Our
Story
How it started
Our story started with the dream of a 10 year old's desire to be an author and his little sister who wanted to be a banker.
Liam collaborated with his mom to co-author their first children's picture book "Ella The Banker" published in January 2024.
Their journey continued and in the spring of 2025 they will release the sequel "Ella The Banker: Let Us Save"
MEET THE AUTHORS
SHAMIM OKOLLOH
Shamim was born and raised in Kenya. A Spelman College and The Clinton School of Public Service graduate, she transitioned from the nonprofit sector to banking. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, she is raising her two children (Liam and Ella) and serves unbanked and underbanked families as an advocate for upward economic mobility. Shamim enjoys cooking, watching movies and traveling.
LIAM SPRINKLE
Liam is often spotted reading a book, a love that inspired him to want to write his own since he was eight years old. In January 2023, he teamed up with his mom to co-author his first book, turning his dream to reality while in the fifth grade. Liam enjoys reading chapter books, playing video games, coding, and riding his bike.
INSPIRED BY ELLA:
Ella wanted to be famous since she was in kindergarten. One afternoon while at her work with her mother, she said “Mommy, I want to be a banker just like you.” She was encouraged to be a commercial banker and inspired the main character in the book, co-written by her mom and brother. Ella enjoys playing with her friends, doing math, crafting, and traveling.
