Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Brooks.
Hi Jen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am an educator, writer, business owner who is passionate about literacy, particularly in communities of color. When I started the store, I served as a middle school English/Social Studies teacher. My students were reading books that their parents read and the lack of desire to find quality books that were representative of our students was very disappointing. The lack of representation of educators of color is what motivated me to enter the field of Education and is the driving factor behind all of my work. As we know, for so long, literacy was a tool used to maintain oppression and subordinate practices. I can’t say that these practices no longer exist which is why I believe literacy is the most important form of resistance for People of Color as well as the allies that support them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Smooth may not be the best word but it has been a really dope experience. We just celebrated our first year in business this past November. The first year was definitely a test. This year taught me so many things about running a business, the amount of time it takes, and the importance of networking. Operating a business, more than anything, has exposed things about myself that I need to continue to work on. I was so excited about opening and becoming an overnight success, but that was so unrealistic. My biggest struggle might be my patience. I have to remind myself that this is a process. I have to be patient, do the work, and believe everything will fall into place. In addition to self-discovery, marketing has been a challenge for me. I am such a “behind the camera” kind of girl. I have hardly ever enjoyed having the gaze focused on me, but when selling these books, I have to be front and center. It’s been interesting putting myself out there and intentionally drawing attention to myself via social media (specifically TikTok posts).
We’ve been impressed with Asè Book Boutique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As traumatic as the Summer of 2020 was for People of Color, it was the summer that inspired the idea behind my store, Asè [Ah-Shay] Book Boutique. Asè is a Yoruba word that means “it is done”. This word is typically said after meditating and has taken a connotation as a word of strength. It is a word rooted in peace and confirmation. The energy that surrounds this word is the energy I want my store to offer.
The goal of the bookstore is to give back to my students, allies, and those brave enough to challenge the stereotypes/biases that exist pertaining to People of Color. This store is for those who want a better understanding of people who exist outside of their immediate circle, but more importantly, this is a space for people to show up and reimagine their world.
Literature is one of the best ways to gain experiences we may not personally endure. As stated by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, “A book is a window that helps you see into the life or experience of someone else.” A bookstore that focuses on works created by and about Black and Indigenous People of Color offers own-voice, often counter-narratives, that tell stories of joy and resilience; rather than stories of oppression (which are often the central focus when stories of folks of color are shared).
I want a store that is centered in love, joy, and resistance. A space of peace; a sanctuary for those aiming to evolve in their understanding of themselves and those we share space with. It’s my desire that People of Color feel seen when they shop at Asè and are represented loudly, not tucked off in/or limited to a corner of a library or bookstore.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Just about every weekend my sisters and I would stay the night over my cousins’ house. It was always the highlight of the week. We were so close were like siblings. That phrase about your cousins being your first set of real friends is so true. My favorite memory was when my favorite cousin and I created a dance routine to “It’s All About Me” by Sisqo and Mya. We just knew we were going to do that dance in front of the family at the next family reunion. Thank God our parents shut that down. It’s cool. The world just wasn’t ready for what we had to offer lol!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asebookboutique.com/
- Instagram: @asebookboutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asebookboutique
- Twitter: @asebookboutique
- Other: TikTok @asebookboutique
