We were lucky to catch up with R’Chelle Mullins recently and have shared our conversation below.

R’Chelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

After starting my entrepreneurial journey in 2014 I lost myself in the business. Every free moment was dedicated to self-improvement and growing my business and that was reflected in the books I read. I walked away from my business in 2022 and realized I had no hobbies or interests that didn’t revolve around personal and professional advancement. So, I decided to read fiction. I knew my creative imagination needed to be sharpened and I wanted to feel like a kid again, reading a magical book for the first time.

I lost my job in October 2023 I decided to make a BookTok. Within a few months, I’d built a community, connected with authors and publishers, and became a recognized brand ambassador and book influencer. The more connected I became the more I noticed the complexities within the industry. I wanted to take my current skill set [content strategy and brand management] and support aspiring and independent authors with their brand awareness and social presence through content development.

Community feedback and the constant “what should I read?” And “Help me find a book” request confirmed that I needed to develop reader and author services.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m R’Chelle Lynn- a creative strategist and visual storyteller specializing in short-form content content production and strategy. HighlyLit is my solo-led creative content development agency specializing in crafting compelling narratives to captivate audiences and elevate brands.

If there’s a story to be told, I want to tell it.
I’ve always loved the art of storytelling. I’m a former English teacher so words and books have always had a special place in my heart. After leaving the classroom and transitioning into entrepreneurship as a Sales Copywriter I was able to marry my love of words and storytelling into a much-needed business. This was around 2014 when it was becoming necessary for brands to establish an online presence, develop visibility, and create content.

There’s no better story told than one written in a book and as I renewed my love for fiction, I soon realized that I could take all of my skills and support aspiring and independent authors who need to create buzz around their books. The publishing industry can be complicated especially for Black and POC authors and I want to help ensure that their voices are heard and books are sitting on your bookshelves.

My services include content development and strategy, book launch plans and reviews, and reading roadmaps [to help new readers begin their reading journey].

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn overthinking and perfectionism. So many times I held myself back and neglected viable ideas waiting for the perfect set of circumstances or talking myself out of taking action. Consequences of that lost money and opportunities I could never regain.

Your community needs what you have to offer and although it took a while, it’s something I’m still working on. I now make agreements with my ideas. I decide if I’ll pursue them and, create a plan that helps me eliminate overthinking and excuses and commit to myself to finish without heavy expectations.

Whenever I’m feeling creatively stuck or the imposter syndrome starts to creep up I reference “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert- it’s a great roadmap on giving yourself permission as a creative.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I’d know more about the SBA [Small Business Administration]- they are an excellent local resource for literally everything you need to build and sustain your business. I spent years soaking money into coaches and courses when the SBA was right there for free with a wealth of support and information.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rchellelynn.my.canva.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rchellelynn
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-chelle-mullins-56347332/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo8EJhOM6F4VhXLOMyGdq3Q