She creates coloring/workbooks under the name “Espoir by Autum” to help people overcome their struggles. Espoir is the French word for hope.

Some of the topics she has covered include body image issues, trauma, cancer, and old age. Using activities and positive affirmations, her books seek to uplift and empower those who use them.

This is a self-owned and operated endeavor. She not only creates the books but works the business and marketing sides as well.

It all started when her grandmother died after a battle with cancer.

An assortment of Stryker's books are placed with her other artistic works. Stryker has marketed her books through her website, email, social media, and at vendor shows.

“I wanted to make a resource for people who went through cancer so I created a coloring/work book for cancer patients.” Stryker said. “They have different coloring and workbook pages for cancer journeys. I took them to a vendor show and people liked them so I created different types of books from recommendations from people.”

From this start, there was an interest in what she was creating. She works to spread the word about her books through various methods.

“Mostly through vendor shows at first.” Stryker said. “Then since people liked it I continued to make more and promote them through social media and email marketing. And also just word of mouth. I continue to do vendor shows to spread the word as well.”

There is a clear and defined process Stryker uses to brainstorm and create her next book.

“I first pick a topic I wanna do.” She said “Then I do some research on the topic I choose, look into what would be most respectful and what helps them in the recovery process. I use a online design website and start to create the books. Finally I use affirmations for the journey the book is for and I put resources in to help with the specific journey of the book.”

"Freedom For Myself" is Stryker's newest book, focusing on war veterans. She is looking to get them into veterans centers locally and nationally.

Her business has presented its challenges. Misunderstanding of the books’ potential and spreading the word have been noteworthy.

“So far the most difficult part has been getting people to understand what the books are really about and how deep and helpful they are. When I tell people about them they usually say they are cool but they don’t really understand it as much without seeing them.” Stryker said. “The other hard part is just getting them out there and getting them seen. Not every one opens their emails so my email marketing doesn’t always work like I wanted them to.”

The pros have far outweighed the cons given the impact her books have had. Stryker shared a memorable interaction she had with the Children’s Cancer Center in Minneapolis/St. Paul.

“I started a fundraiser [to make and donate] Cancer books and I made $400.” She said. “They gave them to the kids at the cancer units and the kids loved them. It gave them something to color and it had good affirmations like ‘I am more than my hair’ for kids who had lost their hair due to cancer. It gave them confidence over issues that had negatively affected them.”

Stryker’s family believes the person who inspired her journey would be thrilled with how far she has come.

“A lot of relatives who knew my grandma who passed away from cancer looked through the books and they said ‘Grandma would’ve been so proud of you and grateful for what you did.'” She said.

Stryker has felt herself change for the better in several ways from creating her books and running her business.

“The confidence I have gotten from them [has been rewarding]. From all the good feedback I got from people like ‘you’re doing great.'” She said. “My books are a good way for me to expand and challenge myself socially and mentally and get out of my comfort zone as well as building social skills. Another part is becoming more creative. [Overall] it has helped me a lot with growing as a person.”

Stryker hopes to continue creating new books and sending them as many places as possible.

“I hope to keep expanding to different locations in the US. I have been able to get them into bigger hospitals like St. Paul and Willmar cancer centers and some therapy centers along the US. My hope is to get them into more therapy locations.” She said.

To keep expanding and creating new books, Stryker also hopes to eventually have others help with the business and marketing aspects. “I would like to be able to expand my business for when I get older, I turn 16 in a month.” Stryker said. “It is a very small business right now so I want to expand to the point where I can get help for my business and I can have with three or four people helping me.”

Those interested in seeing all of Autum Stryker’s books or purchasing one for themselves or a loved one can visit “espoirbyautum.square.site”.

Stryker can also be reached on her instagram @espoirbyautum or her Facebook Autum Stryker. Her Instagram also has her new email newsletter about mental health awareness and other awareness topics and where resources can be found.