The Zebra: “They Built an ‘AI-Free Zone’ for Kids—And It All Started at a Neighborhood Restaurant”
August 9, 2026 — The Zebra reporter How three women behind Inkandescent Kids are getting children off TikTok, out of AI, and into the reporter’s notebook as their magazine turns one. Scroll down to read the article, and click here to check it out in TheZebra.com.
ALEXANDRIA, Va – Hope Gibbs envisioned a publication that helps children shine over a decade ago. Now, her dream is celebrating its first birthday. On Saturday, August 8, the team behind Inkandescent Kids gathered at Elaine’s Restaurant to host a milestone celebration for their magazine, designed to be for kids, by kids, and about kids.
Echoing the title of the magazine, Gibbs, the founder and publisher, adds: “I just wanted to have something for kids that made them shine.”
Family First: InkandescentKids magazine is inspired by and dedicated to Hope’s family. From left to right — Anna, Michael, Hope, Dylan and Nancy
Rooted in Educational Leadership
Background-wise, Gibbs holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from George Washington University and served as the communications director for the City of Fairfax schools for ten years. In fact, her adult children, Anna and Dylan, inspired her to build a publishing brand that began in 2008 and grew to include titles focused on health, wellness, and female empowerment.
“My kids are my inspiration,” Gibbs noted. Consequently, building the children’s branch quickly became a true family endeavor when she decided to self-fund the venture. “Last summer I just said, ‘I’m just going to do this myself.’ It’s very much a family affair.” Furthermore, her husband serves as the art director, lending his award-winning illustration and design skills to the magazine’s visual identity.
A Powerhouse Creative Team
Meanwhile, the team expanded significantly in February after a chance meeting over lunch at Elaine’s Restaurant. First, Gibbs connected with novelist, homeschool parent, and former teacher Ellen Smith, who quickly stepped into the editor role.
“I was looking for ways we could collaborate with young writers,” explained Smith. “When Hope told me about Inkandescent Kids, I immediately said, ‘Oh, I’m interested.’” As a result, Smith brought deep educational expertise and transformed the project.
Soon after, children’s book author Alexandra (Alex) Kuehn joined the creative trio. “The three of us just came together to give the magazine a lot of life and a lot of juice,” said Kuehn, emphasizing their shared mission to empower young creators.
Refining the Magazine’s Initial Focus
In its initial year, the publication spotlighted adult authors, children’s book writers, and student essayists. For example, features ranged from student essays about peace to compelling personal experiences. For instance, a university student intern contributed pieces about navigating shifting U.S. immigration policies.
The InkandescentKids editorial team at St. Elmo’s Coffee Shop in Del Ray, VA: Hope Katz Gibbs, publisher, and Ellen Smith, editor (Photo by AnnaGibbs.com)
Expanding into K-12 Student Journalism
Now, the magazine is officially transitioning into its next core phase: workshop-driven K-12 student journalism. To achieve this, the team is launching three key focus areas:
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Youth Workshops: First, the team is launching interactive writing classes to train young journalists as part of its first-birthday initiative.
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Child-Centric Content: Additionally, the publication is actively expanding its library of articles written specifically by kids, rather than just for them.
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Real-World Storytelling: Ultimately, students learn to interview, research, and present original perspectives that prompt pride from parents and grandparents alike.
Empowering Young Voices
“Startups have got to start somewhere,” Gibbs said regarding the evolution. “Right now, we are launching our classes for the students so they can truly take the mic.”
Fostering Curiosity in a Digital Age
In addition to teaching mechanics, the founders want to create an environment that balances screen time.
“This is an AI-free zone,” emphasized Gibbs. “We want to get them off TikTok—or if they stay on it, they have to question it. This is a platform where we encourage kids to ask a million questions. No question is a bad question.”
Inspiring Confident Future Leaders
Therefore, through hands-on writing and reporting, the team aims to transform passive social media consumers into confident, curious leaders who shape their own ideas. “If you follow your curiosity and question things, then hopefully you end up in the world a little bit more secure and confident,” Gibbs added. “You become a leader instead of just following what other people are thinking.”
With that mission in mind, readers interested in exploring the publication or enrolling students in upcoming writing classes can learn more at https://inkandescentkids.com