Meet Stephanie Hicks

Stephanie , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Let me start by saying that building confidence and self-esteem has been a journey of self-discovery and embracing my uniqueness. It’s a process that I believe we all go through in our own ways. For me, it began with the realization that I am uniquely made, with a purpose that only I can fulfill. This understanding, grounded in the belief that we all have something special to offer the world, was a significant turning point in my life. In the world today it seems like everyone is consistently comparing themselves to others via social media and the internet you have to become intentional with learning yourself and realizing that you are not comparable. There is only one you and that in itself makes you enough. I am a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. No duplicates.

Another crucial aspect of my journey was taking the time to understand what I like and who I am. It’s easy to get caught up in societal expectations, but it’s essential to remember that we should prioritize our own desires and dreams. Becoming comfortable in my own skin was another milestone. It’s a daily practice, and I encourage everyone to embrace self-acceptance as an ongoing journey. Loving myself the way I desired to be loved was a game-changer. Self-love isn’t selfish; it’s the foundation of self-esteem and confidence.

Lastly, having a heart for others played a significant role in boosting my confidence. When we help others and make a positive impact, it not only makes us feel good about ourselves but also reinforces our belief in our abilities.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m thrilled to tell you all about Book’ED and Co., my passion project that’s all about celebrating the world of literature and empowering communities through the joy of reading.

Book’ED and Co. is more than just a bookstore; it’s a haven for book lovers, a community hub, and a platform for authors to connect with their readers in a meaningful way. What makes Book’ED and Co. so exciting and special is our dedication to promoting diversity and amplifying the voices of black authors.

You can find us online at bookedandco.com, where we offer a carefully curated selection of books written by black authors. Our goal is to showcase the rich tapestry of stories, experiences, and perspectives within the black literary community.

One of the most thrilling aspects of Book’ED and Co. is our active book club, which you can currently join on Facebook under “Book’ED” and on GroupMe. It’s a space where bookworms come together to discuss thought-provoking reads, share insights, and build a strong literary community. Within this space we’ve created an accountability system where each person has a Book’ED Buddie! Rather you are an avid reader or just getting back into the swing of it we are here to help you stay the course.

We also host the “You’ve Been Book’ED Podcast,” a platform dedicated to celebrating talented authors! We believe that authors have unique stories to tell beyond their books, and our podcast is the perfect space for them to share their literary journey and insights with the world. We also keep our audience engaged with book recommendations, reviews, and exclusive author interviews that provide an intimate look into the minds behind the stories we love.

One of our favorite initiatives is the “1 More Page” challenge, where we encourage readers to commit to just 10 minutes of reading for 10 days. It’s a simple yet powerful way to make reading a daily habit and reignite the love for books.

At Book’ED and Co., our mission is clear: we want to make reading fun again and impact communities worldwide through the world of literacy. We believe that literacy is the key to unlocking doors of possibility, and one page at a time, we are committed to opening those doors for everyone.

So, if you’re looking for a diverse selection of books, an active book club, captivating author interviews, and a passionate community that believes in the power of reading, be sure to check us out at bookedandco.com. Join us in our mission to inspire, educate, and empower through the magic of books. Together, we’ll unlock a world of imagination, knowledge, and endless possibilities—one page at a time!

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?
Reflecting on my journey with Book’ED and Co., I can pinpoint three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful. For those of you who are just starting your journey, here’s some advice on how to develop and improve these aspects to make your own journey a success.

1. **Passion and Persistence:** The first and foremost quality that has driven my journey is passion. I am deeply passionate about literature, promoting diverse voices, and the power of literacy. This burning passion has kept me motivated even when faced with challenges. My advice to those starting out is to find your passion and let it fuel your journey. When you’re truly passionate about what you’re doing, it becomes easier to stay committed and persistent, even in the face of setbacks.

*Tip:* Take time to explore your interests and discover what truly excites you. Once you find your passion, set clear goals and milestones to help you stay focused and motivated on your journey.

2. **Adaptability and Learning:** In the ever-evolving world of literature and entrepreneurship, adaptability is key. The ability to learn, grow, and adapt to new trends and technologies has been crucial in the success of Book’ED and Co. Embrace change, be open to learning from both successes and failures, and stay curious about the world around you.

*Tip:* Continuously seek knowledge and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Don’t be afraid to take risks and pivot when necessary. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can offer guidance and support.

3. **Community Building and Networking:** Building a strong community around Book’ED and Co. has been transformative. Connecting with authors, readers, and fellow book enthusiasts has not only expanded our reach but also enriched the overall experience. My advice is to prioritize community building from the start. Networking and forming meaningful connections can open doors you never imagined.

*Tip:* Attend industry events, join online forums, and engage with your target audience on social media. Be genuine in your interactions and focus on building relationships, not just connections. Collaborate with others who share your passion and values to amplify your impact.

Remember, every journey is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace your individuality and stay true to your vision. Don’t be discouraged by obstacles; see them as opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and most importantly, believe in yourself and your mission. With passion, adaptability, and a strong community, you can turn your dreams into reality. Your journey may have its ups and downs, but it’s all part of the adventure. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward with determination and enthusiasm. Your success is waiting for you!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
When it comes to a book that has significantly influenced my personal and professional development, I have to give a shout-out to “Your Next Level Life” by Karen Arrington. This book has been a game-changer for me, and I’d love to share a few of the most valuable nuggets of wisdom that I’ve taken away from it.

**1. The Power of Self-Reflection:** “Your Next Level Life” emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and introspection. It encourages readers to take a step back and evaluate their lives, goals, and aspirations. This resonated with me deeply, as it reminded me that self-awareness is the first step toward growth and success.

*Example:* In my journey with Book’ED and Co., I often found myself caught up in the day-to-day tasks. Reading Arrington’s book prompted me to set aside time for regular self-reflection, allowing me to assess my progress and make necessary adjustments to align with my long-term goals.

**2. Embracing Change and Resilience:** Arrington’s book champions the idea that embracing change is essential for personal growth. It teaches readers how to adapt to life’s inevitable transitions and challenges, emphasizing the value of resilience in achieving our goals.

*Example:* Running a bookstore and fostering a literary community can be unpredictable. Sometimes, we face unexpected hurdles. “Your Next Level Life” reminded me that resilience is a key asset. It encouraged me to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.

**3. Setting Bold Goals:** Arrington’s book encourages readers to dream big and set audacious goals. It emphasizes the importance of defining what success means to you personally and taking actionable steps to achieve it.

*Example:* One of the most impactful takeaways for me was learning to set bold, specific goals for Book’ED and Co. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, but Arrington’s book reminded me to keep my long-term vision in mind and to set ambitious milestones along the way.

“Your Next Level Life” has not only provided me with valuable insights but has also served as a source of inspiration in my journey. It’s a reminder that personal growth and success are attainable with the right mindset and a willingness to embrace change.