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

Alright, Dream thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I started this organization in hopes of making an impactful change to help tackle illiteracy within my community. I am from Savannah Georgia. And though this is one of the most beautiful cities throughout the country. There is a huge disparity amongst education for the children in impoverished inner city communities.

Dream, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Dream Smith and I am a native of Savannah Georgia. I have a background in early childhood education as well as pediatric dentistry. My love for children, books, and my community is what lead me to creating Book Nation of Dreamers Inc. When I started the organization, I had no intentions of becoming a 501 c3 Non Profit. It was all in hopes of giving back and helping my community. Book Nation was founded in May of 2020 during the beginning of pandemic. I knew prior to the pandemic the education system and illiteracy rate for our children was failing tremendously. With the pandemic and everyone transitioning to virtual learning, this was going to impact the education system and our children even more. Because reading is the foundations to learning and stimulation to the brain, I thought, how can I develop something that would be a necessity as well as help uplift the people during this horrible time. A book drive is what came to mind. Books were always a great tool to escape the harsh realities of the world, while gaining a wider perspective and appreciation for it as well. I knew this was the beginning to something great!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the beginning as I was building Book Nation of Dreamers, my father was transitioning. I was told he had 6 months to live. This was a very difficult time in my life. I adapted to a daily routine. I would go visit and sit with my father during the day and work on Book Nation afterwards. I can remember our first Book Drive. I was so excited that we were able to execute such an Awesome event! I couldn’t wait to visit my dad and share everything including pictures. I remember going into his room, seeing him unconscious and unresponsive. I began to speak to him and share the pictures from the event. As I’m speaking and sharing pictures, my dad became very alert, and completely engaged in all that I was saying about the organization and it’s event. In fact, he was so engaged that for a moment I forgot that he was transitioning. He reminded me of how proud he was of me being his daughter and accomplishing such a needed and inspiring goal I sat there a little longer that day, however the very next day my Amazingly, loving father passed away.

We’d love to hear about you met your business partner.

Jimmy Greene is the Cofounder of Book Nation of Dreamers. He’s definitely like my brother. We met several years ago while working together. Instantly we hit it off. His love for educating children, while teaching Brazilian Ju Jitsu, creating music, giving back, and enjoying life overall has always been very welcoming and helpful throughout our journey and time in knowing one another.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.booknationofdreamers.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booknationofdreamers/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Booknationofdreamers/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/book-nation-of-dreamers

Image Credits
Stephan Turner