Anita Frost, founder of Green Bean Studios, has built a children’s brand around the character Green Bean, designed to align with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. With over 20 years as a child development practitioner, Frost won the KPMG Black Entrepreneurs’ Awards in 2024, securing £25,000 and a 12-month acceleration program.
From Child Development to Edutainment
Green Bean Studios, now in its fifth year, has partnered with Findel Group on Green Bean & Me, an edutainment subscription series for children up to seven years old. The series, delivered on the EuHu platform, supports the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Frost’s goal is to address declining child mental health and social skills by offering a character-driven ecosystem that encourages play and learning.
The company produces an award-winning book series sold in Waterstones and independent bookshops, along with eco-toys available in independent retailers and venues like Manchester’s Whitworth Gallery. Supported by partners including the National Literacy Trust and Innovate UK, Green Bean aims to bring positive impact to children, one at a time.
Building a Legacy Character
Frost designed Green Bean to stand alongside legacy characters like Winnie the Pooh, combining social science and creativity. The brand’s core pillars—Earth, Community, and Kids—focus on environmental education, community engagement, and child empowerment. For instance, the outdoor gardening range teaches children to care for nature, while storytime events in Waterstones and toy shops create direct interaction with the audience.
Looking back, Frost advises founders to celebrate small wins rather than constantly chasing the next goal. She emphasizes the importance of self-kindness and rest to prevent burnout, a lesson she applies to her own business practices.
Frost credits mentorship and professional development, such as the Help to Grow: Management Course, for refining her vision and securing this milestone.
Frost’s approach to business is defined by impact, ensuring her supply chain, workforce, and consumer base benefit from Green Bean’s mission. Guided by a circular economy model, the company aims to create lasting moments and a generational legacy through its products and initiatives.
Impact and Legacy
The Earth pillar emphasizes environmental education, with products like the outdoor gardening range teaching children to care for nature. The Community pillar involves direct engagement with the audience through storytime events in various venues, creating a sense of connection. The Kids pillar focuses on empowering children through products and resources that support their academic, creative, and emotional development.
Advice for Founders
She advises building a strong ecosystem and carefully evaluating one’s network to focus on growth-oriented spaces. Finding a mentor who can challenge and refine one’s thinking is also important, as evidenced by her experience with the Help to Grow: Management Course and her work with Dr. Ann Mulhaney at the University of Salford’s Sustainability Centre.
Strategic partnerships and professional development have been key to Green Bean Studios’ success. The non-exclusive IP deal with Findel Group, secured after participating in the Help to Grow: Management Course and receiving a £5,000 grant, has expanded the brand‘s reach across the UK and opened doors for international growth. Frost encourages new founders to seek out similar opportunities, highlighting the value of government-funded programs like Help to Grow.
Green Bean Studios continues to thrive, driven by its commitment to fun adventures, educational value, and a positive impact on children. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, the brand is well-positioned to leave a lasting legacy in the world of children’s edutainment. The company’s latest initiative, an EdTech series in partnership with Findel Group, further solidifies its role in supporting child development and school readiness, one child at a time.