Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrence Pulliam.
Hi Terrence, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story really starts with curiosity and imagination. I was the kid who was into sci-fi TV shows and movies — and I was definitely the typical boy who was obsessed with superheroes. I loved those stories and always had a vivid imagination. Unbeknownst to me, they were always surrounded by STEM in some way.
That curiosity led me to the University of Memphis, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering Technology in 2005. What I didn’t know then was that this degree would become the foundation for two very different — but deeply connected — paths in my life.
I spent the early part of my career in corporate technology, taking on various IT and leadership roles with major companies, where I sharpened my skills in IT infrastructure and systems management. But something kept pulling me toward education. I truly believe GOD knew that education is where my calling was. I was blessed to get my first opportunity in education under Aspire Public Schools Memphis Region, which later became Journey Community Schools. I have a deep love and respect for educators and administrators, and the incredible work they do every single day. I’m Memphis born and raised, and I’ve always believed this city has the talent to compete with anyone. Working with children and being part of their growth from a technology standpoint had always been a dream. I wanted to use technology not just to keep systems running, but to change what was possible for young people. That calling led me into K-12 educational technology, where I’ve now spent over 13 years.
Today, I serve as Director of Technology at Collegiate School of Memphis, overseeing everything from IT infrastructure and cybersecurity to instructional technology and Google Workspace administration.
But the Techie Twins — that’s where my heart lives outside of work.
The idea came from a simple but urgent question: where are the tech heroes that look like our kids? Children are introduced to heroes early, and those heroes stay with them as they grow. I asked myself — what if the worlds of superheroes and STEM could be combined and introduced to young children early? I wanted to create characters that would make children — especially children of color — see themselves as inventors, problem-solvers, and innovators. That vision became Techie Twins Adventures, a planned 24-book series featuring twin siblings Tyler and Ariel, who live in a Memphis-inspired city called Echo City. Every story puts technology and STEM at the center of the adventure in a way that’s fun, accessible, and empowering.
Book 1 is now live on Amazon, and the response has been incredible. What started as a creative dream is becoming a full brand — with animated trailers, character development, and so much more in the pipeline. That dream also led me to launch Pulliam Creative House, my own publishing and media company dedicated to creating STEM stories and other heartfelt stories that inspire the next generation. I’m a tech guy by training, an educator by calling, and a storyteller by choice. And I’m just getting started.
🌐 www.pulliamcreativehouse.com
🌐 www.thetechietwins.com
▶️ YouTube: @TechieTwinsUniverse
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth road? Absolutely not — and I wouldn’t change a thing.
One of my biggest early challenges was simply believing that I could do this. I’m a technology professional by trade, not a writer or publisher. Stepping into the world of children’s books meant learning an entirely new industry from scratch — self-publishing, book formatting, cover design, distribution, royalties, and marketing. There were late nights, failed attempts, and moments where I questioned whether I was in over my head. But I kept going. No matter what, creating this STEM world is fun and has a purpose. That purpose is to give kids a new take on superheroes and STEM education.
Getting Book 1 of Techie Twins Adventures onto Amazon through KDP was a journey in itself. The formatting alone — making sure the interior layout and cover met print specifications — was a real learning curve. Every time I thought I had it right, something needed adjusting. But each obstacle taught me something that made the next step easier.
Creating the characters came straight from the heart. Ariel and Tyler are actually named after my own children — they’re siblings in real life, not twins, but the bond was the inspiration. And Granny Easter, their wise mentor, is named after my late great-grandmother. The characters were always clear in my mind and in my heart. Building the visual brand around them, however, was a different challenge entirely. I wasn’t able to find an illustrator who could bring my vision to life the way I needed, so I turned to AI — and honestly, what better way to tell a STEM story than with a STEM tool? But creating consistent, recognizable versions of Tyler, Ariel, and Granny Easter using AI required a lot of trial and error. Getting that consistency right took significant time and patience.
