founded with my husband. It weaves together everything I value – creativity, meaningful impact, and joyful collaboration. From mentoring at-risk youth through design with Sk8 for Gr8, to supporting fellow entrepreneurs at Red Bull Amaphiko, every experience has built a network I deeply cherish. Now, at Imagnary House, I find immense joy and purpose working alongside talented authors and illustrators to bring impactful stories to life – stories that travel globally, inspire young minds, and build fulfilling careers for our creatives. Witnessing these connections flourish into award-winning recognition, like being named Best Children's Publisher Africa at Bologna, has confirmed that success for me is nurturing this community and creating work I’m truly proud of.
What has been your biggest hurdle?
My biggest hurdle has often been myself, specifically, my own expectations of what's possible. Initially, I thought limited budgets were the challenge, but those constraints actually sharpened my creativity and agility. The real barrier was that my dreams weren't big enough; I was viewing the future through today's capacity, forgetting how much I'd grow. As our business expands, I've realised that our founding principle, "If you walk in the measurable, you miss out on the imaginable," isn't just inspirational – it’s essential. I'm learning to embrace bigger visions, trusting that as Imagnary House grows, so will my ability and my team's capacity. Letting go of self-imposed limitations has been tough, but stepping fully into the imaginable is what propels us forward.
