Today we’d like to introduce you to Farai Caldwell.
Farai, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2016, I quit art school because it was too expensive and I wanted to start my journey in entrepreneurship. Shortly after, I downsized my life and moved into a room in my father’s home in Birmingham, Alabama. With little space, I began to rebuild my life. During this time I learned a great lesson, success comes when we work to build the planet, not while studying archaic ideas. The world is our garden to tend and we all have the tools we need to accomplish our wildest dreams. My problem at the time: I had low bucks and my ideas weren’t mature enough for me to use the tools that I had. With few options, I began to focus on my goals. I stopped: going out, using social media, reading for leisure, and entertaining fruitless relationships.
During this time I focused on what I was good at, imagining things and bringing them to life. I was already in art school and entrenched in the literary arts so I imagined what was on the top of my mind, a book festival. In 2018, I launched the Atlanta African American Book Festival at Georgia State University. Soon after, people began to recognize and respect my vision for the planet. Our festival was a success! We welcomed over 150 exhibitors and presenters and the building was packed! I subsequently won three community awards, our 2019 festival is on track to double participation, and we provided a platform for writers to express their ideas. Now, I am the founder that I thought I would be. I’ve moved out of my father’s house, and I’m doing work that I love. I am thankful everyday for the gifts that have brought me this far.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been good to me.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Atlanta African American Book Festival – what should we know?
The Atlanta African American Book Festival is the premier literary festival in Atlanta. The second annual Atlanta African American Book Festival will take place on July 20, 2019, at Georgia State University. Over 150 authors will convene in Atlanta to present their work to the Atlanta community. Author categories include fiction, non-fiction, romance, YA fiction, middle-grade fiction, and children’s picture books. Journalists, editors, publishers, literary critics, and scholars from various fields will be present. Panel discussions and workshops will engage festival attendees in topics concerning literary industry tips, civil disobedience, activism, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, restorative justice, and health and wealth. Children’s activities include a story corner and festival dance floor.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Empathy and the willingness to learn from others.
Contact Info:
- Website: aaabookfest.com
- Email: info@aaabookfest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaabookfest/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaabookfest/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaabookfest?lang=en
Image Credit:
Emory Rose Photography
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