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

Tamara, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

When I started The Melange Collective: Bookish Edition, I wasn’t just creating bookish products—I was filling a gap I had experienced myself. As a lifelong book lover, I knew how rare it was to find bookish accessories, like bookmarks, that reflected the beauty and diversity of Black women. I wanted to change that.

From the beginning, I was intentional about every detail—the images I selected, the designs I created, and the customization I offered my customers. I wanted them to see themselves represented in a space where they hadn’t always been welcomed. And while I knew representation mattered, there was one customer comment that truly solidified my purpose.

She shared how, as a little girl, she used to make her own bookmarks because she never saw ones that looked like her. Now, as an adult, she finally had that representation, and it meant the world to her. That moment hit me hard. It reminded me that what I was doing wasn’t just about selling products—it was about creating something meaningful, something affirming, something that made people feel seen.

That comment, and so many others like it, reinforced that my brand is more than just bookmarks, t-shirts, and bookish accessories. It’s a statement—a celebration of Black women in literary spaces, a reminder that we belong here, and a small but powerful way to bring joy to book lovers who have been waiting to see themselves in the details.

So every time I create a new design, I carry that story with me. I think about the little girls who, years from now, will never have to wonder why they don’t see themselves on a bookmark—because now, they do.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Tamara Mann, a lifelong book lover, creative entrepreneur, and advocate for representation in literary spaces. My journey into this industry wasn’t planned—it was personal. As a Black woman and avid reader, I often found myself searching for bookish accessories that truly reflected me. The lack of diversity in the market was frustrating, and I knew I wasn’t alone in feeling that way. That’s what led me to create The Melange Collective: Bookish Edition—a brand dedicated to crafting bookish products that celebrate Black women and provide representation in literary spaces.

What I Offer & The Problems I Solve

At The Melange Collective: Bookish Edition, I offer a range of creative book-inspired products, including:
Bookmarks – Classic, traditional, and magnetic, featuring diverse designs that reflect Black culture and beauty.
Tote Bags & Apparel – Stylish, bookish-themed items that allow readers to wear their love for literature.
Digital Products – Unique, customizable book-related printables and digital downloads.

My customers often express frustration with the lack of representation in bookish accessories. They want to see characters, art, and designs that resonate with them, and they struggle to find that in mainstream bookstores or gift shops. I solve that problem by offering custom, culturally relevant designs that allow Black women to see themselves in the details. Whether it’s a bookmark featuring a woman with natural hair, a tote bag with an empowering literary quote, or a product with a bold, vibrant aesthetic, my brand is all about intentional representation and creative storytelling.

What Sets Me Apart
Thoughtful Customization—I take pride in offering personalized options, ensuring customers get products that feel uniquely theirs.
Handpicked, Meaningful Imagery – Every design I choose is intentional, celebrating Black women’s beauty, strength, and diversity.
Community-Centered Approach – My customers aren’t just buyers; they’re part of a larger movement to reclaim space in literature. Their feedback, stories, and experiences shape the brand.
Passion for Representation – I’m not just selling products; I’m creating a space where Black women feel seen, valued, and celebrated in the literary world.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m incredibly proud to provide my customers with bookish products that truly represent them—from the corporate girlies who run boardrooms by day and devour novels by night, to the women who are a little ratchet, love God, and aren’t afraid to be their full, authentic selves.

For so long, bookish spaces didn’t reflect the diversity of Black women—our styles, our personalities, our experiences. But with The Melange Collective: Bookish Edition, that’s changing. Now, my customers can pick up a bookmark, a tote, or a t-shirt and see themselves in it. They can embrace their love for reading without sacrificing their identity. That’s what makes this work so meaningful to me—knowing that every product I create gives Black women the representation they deserve in spaces where they’ve been overlooked for too long.

If you love books, value representation, and enjoy unique, thoughtfully crafted bookish products, The Melange Collective: Bookish Edition is for you. My mission is to bring joy, inspiration, and community to book lovers who have long been overlooked in literary spaces. Whether you’re looking for a bookmark that feels like home, a tote bag that makes a statement, or a digital product that speaks to your bookish soul, I’ve got you covered.

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

For me, resilience isn’t just a moment—it’s been the foundation of my entire journey.

After high school, I joined the Navy and served for eight years. While I loved my time in the military, I knew that it wouldn’t be forever. I wanted to create a path for myself beyond my service, so while on shore duty, I made the bold decision to pursue nursing school—all while still being active duty.

Balancing military life and nursing school was no small feat. I was constantly juggling demanding coursework and the unpredictability of military service. At one point, I was nearly deployed while in school, which would have completely altered my path. But I stayed focused, determined to push through.

Then, in my final year of nursing school, life threw me another challenge—I was pregnant. I finished my program, graduated, and a few days after officially passing the NCLEX, I gave birth to my daughter. That season of my life was a test of endurance, discipline, and faith. There was no room for excuses—only determination to create a better future.

That same resilience fuels me today as an entrepreneur. Building The Melange Collective: Bookish Edition has required just as much grit, adaptability, and unwavering commitment. Running a business comes with its own set of challenges—learning curves, self-doubt, and obstacles—but just like before, I remind myself: I’ve conquered tough seasons before, and I can do it again.

To any other small business owner or creative out there facing setbacks—keep going. The challenges may feel impossible, but every step forward, no matter how small, is proof of your strength. You are more capable than you think.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation in the bookish market has been built on two key things: quality and customer experience.

First and foremost, I’ve always been intentional about creating a high-quality product. Some people might look at a bookmark as just a small accessory, but to me, it’s more than that. I make sure my bookmarks are sturdy, durable, and gorgeous—something that not only looks good but also holds up over time. I want my customers to feel like they’re getting something worth having, not just another flimsy piece of paper.

But beyond the product itself, what truly keeps people coming back is the way I treat my customers. I believe that people remember how you made them feel. From answering questions quickly to handling custom requests with care, I make sure every interaction is personal, warm, and professional. Whether it’s a first-time buyer or a returning customer, I want them to feel valued.

And of course, customer reviews play a huge role. When people who have never shopped with me see real feedback from others, it builds trust. They get to hear, in the words of other book lovers, that my products are worth it and that my brand truly delivers on its promise.

At the end of the day, my reputation is built on consistency—quality products, great service, and making sure my customers feel seen and appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bookishmelangeco.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookish_melangecollective
• Other: Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bookish_melangecollective
  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bookishmelangeco/