We had the good fortune of connecting with AL D and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AL, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of the Ladikreyol brand is authenticity. From day one, I’ve shown up as my full self—Black, bookish, bold, and deeply committed to uplifting indie Black romance authors. That realness resonates. My community knows that when I recommend a book, I’ve read it, loved it, and want others to experience it too. I’m not just creating content; I’m building trust, fostering connection, and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. That purpose-driven approach, combined with consistency and deep engagement, is the heart of Ladikreyol’s success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What I’m most proud of is the platform I’ve built to celebrate and elevate Black stories—specifically the ones where we are loving, living, and thriving. As a Black book influencer, my mission has always been clear: to highlight Black romance in all its beauty and to give the authors behind those stories the spotlight they deserve.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. The road of a Black book creator often means fighting to be seen, proving your value over and over again, and navigating spaces that weren’t designed with us in mind. But I kept going. I kept showing up, grinding for opportunities that aligned with my values—opportunities that would bring integrity to my brand and the authors I love so fiercely.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay authentic. My community knows I move with purpose and heart. And what I want the world to know is that representation matters. It matters for Black readers to see ourselves in stories of love, joy, and tenderness. It matters that we see ourselves not just surviving, but being chosen, celebrated, and adored. And the authors who write those stories? They deserve to shine.

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?
We’d start at the Pan-African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery & Resource Center. It’s more than a bookstore—it’s a cultural home. We’d browse the shelves for new reads by Black authors, admire local art, and maybe even catch a community event or drum circle. A visit to the African American Museum of Dallas is a must. We’d walk through history, reflect, and celebrate Black excellence. We’d shop Black-owned brands at Bishop Arts District, then get dolled up for dinner at La Parisienne French Bistro—a hidden gem with stunning décor and even better food. The perfect spot for girl talk and elegance.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s no way I can tell my story without shouting out the incredible community of Black romance authors and Black book content creators who have inspired, uplifted, and paved the way for voices like mine. The brilliance, vulnerability, and joy Black authors pour into their stories have not only given me something to read—but something to believe in, celebrate, and amplify.

And to the Black book influencers and creators who showed up consistently, created with heart, and built spaces where our stories thrive—thank you. Watching your passion and impact reminded me that this space is ours to claim, and our narratives are worthy of the spotlight. I stand on your shoulders and walk beside you.

Website: https://www.ladikreyol.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladikreyol/

Other: https://www.threads.com/@Ladikreyol
https://www.tiktok.com/@ladikreyol

Image Credits
Ladikreyol

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.