Today we’d like to introduce you to Taevia Norris.
Hi Taevia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always been an avid reader. My love of black literature coupled with the need of representation was the foundation to the creation of Books and Brown Sugar Co. I joined bookstagram, a community of people sharing their love for reading via social media, there I found so many others like myself. I wanted to wear merchandise to show off my love for reading and the authors I enjoyed reading. When I looked for products that represented me, my culture, and our stories I didn’t see much out there. I did not see “bookish” products that I could wear in my community that resembled our stories. I remember seeing a quote by Toni Morrison that said “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” It really resonated with me. I believe that principle can be applied to anything. I felt like I could not find anything that represented my culture and my history, so I decided to create my own. I started to research how to create products, I took a class, and learned through trial and error. Shortly after the business was birthed all from a void in the community. It is one of the best things I have ever done.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to entrepreneurship has been a tough journey, but yet a truly beautiful one. I believe for me one struggle I have been having is finding a business mentor that looks like me. Eight out of 10 Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months. For the two out of 10 business that remained opened what did they do differently from the other 80% of business owners? That’s a question that successful business owners could offer through mentorship. I believe when a mentor pours into you and gives you their knowledge, time, and advice the limits are boundless. I believe I am at a pivotal point in my business where having a mentor could make all the difference. Having someone to guide me could be the difference in me being a part of the 20% of black-owned businesses that do not fail. I do not often see someone who looks like me who owns their own business. It can breed an environment of discouragement. I am a first-generation business owner and I have been learning through trial and error. I believe having a mentor support me will instill not only a sense of confidence that I can succeed in anything I put my mind to but also a blueprint for how they succeeded. Having a mentor is something I would really cherish and believe is the next step for me to elevate in my business endeavors.
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?
Books and Brown Sugar.co is a woman-owned, black & bookish brand for people that aim to amplify black literature. We were created to increase representation and provide a space for us to honor black authors. Our mission is to celebrate black voices by sharing our experiences, culture, and community perfectly curated through powerful apparel and accessories.
I had a customer email me and ask “Can I buy from your shop? I am not a POC, but I love your products.” That was a vital moment for me to educate and share the everyone can amplify black literature. Everyone should amplify black literature not just POC. If that customer buys a James Baldwin shirt and wears it in their community and if just one person asks “Hey. Who is James Baldwin?” that opens the line for knowledge expansion. That is the impact I plan to have. Oftentimes in school when you get a summer reading list the works of Baldwin, Morrison, Lorde, etc. is missing. I did not pick up their work until college and I think that is a problem. Sadly, the suffering and black pain is amplified more than our joy, triumph, and just everyday lives.
I hope my customers are joyous when they wear my products and feel a sense of pride in our culture and contribution to the literacy community. My mission of Books and Brown Sugar co is to have our stories be seen, heard, and amplified.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
What makes me proud of my business and who deserves credit is the support from the community. When I started books and brown sugar co I did not expect it to be a success. When I see customers wearing my products is brings a sense of joy to know there are other people out there who believe in me and my vision. My biggest accomplishment so far has been the praise I receive from my customers. I am nothing without their support and it truly carries me on the days when I have thought about giving up. To know that there are people who are rooting for you is really a blessing and I do not take it for granted. I know I will continue to reach many milestones and I believe applying for the grant is a step in making that happen. So, shout out to everyone for your support!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.booksandbrownsugarco.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/booksandbrownsugar.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booksandbrownsugar.co
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/booksnbrwnsugar
Image Credits
Jontrice Murray
