We recently had the chance to connect with AL D and have shared our conversation below.
AL, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
“Lately, what’s been bringing me a lot of joy outside of work is connecting with my community as a book influencer. Reading and reviewing stories by Black indie romance authors, sharing those narratives with my audience, and seeing how those books resonate with others—it’s incredibly fulfilling. Hosting lives, creating content, and engaging in real conversations around these stories makes me feel like I’m amplifying voices that deserve the spotlight. It’s joyful, empowering, and honestly, a creative outlet that keeps me grounded.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m LadiKreyol, a book influencer and digital content creator who proudly amplifies the voices of Black indie fiction and romance authors. My platform is a space where storytelling, culture, and community come together. I share honest book reactions, create fun and insightful content, and spark conversations that center Black joy, love, and creativity—especially from authors who don’t always get mainstream visibility.
What makes my brand special is its heart. I’m not just recommending books; I’m building a space where readers feel seen and authors feel celebrated. Whether I’m on TikTok breaking down a spicy romance or hosting lives with authors, everything I do is rooted in authenticity, culture, and connection.
I want to inspire others to honor their stories, follow their passions, and build community in their own way.
As I like to say, I’m all about “Giving Black Stories Their Flowers.” That’s the mission behind everything I do.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious, creative, and unapologetically Black expressive girl who found joy in stories, and freedom in words. I was the one who saw beauty in the little things others overlooked. I dreamed boldly, loved loudly, and didn’t yet know the limits the world would try to place on my light.
That version of me is still here. She’s just evolved into a woman who now uses her voice to give others permission to do the same.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Yes, I remember—and it was Casey Kelley of the Casey Kelley Agency. She didn’t just hear my words; she listened to the heart behind them. When I said I wanted to give a voice to Black Urban Fiction and Romance, she didn’t question it or try to reshape the vision—she believed in it, and in me. Her consistent support reminded me that there’s power in being seen and affirmed, especially when you’re trying to carve out space for stories that deserve the spotlight.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Sure is! The public version of me is very much the real me. I feel a deep sense of freedom on my platform—I get to show up as my full self: joyful, passionate, honest, and a little bit spicy when needed. What you see online is rooted in who I truly am. Of course, I have private moments and boundaries like anyone else, but my energy, my voice, and my love for Black stories? That’s all real, all the time.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
As Beyoncé sang, “I was here.” I want people to say that I truly gave this life a chance—that I showed up, gave it my all, and didn’t hold back. I hope they remember that I used the gifts God gave me to pour into others, to uplift the community He made me a part of, and to make space for stories that deserved to be heard. I want my legacy to be one of intention, impact, and authenticity. That I made people feel seen. That I loved out loud. That I left the world fuller than I found it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ladikreyol.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladikreyol/
Image Credits
Ladikreyol