Balancing it all has probably been the greatest challenge of all. I carry a full-time leadership role at Collegiate School of Memphis, I’m a full-time father, I’m actively pursuing my Master’s degree, and I’m simultaneously building a brand and a publishing company — by myself. Yes, this is a one-man show for now. There are only so many hours in a day. But when GOD places something on your heart, you find the time.
Memphis has always fueled me through the hard moments. This city taught me resilience. And every challenge I’ve faced has only deepened my commitment to making sure kids — especially kids who look like Tyler and Ariel — have heroes they can see themselves in.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I wear a few hats — and I’ve learned to wear them all with purpose.
By day, I’m a technology leader in K-12 education. As Director of Technology at Collegiate School of Memphis, I specialize in building and managing the technology infrastructure that keeps a school running — everything from cybersecurity and network management to Google Workspace administration and instructional technology. But what I’m most passionate about in that role isn’t the technology itself — it’s what the technology makes possible for teachers and students every single day. I’ve spent over 13 years in K-12 educational technology because I believe access to great technology is access to a better future.
Outside of my professional role, I’m the founder of Pulliam Creative House and the creator of Techie Twins Adventures — a STEM-focused children’s book series that combines the excitement of superheroes with the power of technology and innovation. I specialize in creating stories that speak directly to children of color and show them that they belong in STEM fields. That is my mission, my brand, and my calling.
What am I most proud of? Getting Book 1 of Techie Twins Adventures published and into the hands of children. That moment made everything real. But beyond the book itself, I’m proud of what it represents — a Memphis-born Black man, self-taught author and entrepreneur who built something from nothing, fueled by faith, family, and a deep love for this community.
What sets me apart is the combination of who I am and what I bring to the table. I am a Technology Director who is also deeply committed to serving children beyond the screen. Here at Collegiate, I mentor students who are working on big projects, I serve the community alongside students, I teach 7th and 8th grade computer science, and I personally talk with students about their dream jobs and preparing for life after high school. It’s more than just providing tech — it’s truly being a part of their journey. Not every Technology Director can say that.
I’m not just a storyteller — I’m a technologist who uses cutting-edge AI tools to build a children’s brand. I’m not just an educator — I’m an entrepreneur who is actively creating new pathways for how STEM content reaches young minds. I sit at the intersection of technology, education, and creativity, and that intersection is exactly where Techie Twins Adventures was born.
I’m also a father first. Ariel and Tyler — the real ones — are my greatest inspiration and my greatest motivation. Every book I write, every character I develop, every late night I push through — it’s all for them and for every child who picks up one of these books and sees themselves as the hero of their own story.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Honestly? I have not found a traditional mentor — and for a long time, I thought that was a disadvantage. But I’ve come to realize that my journey has been shaped by something just as powerful: trial and error, honest feedback, and a relentless commitment to keep learning.
Every mistake I made in self-publishing taught me something. Every piece of critical feedback I received about the brand made it better. Every late night spent figuring out a new tool, a new platform, or a new process added another layer to who I am as a creator and as a leader. That process never stops — and honestly, I don’t want it to.
What I would say to anyone looking for a mentor is this — don’t wait for one person to show up and change your life. Put your faith in GOD and let Him direct your path, and the right connections will find you along the way. Sometimes your mentorship comes in pieces. It comes from a podcast, a book, a conversation with a colleague, a failure that forced you to grow, or even a community of people online who are on the same journey. Be open to learning from every source available to you.
For networking, the most important thing I’ve learned is to show up authentically. Don’t network just to collect contacts — network to build real relationships. Share what you’re working on. Be genuinely interested in what others are building. Memphis has a tighter community than people realize, and I’ve found that when you lead with purpose and passion, the right people take notice. Along with that — network outside of your hometown. I’m looking to network all over the world.
My biggest piece of advice? Let your work speak first. When you are consistent, passionate, and mission-driven, mentors and networks find you naturally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pulliamcreativehouse.com
- Instagram: @thetechietwinsbooks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TechieTwinsUniverse
