Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tyana Tibby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tyana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In March 2020, Mr. Chris Jackson, my entrepreneurship teacher gave the class an assignment to tackle a global issue. I chose Global Education and decided to raise funds for UNICEF. I hosted a bake sale at a school basketball game that raised $196. I donated these funds to UNICEF. I was planning on donating books to local schools but then the pandemic started and school was out for the rest of the year.

So instead, I launched Urban Book Squad in the Summer of 2020. It started as a virtual, summer reading program for children ages 5-11 using a platform called Reading A to Z. I spent over 100 hours reading with students over the past two summers. Once school began, I started providing tutoring and homework help.

Tyana, 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?

I have been reading since the age of three and books have always been a haven for me. I would read instead of interacting with my peers, eating lunch, or doing my schoolwork. Even now, I would choose a good book over television or most other activities. The library is still my favorite place to go. For as long as I can remember, I have checked out the maximum books allowed – 50. Reading has translated into academic success for me through elementary, middle, and now high school. I am in National Honors Society, the AICE/ Cambridge Program, and serve as a Spanish tutor at my high school.

My love for reading inspired me to launch Urban Book Squad. I want to share my love for reading with other kids because I believe that reading is important. Being able to read helps individuals to succeed in life. I believe that “If you can read, you can write, and if you can write, you can do anything.” My future goal is to expand this organization to youth across the country and even internationally.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

In March 2020, Mr. Chris Jackson, my entrepreneurship teacher gave the class an assignment to tackle a global issue. I chose Global Education and decided to raise funds for UNICEF. I hosted a bake sale at a school basketball game that raised $196. I donated these funds to UNICEF. I was planning on donating books to local schools but then the pandemic started and school was out for the rest of the year. So I then used the money to buy a subscription to the website Reading A-Z which is what I tutor my students through.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients generally comes from Urban Book Squad getting recommended to somebody else by one of our current student’s parents or the word getting shared through social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://urbanbooksquad.wixsite.com/urbanbooksquad
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanbooksquad/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbanbooksquad
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/80529569

Image Credits
Dark Light Portrait Studios