At just 14 years old, our founder, Krystian Leonard, began with a vision: to create a children’s book that would help others healing with scars discover confidence, strength, and self-acceptance.

One year later, she founded Shining S.C.A.R.S. Inc. with the dream of making her message available to children and teens who, like her, faced the challenges of embracing their scars and seeing their own beauty beyond them.

Since then, Krystian has shared the mission of Shining S.C.A.R.S. on many stages and platforms, including TEDx, publications, Book Expo America, Channel Kindness, and the Miss USA competition as Miss West Virginia USA 2022.

What began as a teenager’s dream has grown into a global mission of hope, reminding children everywhere that their scars are part of their story—not something that limits their future.

At Shining S.C.A.R.S., we believe everyone has the power to make our world a brighter place, one story, one child, and one shining scar at a time.

"Growing up I experienced first-hand the trials and self-esteem issues associated with bullying I received because of my visible scars. Healing physically was the easy part, learning how to heal from the emotional scars left by bullying, was the hardest." - Krystian Leonard