Elena Solina and Fabian Jude Martin, the imaginative and pioneering founders of Joy Studios, are on a mission to reinvent how kids engage with and learn through fun. Their show, Santé et Tropica, is truly more than just a show; it’s a celebration of imagination and ingenuity that captures the very essence of childhood. All of this is encapsulated and beautifully narrated in an insightful and inspired
interview.

The main characters...
Elena and Fabian’s passion is evident as they discuss the origins of Santé et Tropica. They beam with pride and excitement when talking about the two main characters—everyday kids who are always in good spirits as they embark on amazing explorations. Their goal was to capture the spirit of childhood, where boundless curiosity stems from gentle and pure hearts. Unlike stereotypical portrayals of children, Santé et Tropica are adventurers who explore the world with a magical sense of wonder. They break the mold of kids typically depicted as either obedient or rebellious. Instead, they showcase a wide spectrum of behaviors that profoundly reflect the innocence and exuberance of a child.

Furthermore, Elena and Fabian produced the show with a diverse audience in mind. They aim to treat boys and girls with equal respect and representation. As Fabian explains, “The show is focused on both boys and girls. It’s not just for boys, it’s not just for girls. We believe in gender balance and don’t focus on gender equality because we think both genders are special in their own way.”
Through this approach, viewers have the opportunity to see themselves in the characters they admire, without emphasizing gender roles and the complex implications often propagated by the media. In other words, the characters’ journey promotes a sense of natural equity without making it the central focus. Developing and creating Santé et Tropica has had its share of challenges, but Elena and Fabian’s
extensive industry experience has been invaluable. Their background has equipped them to anticipate and tackle obstacles, ensuring that their vision remains intact throughout the entire creative process.

As Elena puts it, “We didn’t have to sit and face any challenges because we could already foresee everything that’s needed to be done.” She adds, “I believe that this great deal of experience we bring to the business helps us not only start well but also continue to grow in the future. When it comes to challenges, we’ve seen them all, so we’re not afraid of many more coming.” Targeted at children aged 4 to 6, Santé et Tropica blends entertainment with valuable life lessons. Themes like staying true to oneself, respecting others, cherishing the world around, and most importantly making a difference in the world are cleverly integrated into every story.

Elena and Fabian believe that the most meaningful learning happens when children explore the world and not solely through traditional classroom setting. By incorporating valuable teachings into action- packed escapades, essential life skills are imparted effectively because this is the approach that kids naturally embrace.

The inspiration...

Fabian reflects on his extensive background in writing youth-related stories and skits. “I’ve been writing youth-related short stories and skits for as long as I can remember,” he shares. “The current cultural climate has made me deeply concerned about the messages being conveyed to younger generations,” as he shows a little bit apprehension with the current observable trends. He continues, “We realized that if we don’t intervene now, future generations might develop a distorted understanding of fundamental concepts like family and respect.” Elena strongly agrees and adds a perspective on her journey. “From a young age, I’ve been contemplating the future and the legacy I want to leave behind. Like Fabian, I noticed the world increasingly swayed by false prophets and corrupt leaders,” as she recounts how the younger generation has been fed by so much negativities. She continues, “Rather than fighting the existing systems, we decided to build new ones. Children, being the seeds of our future, became our joint focus.”

The future...
Looking forward, Joy Studios is set to expand its horizons exponentially. Plans include a live show, a movie, and a mobile game app to keep children engaged with Santé et Tropica. Elena excitedly shares, “We are making a movie, which is a big secret at the moment. I’m sure you will love it. We’re also working on a mobile game application so kids can stay in touch with their favorite characters
throughout the day.” There’s also a themed water park in the works, offering families a chance to dive into the world of Santé et Tropica on a whole new level. “The biggest part is that we want our audience to physically experience the characters’ world, not just virtually. As such, we’re creating a themed water park for parents and kids to re-live Santé et Tropica’s experiences and apply all the lessons learned in reality,”
Elena continues.
In addition, Joy Studios is setting its sights on emerging markets in Asia and Africa. These regions offer boundless possibilities due to their vibrant cultures and growing populations. As Joy Studios grows, they plan to make a global impact, extending their influence far beyond their current Middle Eastern base.