Michael Hyacinthe, a U.S. Navy veteran, is now a successful entrepreneur who founded Wimage, LLC, and Wimee TV, a groundbreaking children’s educational initiative.
During his service in the Navy, Michael utilized his experiences with wounded veterans to create a creative and therapeutic outlet for self-expression. His passion and dedication led him to establish Wimage, a children’s media and tech company that focuses on innovative approaches to education.
At the core of Wimee TV is the popular children’s show “Wimee’s Words,” where Michael and Wimee the robot puppet collaborate to bring a unique blend of entertainment and education to young audiences. Wimee serves as a charismatic host in every episode, playing a crucial role in helping children enhance their literacy and storytelling skills.
Michael’s military background and entrepreneurial spirit have driven him to create a captivating children’s show and the Wimage application. Initially conceived as a therapeutic outlet for wounded veterans, the application’s unexpected relevance in the educational market highlights Michael’s ability to identify and address critical needs through innovation.
As CEO of Wimage, Michael is the driving force behind Wimee TV and actively participates in the creative process in the Grand Rapids Wimage Lab. He also contributes to the popular “Minute with Michael” segment on the show. His journey from a U.S. Navy veteran to a recognized entrepreneur showcases the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
You are the Founder/CEO of your own media and tech company for children; what can you tell us about bringing such an ambitious undertaking to life?
The work is challenging but achievable with good partners and collaborators. Being firm in your mission but recognizing that staying open to pivoting is very important. Innovation constantly evolves, so entrepreneurs must also put themselves in positions to learn, grow, and try.
What can you tell us about your time serving in the US Navy, and how do those experiences help serve you in your new venture?
Other than having a wonderful and fantastic team, I think the military is exactly what led me to a life of innovation and creativity. I served as a US Navy Seabee, and our motto is Can Do. That mentality of hard work, persistence, and dedication is what I put into everything I do. The opportunity to travel around the world, meet new people, and experience different cultures also played a key role. The military helped me experience a diversity of thought and innovation. It also helped me build a diverse network of friends and mentors but, more importantly, the understanding of service and sacrifice for a cause greater than myself. We all have a role to play in continuing to empower our families, our communities, and our country.
What can you tell us about your Wimage app for children?
The Wimage application provides kids with meaningful tech time by allowing them to become visual communicators and more creative producers using technology. The ability to think of an idea and instantly see the idea becoming visual can foster students’ creativity, imagination, ideation, and critical thinking. With the Wimage application, students can input a few words, see the images, then manipulate their size, shape, location, and orientation. This helps students understand the importance of vocabulary, design, and visual expression as necessary tools for communicating their thoughts and ideas. Wimage will empower students to become authors, illustrators, and designers on one platform, all from their original ideas. The app is getting a facelift as we launch our Wimee AI-powered app that will become a childhood companion to kids during their creative journey inside Wimee’s World and the Wimage app.
What can you tell us about your show “Wimee’s Words,” and what’s one of the biggest Take Aways you want children and parents to get from it?
Wimee’s Words is an interactive show that kids help bring to life! Wimee the robot and his friends share stories, music, and games that spark imagination, inspire creative thinking, and encourage a love of learning and trying new things. Each episode is filled with wacky wordplay, silly songs, and playful conversation. Wimee’s Words celebrates the diversity of languages and cultures, uses technology to invite creativity and collaboration, and ultimately fosters a growing community of young learners and creators!
How can people download or stream the program and purchase the app?
Our app is being updated and is set to relaunch in June with our newest feature, Wimee AI. Wimee AI will become a child’s companion as they journey through their storytelling and creative process. The new app will be called Wimee’s World and will be available for iOS and Android devices. Our show, Wimee’s Words, can be seen on PBS in various Markets or on PBS.ORG. You can also find our show on our Youtube channel @wimeetherobot
Any other shows or products coming up you would like us to be on the lookout for?
We are building a children’s media company focused on entertaining and educating kids in a digital world. Our next project is a series of animations titled Wimee Wonders. In partnership with the Kellog Foundation and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, we are creating and launching a series of 10 animations featuring Wimee and friends. The animations are launching this spring and teach kids about social-emotional learning, Diversity, Equity, and inclusion. We are also launching a series of kids’ books called Wimee Creates through Zonderkidz, an imprint of Harper Collins. The books are authored by educator and writer Stephanie Kammeraad and can be found wherever books are sold.
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