Our name comes from a Madagascan folktale…
The story goes that long, long ago, humans needed a concept of death, or the world would become overpopulated.
So we had a choice: live like the moon and be reborn alone each month, or live like the banana tree, which withers and dies but leaves behind offspring. In the end, we chose to live like the banana tree, because what is life if you can’t share it with family and friends?
The name Plantain is a homage to the distinct flavours of our African, Caribbean and Asian roots, and to the fact that plantains are migrants, just like us.
We Transform Stories into Heirlooms
Plantain is devoted to transforming personal stories and company histories into exceptional, heirloom-quality books. We are for clients who see beyond the template — for those who believe their most important stories deserve to be told with intimacy, artistry, and obsessive care.
Our Philosophy
A project with Plantain is a true collaboration. We don’t just take on projects; we begin partnerships. If we choose to work together, it means we are as invested in your story as you are in our process. You get our full, multidisciplinary attention.
We want to understand your vision, your aesthetic, and your hopes for the future — and then translate that into a Memoir, Family History, Company History, or Portfolio Book that is personal, profound, and permanent.
We design books that are beautiful, but more importantly, books that feel right. None of our projects are off-the-shelf. Every detail is considered: what is essential, what is not. We care about how a touch of whimsical detail can elevate a design from the exquisite to the unforgettable. We think about what kind of story we’re leaving behind… for you and for future generations.
You can learn more about our philosophy by watching our Tedx Talk below, or reading about our process right here.
Our Foundation
Plantain was founded in 2012 by Felicia Chang. During her international work as a Health Researcher, she observed how sharing real-life stories connected people in ways nothing else could. That led her to wonder: If everyone could truly share and understand one another’s experiences and complexities, might we not all get along a little better?
Realizing that stories must be captured before they vanish, she transformed her grandmother’s life into a short film (Popo’s Journey), which received acclaim at film festivals. Inspired, she teamed up with co-conspirator Zaake De Coninck to create a company for others ready to celebrate their stories.
Fast forward to today, and our practice is design-led — an innovative agency where writers, editorial designers, illustrators, and researchers collaborate so your book is as visually powerful as it is narratively rich.
Our work has been recognised for its clarity, craft and emotional resonance, and we’ve been invited to speak at or featured by:
Harvard University
Tedx
Cornell University
Forbes
Tribeca Film Festival
And many more.
Our Team
Our team is as diverse as the stories we tell. Depending on your project’s scope, it may be crafted by any of the following:
Felicia Chang, Co-Founder & Director – Felicia takes a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and is always learning something new. She is trained in Global Health, and has lived in Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Germany. She was voted as one of the top 50 Women in Tech in the Caribbean (2021, Silcone Caribe).
Zaake De Coninck, Co-Founder & Director - Zaake was trained in Psychology and Health Research in Canada and Sweden (publishing a few papers along the way), but today he is particularly interested in how our early life experiences shape our human development
Tyrona (Ty) Heath, Board Member - Ty is the Global Lead for the B2B Institute @ LinkedIn, the former President of LinkedIn's Black Inclusion Group (BIG) and the Co-Founder of LinkedIn's annual TransformHER conferences. She is also a two time Olympic Trials qualifier in track and field for the 800 meters in 2004 and 2008.
Timiebi Souza-Okpofabri, Intern - Armed with a B.A. in Ethnicity, Race and Migration, Timiebi is also a DJ of female DJ collective, Battimamzelle, @batti.mamzelle
Filipa Ferreira, Book Designer - Filipa is a talented graphic designer with an exceptional eye for layouts and typography. Her positive attitude, attention to timelines, and love for her craft make her a perfect fit in giving a visual identity to your personal stories.
Rita Davis, Book Designer - Passionate, with a deep interest in art and culture, Rita adds a unique flair to all the visual identities and editorial projects she embarks on.
Victoria Muriti, Artist & Illustrator - Whimsical and creative, Victoria is currently based in Moscow.
Leo Kina, Artist & Illustrator - Fun and versatile, Leo collaborates from his home in Brazil.
Ann Dardaine, Senior Researcher - Ann has worked as a Genealogist for programs on the BBC and PBS. She is also an avid writer and is currently completing her first novel.
Anne-Marie Lazarus - Senior Researcher - Ann-Marie is a savvy, thorough and detail-oriented expert on ancestry records with a love for beads and jewellery making. She has worked as a Genealogist for programs on the BBC's Who Do You Think You Are?
Ryan Lee – Filmmaker/Audiovisual Expert. Ryan is a cinematic storytelling wiz who trained in audio engineering under Grammy award winning tutors, and has worked internationally on award winning video content.
Navid Lancaster - Audiovisual Expert. Navid is a stickler for timelines and tech. He helps with preservation of all audio memories.
To capture the uniqueness of your stories, we have built a diverse network of trusted writers and editors that range from seasoned published experts to rising star talent.
Contact us to learn more about our team and beliefs.
Careers
We’re always on the lookout for ambitious, creative and passionate people to join our team! Whether you are a writer, designer (print/web), developer, or storyteller of any other kind, please reach out and share some of your work by emailing us letstalk[at]plantain.me.
Alternatively, Design your own Job.
Are you a curious, creative person excited about helping people save and share their memories? Tell us how you would like to work with us!
Plantain is currently collaborating with Succession Strength and The Long Distance Grandparent.