We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angel Wilson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angel below.
Angel, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
One thing I always keep in mind is that I bring something unique to the conversation if I am the only one in the room that looks like me. My experiences, background, skillset is different which is a huge advantage for me and everyone in the room. My difference is what makes me that much more essential to the room. Being a black woman has never made me feel inferior. I understand that I have something to say; my words and work is just as important as anyone else.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the founder of the self-publishing company, Silent Books Publishing. Silent Books Publishing is a black-owned, woman-owned self-publishing company for aspiring and seasoned authors. Author diversity has been an issue in major publishing houses and Silent Books Publishing main goal is to help minorities successfully write and self-publish their books. Our services include manuscript development, editing, book layout/ cover design, and printing, which offers a recycled paper option for our clients. We educate our clients about the self-publishing process, meet with them virtually to edit their books, and allow them to have creative control when formulating the book’s style and design. We are committed to high-level professionality and unique service to help authors take a non-traditional approach to publishing. Self-publishing trends have increased over the past few years. Silent Books Publishing helps our clients have the best self-published book possible so that they can compete in this market. Our first client was the best-selling author at a popular Baltimore based bookstore. We believe that writers of all backgrounds should be able to produce a polished, high quality book.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that were most impactful are 1) confidence, 2) my team, 3) consistency. Confidence is essential because there were people who doubted my business idea and I had to be confident in my vision and keep going. My team plays a huge part in moving the business forward and keeping me motivated, When I want to give up, their hard work and belief in the business kenos me going. Having the right team is important to the growth of your business, I cannot stress this enough. lastly, consistency because nothing grows without consistency. I’ve wanted to give up over small things like my Instagram followers not increasing, but consistency has taught all things come in perfect timing. My advice to folks who are early in their journey is keep your head down and stay consistent. I’m not where I want to be, but I am much further than I ever thought I would be. I stayed consistent and doors continuously have opened for me.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I call my business partner. I believe everyone should have someone to talk to that understands the hardships of being an entrepreneur. There are extremes highs and there can be extreme lows. A few of my highs are finishing projects, winning grants and pitch competitions. And my lows have been feeling unsupported or feeling like I can’t run my company. So, I always lean on my business partner when I need to.
Contact Info:
- Website: silentbookspublishing.com
- Instagram: silentbookspublishing
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-king-wilson-507673116/
Image Credits
Mike Jon
