We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Ayanna Mills Ambrose and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Ayanna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process of starting my business, Thanx A. Mills, LLC, came from a strong realization: silence can be harmful. Growing up, I followed the unspoken rule that “what goes on in this house stays in this house.” But I soon found that keeping silent only caused me internal pain and sadness. Breaking that silence helped me discover my true purpose—helping others find their own.
I was born into a difficult situation; I was conceived through rape when my mother was just 13 years old. This experience shaped how I view resilience and empathy. Although I seemed successful on the outside, I struggled deeply inside. My relationship with God helped me heal and encouraged me to express my pain through writing. I learned how powerful sharing our stories can be—not just for ourselves, but for others who might be hurting too.
In 2019, I published my first book, sharing my story and my journey to healing. Many people were shocked to learn about my struggles because they always saw me as a happy and accomplished person. This encouraged others to share their challenges with me, showing me how important it is to have open conversations.
Realizing I could do more, I published nine books as a first-time author in nine months, and Thanx A. Mills was born. I then left my 22-year career in corporate America, and now, as the CEO of Thanx A. Mills, LLC, an 18X Bestselling Author, Certified Business Coach, Professional Writer, and Publisher, I understand that being open and authentic can empower us and those around us. My business aims to create a space where everyone feels heard, stories are shared, and healing can happen.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Thanx A. Mills, LLC, is an award-winning powerhouse in book publishing! Established on January 2, 2019, and headquartered in the vibrant city of Alpharetta, Georgia, we are not just a publishing company; we are your partners in storytelling. With our A+ rating and a treasure trove of five-star reviews, we provide a full spectrum of writing, marketing, and publishing services that empower aspiring authors, ambitious entrepreneurs, and professional women to share their unique narratives with the world, while retaining 100% of their royalties!

At Thanx A. Mills, LLC, we envision a landscape where every author’s voice resonates and every story captivates. Our mission is clear: to elevate the art of writing and publishing globally. We understand that behind every manuscript lies the potential to inspire change, foster growth, and leave an indelible mark on society. We are dedicated to transforming your vision into a published reality without the stress and overwhelm, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—your story.

What Sets Us Apart
We are a black owned book publishing company, a certified women-owned small business, and have the following:
1. Unmatched Success: Our clients don’t just publish; they thrive! With 100% of our authors achieving Amazon bestselling status, you can trust in our proven methods.
2. Collaborative Ghostwriting Services: Our ghostwriters help you articulate your narrative, ensuring your story is told authentically and powerfully.
3. Hassle-Free Publishing: Our done-for-you publishing services allow you to focus on your life while we handle the nitty-gritty of getting your book out into the world.
4. Strategic Relaunch Support: If your book isn’t selling as expected, we’ll work with you to revitalize its reach through tailored marketing strategies that make a difference.
5. Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your goals and customize our approach to fit your needs, ensuring you feel empowered every step.

Was my business journey easy or hard?
Becoming the owner of Thanx A. Mills publishing company was neither easy nor hard; it was a labor of love. My passion for elevating diverse voices and providing inspiration and instruction to readers everywhere fueled my determination. I approached every challenge and opportunity with a laser focus and a “Get It Done” mentality because I always strive to impact the people around me positively.

What I am most proud of:
I’m most proud that authors acknowledge me in their published books for helping them achieve their dreams. Seeing my name in their books is my greatest accomplishment because I believe a book is the best way to leave a legacy. I’m proud to leave a mark through my own books and the many others with my name.

My Lessons learned along the way:
1. Excellence in Execution: I have found that executing tasks with excellence always pays off. When you sow excellence, you will reap excellent results. Whether working on my business or providing a service to others, I always strive to do my best. Regardless of the payment or reward, I put 100% effort into my work. 

2. Continuous Learning: Everything you desire to do can be learned. Change is inevitable, and it is crucial to keep learning to stay ahead. Even as an expert in publishing, I continue learning to maintain a competitive advantage and stay updated on industry trends, advancements, and changes.

What I want the world to know about our brand is that:
At Thanx A. Mills LLC, we understand the importance of relieving stress through writing, creating new income streams as published authors, and sharing messages that can inspire change in schools, communities, and industries.
We believe in the power of storytelling to break the silence that holds us back and to offer hope to those facing struggles through publishing diverse books. 
We believe that every story matters! Our mission is to empower individuals to transform their trials, triumphs, and talents into published works, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated. Together, we are changing the landscape of storytelling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I would plan a fun week for us. We’d start at Avalon in Alpharetta to watch a movie and enjoy the beautiful lights and waterfall in the evening—it’s such a nice place!

Next, we’d take a tour of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, where we could see his childhood home and visit Ebenezer Baptist Church. It’s interesting to learn about this important history.

I’d also suggest we try acupuncture, which I really enjoy and think is great. For brunch, we’d go to Garden Parc ATL, where there’s live music and dancing. It’s a lively spot! With this plan, my friend would have a great mix of fun, history, and relaxation.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to several pivotal figures in my journey. First and foremost, I would like to thank my husband, Christopher Ambrose. He has been my best friend and guiding light during uncertain times. His wisdom—that our purpose often lies in the willingness to do work for free—helped me realize my calling as an author. Through this journey, I discovered the untold stories that people carry within them, inspiring me to write and to help others express their narratives.

I also want to acknowledge my mother, Martha King, who constantly reminded me of my intelligence. Her unwavering faith in my abilities motivated me to pursue my goals and chase my dreams relentlessly.

Additionally, I am incredibly grateful for my three best friends: Maquiba Lockridge, Mezora Carr, and Shantay Carter. Their encouragement and sisterhood have been invaluable throughout my journey. Their support and love have lifted me during challenging times and celebrated my successes with me.

I also want to recognize the supporters from my hometown of Freeport, New York, and my mentors, who have been instrumental in my growth. In particular, my spiritual guides and business mentors have shaped my approach to breaking into the literary industry as a self-published author.

Website: https://linktr.ee/thanxamills

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ThanxAMills/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thanx-a-mills-llc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThanxAMills

Other: Google- https://g.co/kgs/sEL7AR

Image Credits
Kimazing Photography

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