Today we’d like to introduce you to Tristan Quinn.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My nom de plum is Tristan Quinn. I am a wife and a mom to three beautiful, talented kids. They keep me very busy because they are all doing very well in the entertainment industry, and I am very proud of their success. What I wasn’t proud of, was mine. So I had to figure out how to change that. I have always been a storyteller -even long before I could write. I created stories and wrote songs, and poetry to help me make sense of my life’s twists turns. When I became a mother, I started writing short stories to keep my eldest daughter engaged in her reading. I found that including characters that she could relate to, made reading less tedious and more exciting for her. By the time my middle child, Jaxon (better known as Jax) was four years old, I was working in the restaurant industry and completely dissatisfied with my career (or lack thereof). I wanted a career that could turn into a legacy that my children could be proud of, and up until that point, I had no idea what that would be. Not too long thereafter, a friend of mine urged me to take advantage of my gift of writing and encouraged me to write a book. After much deliberation, I decided to abandon my fear and embark on this journey of publishing my very own works. I wanted to contribute to the growing list of authors of color, who were making sure our children were fiercely represented in literature.
Has it been a smooth road?
After I got all the creative stuff out of the way, I had to figure out all of the logistics -including how I was going to fund it. I wanted a quality product that children would gravitate to, and be comparable to any other children’s book that was manufactured by a large publishing house. So…. that meant I’d need to cough up the coinage! And yeah, it was a struggle! The next obstacle- I’m actually still navigating through! You see- I now have the product.. and it’s AWESOME! BUT-how do I get it into the hands of every child of color in the world?! Well, at least enough kids to get 2,000 beautiful hardcover books out of my basement? I’m still SMOOTHING that part out!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Magical Adventures of Shiloh and Jax – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My Publishing Company is called Closet Dweeb Productions, and we are home to The Magical Adventures of Shiloh and Jax, a children’s book series inspired by my youngest daughter (she’s actually the main character). I am currently getting the third book in the series illustrated, while simultaneously working on a totally new series promoting “brown boy joy!” -called “Auston Does It All”. Closet Dweeb specializes in inclusive representation in children’s literature. I’m undoubtedly most proud of being able to give our beautiful children another opportunity to be introduced to relatable characters, and to help foster the love of reading.” What sets me apart from others? Well, I’m a local small business, and author, not unlike many others, but my children inspire my creations, and I can say with confidence that they are one of a kind! (respectively) You’ll often see them out with me selling our books!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The thing I like the most about Atlanta is that the ability to become a successful entrepreneur is unmatched. I love the way we support small businesses and want to see people that look like us or people who may just have like spirits, win! We take pride in our hustle. Those who “do” in Atlanta- really ‘DO”. What do I like least? The homelessness. Like so many other cities, there is so much wealth here, and yet the poverty in the same exact city, maybe just up the street and around the corner- is also a super real thing.
Pricing:
- Book 1: The Little Bird $18.99
- Book 2: Welcome Jax $18.99
- Book 1 and 2 Bundle $35
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shilohandjax.com
- Email: tristan@shilohandjax.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shilohandjax
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shilohandjax
Image Credit:
Rand0 Lawrence Photography
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