We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cicely Carr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cicely , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am CicelyRenee! I call myself a creativepreneur! I taught for the past 5 years and during those years, I got to explore my creative abilities. I fell in love with words and self-expression and believe that people’s voices and stories deserve to be heard.

I began this mission with my blog, highlighting black owned businesses and authors. Then I was like I want to do more. Everybody’s story is unique and I wanted them to shine. So the idea of a bookstore for self-published authors was like everything to me. I didn’t want the world to censor them. Then the creative side stood out… passion+purpose was beautiful to me and I wanted to create a platform for all to see.

I opened a bookstore called Kindred Creatives Art and Literary Press in the Music City Mall Lewisville. Here I give space to BIPOC authors and makers to share their gifts and elevate in life. I host events, classes, and art workshops. It is wild because I resigned as a full-time teacher to pursue my passions.

Kindred Creatives is a nonprofit, so right now, I do not get paid. However, I do sell my art works in the store. I am thankful for this space to promote and elevate BIPOC voices and creatives.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Running a bookstore on limited funds and support has been a challenge. I am challenged daily. I want to give up all the time. I am then reminded and encouraged by my life’s purpose and the words I hear from people as they experience the store.

I am reminded that I am here for a reason, me, my bookstore, my art… To empower and uplift others.

I struggle to get in the green… finances are not enough, there aren’t enough people in the mall and I am doing soooo much. Putting on events, marketing, networking etc, but that just doesn’t seem to be enough… I owe more than what I made, 25 out of 30 days no sales… it looks horrible but then that one person sees your effort and believes in your mission and donates more than the rent and you begin shouting for joy.

Showing up is so important no matter what the situation looks like. You are having a horrible day… show up and show out. When you connect with people they will see more than what you can see and they were sent to you because you continue to show up.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

You heard the saying, “If you build it they will come?” THAT IS WHAT I HAD TO UNLEARN!

Just because you built it doesn’t mean the support will be automatic.

Learning to connect and build relationships is vital. You can put an event on Facebook and think that is it but no, building community and showing them your purpose is something that you have to learn and implement daily.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kindredcreativeszine.com
• Instagram: kindredcreativesalp
• Facebook: kindredcreativesalp
• Twitter: kindredcreativesalp