Meet Taevia Norris | Owner of Books and Brown Sugar Co

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

Hi Taevia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
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 for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Texas has roughly 300 independent and chain bookstores and of those about 7 are Black-owned. Underrepresentation and limited access are two of the biggest contributors to the literacy and achievement gap that impacts our community today. To combats these challenges and actively work towards bridging the literacy gap our goal is to open a bookstore to create a space to cultivate conversations and elevate the presence of Black authors and their narratives. Books and Brown Sugar Co celebrates black stories by sharing our experiences, culture, and community perfectly curated through powerful books, apparel and accessories designed to expand our message.

Often times in school when you get a summer reading list the works of Baldwin, Morrison, Lorde etc. are missing. I did not pick up their works 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 would like to make sure our black authors are not pushed to the side, eventually having their works required reading just as much as Frankenstein or Hamlet was. Our next goal is to open a black owned bookstore to curate a space to live out the mission of our company. The mission of Books and Brown Sugar co is to have our stories be seen, heard, and amplified in my community.

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 take them on a Black-owned business tour starting at Soiree Coffee Bar, where we can savor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in a cozy setting. Afterward, we’d indulge in a mindfulness body care session with Body Jam Essentials, treating ourselves to some pampering and relaxation. For a memorable dining experience, we’d head to Pangea, an exquisite Black-owned restaurant, where we can savor delicious cuisine and celebrate culinary artistry. Throughout the week, we’d explore other vibrant Black-owned establishments, soaking in the diverse culture and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in our community.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

A heartfelt shoutout goes to the incredible Bookstagram community, whose unwavering support has been the cornerstone of my brand, vision, and business from day one. Your passion for literature, creativity in showcasing books, and genuine engagement have not only inspired me but also uplifted countless others in the literary world. Here’s to each and every member who has shared, liked, commented, and connected, fostering a vibrant community that celebrates the magic of storytelling. Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm; you truly make the world a brighter, more book-filled place.

Website: http://booksandbrownsugarco.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/booksandbrownsugar.co/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/booksandbrownsugar.co/