Today we’d like to introduce you to Traphena Souder
Hi Traphena, 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?
I moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in 2022 after living in East Texas for six years, where I had built strong connections and a sense of community. When I relocated, I found myself deeply longing for that same connection—not just through books, but with people, especially women who looked like me and shared similar experiences. I realized there was a need for a space where Black women could gather, share stories, and connect on a deeper level.
That longing inspired me to start Brown Book Babes in January 2024. It was born out of a desire to build a community centered on books, sisterhood, and shared empowerment. Our first meeting was in March of that year, and from the beginning, the energy and enthusiasm from the women who joined reaffirmed my belief in the importance of creating this space.
Since then, Brown Book Babes has grown into so much more than a book club—it’s become a supportive, thriving community where we not only celebrate our love for literature but also uplift and inspire one another.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges have been valuable in shaping Brown Book Babes into what it is today. We use a platform called Bookclubs to organize our group and communicate. While the app was helpful in the beginning, it became a challenge to get members to step beyond the digital space and actually show up for in-person meetings. Building that bridge between virtual participation and real-life connection was tougher than I expected, but it’s been so rewarding to see it happen over time.
Another challenge has been sharing my ideas due to juggling various life events. When I first started Brown Book Babes, I had so many ideas in my head about what I wanted the club to be, but I quickly realized I couldn’t do it all alone. It took time to figure out how to share my vision with the group and involve other members in a way that made them feel a sense of community and ownership. Learning to let go and trust others with different aspects of the club has not only lightened the load but also greatly improved the club and strengthened the sense of involvement and connection among our members.
Through these challenges, I’ve learned that building community takes patience, communication, and a willingness to adapt. Every obstacle has been an opportunity to grow and improve, and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Brown Book Babes is a community-driven book club focused on empowering and connecting Brown and Black women through a shared love of reading. Our mission is to foster deep, meaningful discussions about literature while creating a supportive network for members to engage socially, professionally, and intellectually.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just about books—we’re about building genuine connections. In a world where many of us feel disconnected, Brown Book Babes offers a safe and welcoming space for women to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. We prioritize inclusivity and aim to make every member feel like they’re part of something bigger—a sisterhood of readers who uplift one another.
Our vision is to build a dynamic and inclusive community of Brown and Black women readers across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with multiple chapters and a robust platform for networking, celebrating, and supporting one another. We want to be more than just a book club; we want to be a movement that inspires connection, growth, and empowerment for women who share our passion for literature and community.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the way Brown Book Babes has evolved into a space that truly resonates with its members. Seeing women come together—not just to discuss books but to support each other’s goals, celebrate milestones, and form lasting friendships—is the heart of what we do.
For readers learning about us for the first time, I want you to know that Brown Book Babes is a community where you’ll always feel welcome. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just rediscovering your love for reading, there’s a seat at our table for you.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
There are several resources that have been essential in helping me stay organized and inspired as I run Brown Book Babes. We started out using the Bookclubs app, which was great for managing our book selections and discussions, but we’ve since transitioned to leveraging Instagram and Facebook, especially our private Facebook group, to connect with members and keep everyone updated on upcoming meetings and events.
I’ve found so much inspiration from the Balanced Black Girl podcast, which offers empowering conversations about self-care, personal growth, and community building. When it comes to books, I’m a huge fan of anything written by Brené Brown—her work on vulnerability and leadership has been a guiding force as I grow this community.
A big game-changer for me has been Trello, which our social media chair introduced to the group. I instantly fell in love with how easy it makes planning and organizing tasks, whether it’s brainstorming book club themes, delegating responsibilities, or scheduling events. It’s been such a helpful tool for collaboration within our team.
Most importantly, I’ve come to rely on the resource of people. Creating committee chairs has been instrumental in helping to organize our activities, keep things running smoothly, and distribute responsibilities. This structure has not only made the workload more manageable but also fostered a stronger sense of ownership and community within the group. It’s been a wonderful way to ensure that we all work together toward the mission of Brown Book Babes.
These tools and resources, combined with the dedication and support of our amazing members, have allowed us to grow into a thriving and organized community for Brown and Black women.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Brownbookbabes
- Other: TikTok: brownbook.babes
