We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Bond-Cover and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted a more diverse representation of people of color in books accessible to my community. Also to share my love of reading, and create awareness for authors of color!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The purpose of The LITuary is to not only expose people to new authors, to expand their reading tastes, but to have fun while doing it! When I pop up, I not only have a vast number of books, but I also offer a wide variety of beverages. One of my major challenges and goals is getting people away from the stigma that reading is boring, or only certain groups of people read! We all read; you just need to find your flavor!!! Being a stay-at-home mom, I have tried my fair share of businesses to keep myself busy. I can be honest and say it took a while, but I knew entrepreneurship ran through my veins. I just had to find the right one. With the LITuary, not only does it spark a long-lost love, but it gives me the opportunity to help others find something they love, and that was my ultimate goal!

The lessons that I have learned throughout the course of my business are that you must stay consistent, as well as persistent. There will be times when you do not want to do or even being present, but you must. In this solo endeavor, it is only you. People, your customers are counting on you! So, you must put personal aside and replace that with professionalism if you want your business to succeed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would probably take them to eat at the family favorite, Mi Cocina. We would also take a tour of Dallas, and see a few sites. Coffee and avocado toast at my favorite coffee shop, Soiree Coffee Bar. And to finish it up with drinks and live music at Michael’s in Irving, featuring my favorite band, Front Cover.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that I would like to dedicate this shoutout to, so I will try to make it short. First and foremost, I want to give honor to God. If it wasn’t for him, there would be no me. He created me to live in my purpose and tailored it just for me. My mother, for instilling in me core values and showing me how to live life in truth and still carry myself like a lady first. My husband, Antonio, for allowing me creative control in this thing we call entrepreneurship. Always offering his criticism, even though I never listen and never rubbing it in my face when things don’t go as planned. MY GIRLS, Lelani Hays, and Michelle Walton, for being that late in the midnight hour voice that pushes me to continue doing what I’m doing even though things don’t go as planned. I thank you!!! And last but definitely not least, to Stephanie Anderson. Girl, this was absolutely out of my comfort zone but I thank you! #biggerandbetter2022

Website: www.thelituary.com

Instagram: @thelituarydfw

Facebook: @thelituarydfw

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