psst...I'm building a bookstore (and I need your help)!
Allow me to introduce you to Zora's Place, Evanston's first Black feminist bookstore
Wednesday Wisdom
“Choosing what’s convenient over what’s aligned will always leave you unsatisfied and stagnant. Cut it out.” ~ Alex Elle
Morning Musings
Ever since I first visited Café con Libros, an intersectional feminist bookstore, with my friends and book club buddies Sierra and Heather back in 2019, I’ve dreamed of opening a bookstore/coffee shop/yoga studio/co-working and event space. Specifically, I referred to it as my “retirement dream,” a lofty goal that I would pursue after I’ve written my books and raised my babies.
And then came along 2025—where absolutely NOTHING has gone according to plan, the economy is tanking and we’re quite literally on the brink of WWIII. So I’ve adopted what my business coach Jenni Gritters has been referring to as “big f*ck it energy,” or BFIE for short (to be clear, she does not call it BFIE (idk…is this pronounced bee-fye?), but I love a good acronym).
It all began last year when one of my mom friends asked about a local Black-owned bookstore for an event and I shared my dream of opening a bookstore. A few months later, that same friend was looking for a Black-owned store to do some holiday shopping for her coworker. I said my store would carry such items—journals, pens, candles, trinkets, etc.
Fast forward to a few months ago when said friend and I were casually browsing Mestiza Shop, a Latinx gift shop in Pilsen, with our families after brunch when she turned to me with a candle in her hand and said, “See, this is exactly what you could carry in your store.”
And once again, the dream started to take shape. What could a Black-woman owned bookstore in Evanston look like? There weren’t any, to my knowledge, and I dared to think I could be the first. Talk about building a legacy! So I did what any good journalist would do and I contacted the Evanston History Center.
“From what we could find in our archives and in the online Newspaper archives, we found nothing that indicated there has been a Black woman-owned bookstore in Evanston. However, there were two Black-owned bookstores, one called Ebony Books and another called the Learning Tree. Additionally, there were several bookstores owned by women,” according to the manager of the Evanston Women’s History Project.
My assumption had been correct. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love an independent bookstore. Period. And…I don’t always want to have to drive 45 minutes to an hour (depending on traffic) to the South Side just to support a Black-owned bookstore (although shoutout to Call & Response…they’re my fave!). Black people live in the North Shore, too!!
Then I remembered my internet friend Katherine who opened her bookstore, Grand Gesture Books last year, interestingly enough after she’d read my book, Stop Waiting for Perfect. Before opening her physical store, she started with an online storefront on Bookshop.org and had a few in-person pop-ups…what if I did the same?
I’d been low-key eyeing real estate properties in Evanston, trying to figure out what would be the best location for foot traffic and also far away enough from the existing bookstores. There was a spot on Central Street that caught my attention each time we visited the coffee shop down the street. It was an ideal location, but the lease? Not so. much. Something to the tune of $3,500/month. Yea, no.
So I put the dream on the back burner until…the job I’d spent two months interviewing for didn’t result in an offer. At the same time, I’d been in talks with the owner of The Aux Wellness Collective—a Black woman-owned mental health and wellness space—about teaching yoga classes, but wanted to figure out my job situation before committing to a schedule. I knew they had some pop-up spaces available and was curious what the rate was so I could test out my bookstore idea and have proof of concept, so I inquired…
Welp, as it turns out the owner was thinking a bookstore/gift shop concept would be perfect for the one remaining retail space in the collective. And as soon as I saw it, I knew it would be the future home of Zora’s Place, Evanston’s first Black feminist bookstore.
Now Zora, of course, is a tribute to Zora Neale Hurston, literary icon and author of my favorite book, Their Eyes Were Watching God. And I chose Place over Books because, well, it sounded better quite honestly. But also because this is about more than books. What I envision is a community space where where Black women can browse the shelves and actually see themselves and their stories (and their mama’s stories, and their aunties’ stories and their daughter’s stories) reflected back at them. A space to shop intentionally, to rest unapologetically, and to gather in community.
I’m talking author talks, storytime, open mic nights, writing workshops, sister circles and more. I want it to be a cozy spot where you can buy a book for yourself and a gift for a friend all with the knowledge and satisfaction that not only are you supporting a Black woman-owned business (hi, that’s me! 🙋🏾♀️), but every item is created (with love) by a person of color.
But I can’t do it on my own, so this is where you come in. If the mission and vision of Zora’s Place resonates with you, I’d love nothing more than for you to contribute toward our goal of raising $25,000 to get this store up and running. There are nearly 3,000 of y’all on this list and if everyone chipped in $25, we will easily exceed our goal!
Here’s a glimpse at what your support will cover:
Shelving, furniture, and interior design
Inventory and POS system
Rent and utilities for the first few months
Marketing and community launch events
Branding and packaging for our first in-house product line…and so much more!
And if a monetary donation isn’t in the cards right now (believe me, I OVERstand!), please share the fundraiser with your friends and like us on Instagram! Whether you give $5 or $500, share the link, or say a prayer—your support means everything.
By backing Zora’s Place, you’re not just supporting a bookstore. You’re investing in a movement rooted in storytelling, sisterhood, and self-care. We can't wait to welcome you through our doors, hand you a cup of tea, and say, “Welcome home.”
Upcoming Events
June 26: R&B Yoga Flow at The Aux Wellness Collective. Last week’s Juneteenth R&B yoga flow was such a balm. Will I see you on the mat tomorrow? 👀 No registration needed and your first class is FREE!
June 28: Unfiltered & Unapologetic: A Book Launch & Conversation. Join me for the Chicago book launch of Judy McCutcheon’s book, Unfiltered and Unapologetic: A Woman’s Guide to Live, Love, and Lead with Boldness. I’ll be serving as the moderator for this event, which includes heavy hors D’oeuvres, beverages and authentic networking. Get your ticket here.
June 29: Crown Act Day. Come check out Zora’s Place at our first pop-up event at Evanston Public Library’s Crown Act Day Event at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center. Register here.
Last Chance to Join The Create Intensive!
If your business has been feeling…off lately—low revenue, burnout creeping in, and offers that used to work falling flat—you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not stuck.
That’s where CREATE comes in. My brilliant business coach (okay, my only business coach), Jenni Gritters, just launched an eight-week intensive to help you redesign your business model in a way that feels right—financially, emotionally, and energetically. It’s for solopreneurs, creatives, and small business owners who are tired of grinding and ready to lead with alignment, ease, and intention.
The beta round for the intensive kicks off tomorrow June 26. Will I see you there? 👀
What I’m Reading
How to Vacation With Small Kids and Actually Enjoy It (The Power Pause)
A Guide to Emotional Hygiene for Overthinkers ( milk and cookies )
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Exciting news! Followed you on IG and shared with my newsletter subscribers <3
YES! This is so great. Evanston is lucky to have you.