Today we’d like to introduce you to Cicely Carr.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
One of my guilty pleasures is books. I remember always being in the library during the summers and holiday breaks. I loved trips to the independent bookstores and just finding something new and interesting to read. Fast forward, this is my fifth year teaching English/SpEd English and my love for literature has grown. I have been feeling stuck the past two years and had an epiphany type of moment where I just was comforted at the thought of opening a bookstore and being a full-time creative. A little over a year ago, I started a zine called Kindred Creatives Art and Literary Zine to highlight voices for the culture. People shared their artwork, short stories, poetry, and more.
Then I attended the Association of Writers and Authors Programs conference and saw all these presses but very few represented people of color. Because of that, I was inspired to turn the zine into a small press. I have one printed publication, many online and soon to be more. When I was thinking of names for my bookstore, I was like, why not use what you already have and that is how we get the bookstore! What to look forward to Bookstore featuring 60% Self-Published/Indie Authors of color offering space for authors to do book signings and more Makerspace: Arts and Crafts for ALL Ages offering space for events as well Makers Market: Creatives of color can use this space to sell products they make Literacy Center: Classes for literacy, creative writing, wellness, life skills, and more.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth road, no… Challenging indeed, but worth it? YES! One of the challenges I have is trying to do it all! This is something I have been working on, asking for help and delegating roles. It is hard because it is my baby and trusting others will love it and represent it can be nerve-wracking but I know if I want longevity and to not burn out, I have to let others rise to the occasion. Another is fundraising, our goal is to raise 50K and that is a lot, especially when I am just starting out and not many people know me or what I am doing. So hopefully, soon, people will begin to see and trust the vision! Another is marketing, spreading the word. Social media is great but people trust the product that they have interacted with. Covid definitely has made it more difficult for public activities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Art and creating in all forms is healing for me. Summers off I would learn something new and I loved it. I began writing as a young person but became more serious about it seven years ago with my blog, Bougie Black Blogger. Then I added educational and self-care components. I hosted workshops, created themed journals and more. I was offered to cover events and conduct interviews with celebrities and more. I LOVED it! I began painting about three years ago, first watercolor, then gouache, and then acrylic and mixed media. I am part of a collective called We Here: Black Woman Collective and have been in an art show and auction for my art. I love to create and want to do it as a career. My goal is to become a full-time creative and having my bookstore where I can share my love of literacy and creativity will allow me to go after my goal.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
With the bookstore, I am looking for creatives, authors, educators and financial backers. I recently co-hosted an event called, The State of LIT: Self-Published, where I was able to provide a platform for authors to share their journey. In Dec, I hosted The LIT Christmas, where I was able to give away books and school supplies to the youth. Feb 20, I will be hosting a huge Black History Month Family Day event featuring panelists, yoga, arts and crafts and more. It takes money to host these events, volunteers to help organize and run them, and we need the talent. These are just some of the things that we will be doing in the book store! This is a community and collective space for creatives and entrepreneurs and I can take all the support I can!
Contact Info:
- Email: kindredcreativeszine@gmail.com
- Website: http://kindredcreativeszine.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kindredcreativesalp
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindredcreativesALP
Suggest a Story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
