Check Out Dana Vincent’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Vincent.

Hi Dana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved reading. My parents would probably say it was my first love. But, over time, the hustle and bustle of life had taken a toll on my freedom to read for pleasure. I didn’t have the time or energy to read for enjoyment when there was always something new to research or learn about that would impact my work. I had to prioritize career/ educational reading over leisure reading. Or, so I thought.
In Fall 2024, my friend Chiquita said, “Hey, you like to read- have you read this?” The book was Plus One by Tanon Tales. I downloaded the book immediately and devoured it. Just like that my love was reignited. I started seeking out and engaging in reading communities both in “real life” and via social media. I tugged my best friend, Monique, into reading more with me; every book I read and loved I pestered her to read, too. One day, she suggested that I start an IG page specific to books and reading. Though she denies it, I think she was a little tired of being the primary ear for my rambling and gushing over these books. That’s how BooksAllDaaye was born. It was so thrilling to find and talk with people who looked like me, read books similar to what I read, and wanted to talk about it. On a lark, I went to a ATL Booksta meetup wearing a pair of earrings I’d fashioned myself. They were mini books and the girls LOVED them. They encouraged me to make and sell them.
Five months after launching myself into book content creation, I dove into creating mini book jewelry and more. Crafty Little Daaye was my saving grace. I could read books yap to old and new friends and book clubs about these books then, busy my hands by crafting jewelry to honor the books and authors.
I’m truly living at the best intersection of so many things I love: reading, authors, community, creativity, crafting, and so much more.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In some ways, the road has been eeriely smooth. I’ve managed to carve out my corner in this space by being myself. As the student who was “a pleasure to have in class but talks too much” and as the educator who “always has the answer or will find it”, I’ve always loved talking enthusiastically about things that excited me.
I participate in multiple bookish communities where we keep each other in the know about book events in the area. We support each other in multiple ways including letting each other know about opportunities for influencer programs, book signings, and more.
I’ve made real friends and strengthened some existing bonds in this space. I’m incredibly grateful for that and the ease I’ve felt in the community.
I think a struggle several content creators experience is imposter syndrome. We question engagement, we worry about our look, we overthink our voice. I’m echoing many creators when I say, you just have to get in front of the camera and hit record. This is definitely easier said than done but I promise it’s possible.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a content creator who makes bookish content. I primarily focus on reviews and recommendations, especially if the author is Black and/ or independently published. I love highlighting authors and book events as well as just gushing about books.
Recently, I’ve started creating specific content that leans into exploring and celebrating books that center why choose/ nonmonogamous romances that are written by Black authors.

With Crafty Little Daaye, I create bookish magic. I make custom mini books and then use them to create earrings, bracelets, necklaces, keychains, charms, and more. I collaborate with authors, vend at events, and sell to individual customers. I enjoy the space to be creative and to be able to create and provide things that bring joy to my customers.

I’m proud to be able to do work that is very different but brings me the same level of peace and happiness. I’m able to explore and exercise different facets of myself in ways that feel right to me.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is the antithesis to all that many of us were taught as children: talk to strangers. Comment or DM creators, influencers, and authors if you have questions. Take the chance and go to book signings, pop-ups, and other events. There’s a whole world of readers out here and I guarantee someone loves your favorite character and hates your most hated character just as much as you do. But you won’t find them by skulking in the shadows.
Secondly, be yourself. Yes, this is a kind of work. But it feels a little easier if you’re not pretending to be someone else while you do it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bit.ly/bookbaes
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booksalldaaye/ and https://www.instagram.com/craftylittledaaye/