Community Spotlight: The Sprouting Author
When Kawai Mullen first moved to Arkansas, she didn’t just plant new roots—she began cultivating a new life, one filled with purpose, creativity, and an unexpected journey into self-publishing. Mullen’s story is anything but ordinary. From her Hawaiian upbringing, where the warmth of family and culture shaped her, to the small-town charm of Cabot, where her faith and passion for education have blossomed into a mission that’s touching lives far beyond her own.
“It’s funny, I never thought I’d move to Arkansas,” Mullen laughs, recalling the series of events that led her to the Natural State. Born and raised in Hawaii, Mullen was surrounded by the vibrant traditions of her culture, where family, storytelling, and community played central roles. Growing up in a large, blended family, she was the eldest of twelve siblings—a responsibility that naturally steered her toward nurturing and teaching. “Our culture is all about Ohana—family,” she explains. “We were taught to help raise our younger siblings and cousins, and that sense of family unity has always been a part of who I am.”
Her journey took her from the sunny shores of Hawaii to the snowy streets of Massachusetts, where the stark contrast in weather and culture was challenging. “The first two years in Massachusetts were wonderful,” she recalls, “but after that, the cold was just too much. I needed to go somewhere warm.” This longing led her to Florida, where she spent 18 years, finishing her education and raising her children. It was also in Florida where her career in education truly flourished, particularly at Mount Dora Christian Academy, a Church of Christ-affiliated school that would eventually connect her to Arkansas.
Mullen’s love for writing sprouted early, inspired by her mother, a creative teacher who filled their home with books and stories. “The love of writing started at a young age. But the passion to really dive into it probably started when I was a teacher,” she reflects. Mullen spent over two decades in the classroom, where she nurtured young minds and began writing stories to connect with her students on a deeper level. Her writing wasn’t just an outlet for creativity; it was a way to engage with her students, some of whom struggled with the same learning disabilities she had faced as a child.
“When I was younger, I had a learning disability and struggled to read,” Mullen shares. “I didn’t fully realize it until later in life, but those struggles shaped my approach to teaching and writing.”
But her journey took a significant turn when she moved to Arkansas—a move she never imagined making. Mullen’s connection to Arkansas began when her daughters attended Harding University, a faith-based college linked to the school where she taught in Florida. “I jokingly told my husband, ‘You’ll never get me to move to Arkansas. What’s in Arkansas?’” she recalls with a smile. But after spending a few weeks in the state with her daughter, she found herself unexpectedly falling in love with the place. “The small-town charm, the sense of community—it just felt right,” she says. Soon after, her youngest daughter decided to attend Harding as well, and the Mullen family made the move to Cabot, Arkansas.
Once settled, Mullen faced the daunting task of figuring out what to do next. She was transitioning out of the classroom, unsure of her next steps but certain that she wanted to continue making an impact. It was during this period of uncertainty that her faith played a pivotal role. “God kind of just told me, ‘Let’s step out and write, complete, and self-publish your first book,’” Mullen says, her voice filled with conviction. The idea of publishing was terrifying, especially since she wasn’t “tech-savvy.” “I’m not a tech-savvy person. So a lot of fears [of mine were] number one, learning the technology piece and how to even self-publish a book. And then number two, a lot of fears about putting it out there and wondering if it’s of value to other people.” Yet, despite the fears, she pressed forward, driven by a sense of purpose that was too strong to ignore.
Her first book, The Little Sprout: His First Nature Adventure, was inspired by her grandson, Scout, and marked the beginning of what would become a flourishing career as an author. The story was a reflection of her love for nature and her desire to create educational content that was both engaging and accessible. “The Little Sprout” wasn’t just a story; it was a symbol of growth—both for the children who would read it and for Mullen herself as she ventured into the world of self-publishing.
The success of her first book was a turning point. It wasn’t just about the joy of seeing her work in print; it was about realizing that her stories could make a real difference. Now known as The Sprouting Author, Mullen’s books are more than just stories; they are lifelines for early learners, especially those who, like her, have struggled with reading. “I think that when kids learn to enjoy books, that’s really where the learning pieces come in. Any child can pick up a book, but if they’re struggling with reading or if they’re discouraged because they might have a learning disability and not know, just picking up a book doesn’t inspire them to pick up another book.”
Mullen didn’t stop at one book. Over the next two years, she published a total of eleven books, each one a labor of love and a testament to her commitment to education and her community. Her books are designed to be more than just entertaining—they are tools for learning, with each story crafted to engage young readers and spark their imaginations.
However, for Mullen, writing isn’t just about education; it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of others. Her books are more than stories—they’re a vehicle for giving back. “The goal behind the book and the heart behind the book was really to give back… It’s not just about selling books. It’s about doing something for our community.” This commitment to community is evident in her projects like Little Zoey’s Adventure, a book that is particularly close to her heart.
Little Zoey’s Adventure was inspired by the story of a young girl named Zoey from Cabot, who was diagnosed with brain cancer at just four years old. The book, which is part of Mullen’s “Community Give-Back” series, was written as a beacon of hope and a source of support for Zoey’s family. “As a mom of four and a grandparent, that hits my heart when I heard the story about Zoey… Writing that book was my way of helping her family during such a difficult time.” The profits from Little Zoey’s Adventure go directly to Zoey’s family, providing financial support during her treatment.
This ethos of giving back is woven into everything Mullen does, from her partnerships with local businesses to her involvement in the community. Mullen frequently collaborates with local businesses in Cabot, like Amy Thomson’s Sage Teas & Treats and Spiritual Gifts Christian Bookstore, where she hosts book events and connects with her readers. “Amy was the first to give me a chance, and for that, I’ll always be grateful,” Mullen says. “But it’s not just about growing our business; it’s really about reaching people in our community.”
Her engagement with local schools and libraries further showcases her commitment to making a difference. Whether she’s reading to children at the Cabot Library, speaking to aspiring authors at local events, or simply sharing her journey with others, Mullen’s presence is felt throughout the community. She often recounts her story, not just as an author, but as someone who has overcome challenges, embraced change, and found a way to give back in the process.
Faith is the foundation of everything Mullen does. As she embarks on new projects, including a faith-based children’s book series inspired by her granddaughter, she remains grounded in her purpose. “The books are just a small piece of what the greater purpose is, of what I want to do. The greater purpose is sharing the story of where I’ve come from and how this has happened and being able to meet people and share their story.” For Mullen, each book is an opportunity to spread a message of hope, faith, and love—a reflection of the values that guide her every day.
Mullen’s story is one of resilience, faith, and a relentless desire to give back. It’s a story that resonates not just because of the books she writes but because of the heart behind them. In a world that often feels disconnected, Mullen is planting seeds of connection, one story at a time. Her journey from a classroom teacher to a successful self-published author is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the belief that one person can make a difference.
Supporting Kavai Mullen isn’t just about buying a book—it’s about investing in a vision that’s making Cabot, and the world, a better place. “I may be just one person, but I believe that with God’s guidance, I can make a difference,” Mullen concludes. And in the quiet, determined way she goes about her work, it’s clear that she already has.
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