Annette Bentley-Smith is a dedicated author, creator, and entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling and enriching the lives of children and families. As the CEO of AnneCorp Literary Works LLC, she has combined her love for literature and innovation to bring imaginative, heartfelt products to the world.
A devoted wife and mother, Annette has built her career while balancing the joys and challenges of family life. She has been married for several years and cherishes the love and support of her children, who have been a source of inspiration in her creative journey. It was her granddaughter’s heartfelt wish—”Nanna, I wish you could be here every night to read to me”—that sparked the idea for Kobe’s Story-Time Plush-Tales, a unique plush storytelling companion designed to bring comfort, connection, and creativity to families. Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Annette gained a wealth of experience through various professions, each shaping her resilience and dedication to helping others. She has worked as a cashier, childcare provider, file clerk, computer operator, massage therapist, and caregiver. These roles allowed her to develop strong organizational skills, a deep sense of
compassion, and a commitment to service—qualities that now drive her success as a business owner.
Annette’s journey as an author has been just as impactful. Her books inspire young readers, teaching them valuable life lessons while fostering imagination and emotional well-being. Her commitment to storytelling and education has earned her recognition, including being nominated Author of the Year twice by AMG Heritage Music Awards. Despite the hurdles of building a business without a team, Annette remains steadfast in her mission. She has joined different programs to refine her business strategy and expand Kobe’s reach. Her determination to bring her vision to life is a testament to her perseverance, best summed up by a quote that resonates deeply with her: “Persistence beats resistance.” Through her writing, business, and advocacy for children’s emotional and educational well-being, Annette Bentley-Smith continues to leave a lasting impact—one story, one plush, and one family at a time.
Name: Annette Bentley-Smith
Family dynamics: Married for 36 years with two grown boys DanMario and Danniel Smith and a granddoll Melody Rayne Smith
Where are you from? Georgia
Hobbies/Pastime? I love to dance, bake cakes, sit at home, and watch movies.
Business/Talent? I am a children’s book author of 14 self-published children’s books and I am the CEO of AnneCorp Literary Works.
What does your business or talent offer? At my company, I created Story-Time Plush-Tales—a cuddly plush pillow koala designed to bring comfort, connection, and creativity to children. Kobe plays soothing music and narrates five of my original children’s books, while also allowing you to download and personalize content. Thoughtfully designed, it features a volume button, an earphone port, a special photo book for cherished moments, convenient back straps for
on-the-go adventures, and a book pouch for easy storage.
If people use your services, what do you want them to leave with? I want people who use Kobe’s Story-Time Plush-Tales to walk away with a deep sense of comfort, connection, and creativity. Whether it’s a child feeling soothed by the familiar voice of a loved one, a deployed parent staying present through personalized recordings, or a family bonding over shared stories, I
want Kobe to be more than just a plush—it’s a source of emotional support, a bridge for connection, and a tool for nurturing imagination. Ultimately, I want Kobe to create lasting memories, ease separation anxiety, and bring warmth and joy into every home.
What are you passionate about? What’s the driving force behind it? I’m passionate about creating books and toys that bring joy, comfort, and a sense of security to children. Nothing makes me happier than knowing something I’ve created can put a smile on a child’s face, calm their worries, or make them feel a little less alone.
My driving force? My granddoll Melody, my children, and my family—especially my parents. They are the heartbeat behind everything I do. Melody’s sweet words, “Nanna, I wish you could be here every night to read to me,” sparked the idea for Kobe’s Story-Time Plush-Tales, and my parents’ love and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today. Every book I write and
every plush I create carries a piece of that love, a piece of my heart, and a deep desire to bring families closer—one story, one hug, one moment at a time.
What would you say to those that are starting out in your field? To those just starting in this field, I’d say: Be patient with yourself, persevere through the challenges, and most importantly, believe in your vision. Have faith in your journey, even when the road feels uncertain. Find a mentor—someone who has walked the path before you—and surround yourself with like-minded
people who share your goals and dreams. Learn from those who are willing to guide you, but always stay true to your own unique purpose. Success isn’t instant, but with dedication and the right support, you’ll get there. Keep going!
What is your favorite quote? Explain? My favorite quote comes from my mother, who always told me, “Persistence beats resistance!” Those words have stuck with me throughout my journey, especially as an entrepreneur.
Hearing “no” isn’t easy—it can feel discouraging, frustrating, and sometimes even make you question your path. But I’ve learned that every “no” is just a stepping stone to that one yes that can change everything. You have to keep pushing, keep believing, and keep showing up, no matter how many doors close. Because when you’re persistent, when you refuse to give up,
resistance eventually gives way to opportunity. My mother’s wisdom reminds me daily that success isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about having the determination to push through them.
Where do you see your business or yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
In five years, I see Kobe’s Story-Time Plush-Tales becoming a household name—a must-have comfort companion for children everywhere. I envision my plush in major retail stores, in homes across the country, and in the hands of children who need comfort, whether they’re missing a parent, staying in a hospital, or just needing a soothing presence at bedtime. By then, I hope to have a solid team supporting my vision, allowing me to expand my product line, create more stories, and form partnerships with organizations that share my mission of nurturing children’s emotional well-being.
In ten years, I see Kobe’s Story-Time Plush-Tales as a globally recognized brand, reaching children and families around the world. I want to expand into licensing opportunities, collaborate with educational and wellness programs, and continue creating products that bring comfort, imagination, and connection to kids everywhere. Most importantly, I see my business thriving in
a way that allows me to give back—to donate plushies to children in need, support causes close to my heart, and create a lasting impact that goes beyond just selling a product. At the heart of it all, I want my business to reflect the love, persistence, and purpose that started it all. Kobe’s Story-Time Plush-Tales is more than just a plush—it’s a movement, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
If you could leave a lasting legacy, what would that look like? If I could leave a lasting legacy, it would be one built on love, creativity, and the power of connection. I want my children and my granddaughter, Melody, to look back and see a woman who never gave up—who turned an idea born from love into something that touched the lives of countless children and families.
My legacy would be more than just Kobe’s Story-Time Plush-Tales or the books I’ve written—it would be the joy, comfort, and sense of security my creations bring to children everywhere. I want to be remembered as someone who used her gifts to make a difference, who gave children a way to feel close to their loved ones no matter the distance, and who reminded families of the
importance of storytelling, bonding, and emotional well-being.
For my children and Melody, I want to leave behind not just a successful business, but an example of perseverance, faith, and purpose. I want them to know that dreams are worth chasing, that challenges are just stepping stones, and that their voices and ideas matter. If they carry forward the belief that persistence beats resistance and that they, too, can create something
meaningful, then my legacy will live on—not just in my work, but in them.
You can follow Mrs. Annette Smith by all of her social media:
IG: @Kobestorytimeplushtales
FB: https://www.facebook.com/mrsanniebooks
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@annettesmith8369
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsanniebooks/