Ep. 96 How Leah Hernandez Is Diversifying the Publishing Industry
3/17/26
Leah Hernandez had a goal to to amplify diverse voices in an industry that has long excluded them. So, she built Muse Inc. In this episode of DO GOOD X, hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis revisit their Season One conversation with Leah, founder and CEO of Muse Inc., a global independent publishing company with over 40 books in print. Leah shares her journey from writing her first book as a college sophomore at Clark Atlanta University to leading a company that is reshaping representation in books. She reflects on navigating the transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit model and offers candid insight into sustainable business decisions that have kept her company growing and aligned with her “why”.
In This Episode
- 00:00 Introduction to the story behind Muse Inc. and diverse publishing leader Leah Hernandez
- 03:53 Leah shares what sparked her passion for diverse voices and how she launched her first book as a college sophomore at Clark Atlanta
- 06:34 The pivot from nonprofit to for-profit: challenges with grant funding and why structure matters for a sustainable business.
- 10:12 Leah's three-part framework for deciding between a nonprofit and a for-profit business model for purpose-driven entrepreneurs
- 12:40 Discussion of resources for breaking into diverse publishing and Legacy Unbound for paid internships
Key Takeaways
💎 Representation in publishing is not just a creative issue; it is a structural one. Leah Hernandez built Muse Inc. because the people missing from books are also missing from the boardrooms, trade shows, and ownership tables of the publishing industry.
💎 Transitioning from a nonprofit to a for-profit model is not a compromise of mission. It can be the most strategic move an impact entrepreneur makes, unlocking the ability to scale, generate returns, and build lasting ownership for underserved communities.
💎 Financial literacy and diverse storytelling are not separate conversations. From her earliest work teaching money management on Atlanta's west side to publishing books that kids can sell, Leah has always seen economic access and narrative access as deeply connected.
About The Hosts
Kimberly R. Daniel
Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change.
Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, it is her commitment to produce effective processes and create authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.
In addition, Kimberly has nearly 10 years of experience as a certified life coach and has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship centered on social impact. She is co-author of A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
In any aspect of her work, she is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good.
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Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X, a start-up accelerator for diverse Christian social entrepreneurs. He is an organizational change strategist and a leadership development specialist, focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work on purpose. Stephen is the co-author of Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
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