The Zebra: “They Built an ‘AI-Free Zone’ for Kids—And It All Started at a Neighborhood Restaurant”
August 9, 2026 — The Zebra reporter Lisa-Helene Lawson attended our August 8 InkandescentKids.com Children’s Book Fair and 1st Birthday Bash at Elaine’s restaurant in Old Town, Alexandria. In the article, she explains: 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.
By Lisa-Helene Lawson, 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 …
