Meet Jen Brooks | Educator & Bookstore Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
So in my current 9-5 I serve as an English/Social Studies teacher. 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.

I am a teacher, writer, business-owner who is passionate about literacy, particularly in communities of color. For so often, literacy was a tool used to maintain oppression and subordinate practices. I believe that literacy is the most important form of resistance for People of Color as well as the allies that support them.

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.

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 center 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 others. 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.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Recently I went to a local bookstore in my area. It’s a major, name-brand bookstore so what I saw was extremely disappointing, although I was not surprised one bit. So I’m looking through the store to find a specific book (written by a Black author of course) and in this massive store, the Black books were centered on maybe three tables within the store. So I’m like, let me just canvas and peruse the aisles to see what else they have. To nobody’s surprise, 90% of the titles in the store were written by non-melanated authors. It’s 2022. We should be beyond this. BIPOC voices should take up space and not be limited to a couple tables in major bookstore.

Asè Book Boutique focuses on books written by BIPOC offering a counter narrative to the human experience that is commonly portrayed. Customers will benefit by having a designated space for books that assist individuals who want to be anti-racist, allies and pro-Black/Brown. This bookstore is different because it specifically focuses on pro-People of Color. In traditional bookstores there may be a section that features popular authors of color; this book store will exclusively offer these works.

When I tell you I have a creative mind, that is an absolute fact. I can come up with decent ideas all day, but running an actual business was, initially, difficult for me. I am definitely a right-brained kind of person. So, more creative, artistic and such, but running a business (to me) is like more of a left-brain centric task. You have to be analytical, you have to be methodical and naturally I’m just not that person. So running a business, I really had to tap into that side of myself. The side that requires me to be strategic, the side that requires me to be scheduled and structured. But low-key I’ve grown so much in the space so I’m forever appreciative for my business and for bringing it out that side of me.

I was terrified to get this store started. First of all, I’m introverted. I just knew that I would have to market mainly via social media and that thought used to terrify me. I remember when I had the original idea, I reached out to a small business consultant to see if this would even be a viable and/ or profitable idea. I had so many doubts. Working with a specialist really helps me to get the ball rolling on this project. Before even opening the store I had to do so much research to determine if this was just something that was better in theory or if the business would actually be profitable. I had to determine if bookstores were even still having success with such a focus on virtual and electronic products. Were people still buying books? I had to determine if it would be more effective to have a virtual space or a physical and quote the startup, maintenance price for each. I had to really determine if the market that I envisioned existed truly existed. Again, right brained me, would have never thought to sit with these questions, but starting without this information would have presented a major challenge.

The initial planning of the business held me to believe and develop my idea. I had to consider those who would love the store and hate the store. Preparing for both has helped me with the negative pushback I’ve received about bringing focus to non-white authors.

In addition, I have learned to put myself in spaces and situations that allow me to meet other people with business expertise, marketing experience, educational expertise, and all the other things I want to learn and improve upon. I challenge myself to put myself out there and make connections. Overall, it has not been easy, It has often been uncomfortable but the amount of growth that has ensued has been tremendously and completely worth it. 100%

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?
We’d start mid-morning and head from my hometown to Starved Rock State Park. It has this hiking trail I absolutely love. I literally go to find the waterfalls. We’d sit for a bit to take in the sounds and to let nature just wash over all of our senses. If it’s early and quiet enough then we’d chill and get a quick meditation session in.

My best friends are so low maintenance. We wouldn’t need to really go anywhere to have a good time. I am a vibe… just saying.

The energy of good souls, some 90’s r&b, good food, and drinks on the deck is always a go-to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank the Universe for all of the lessons and the people it has placed on my journey. Thanks for the obstacles that turned to moments of joy and triumph, the pain that transformed me into the human I am, and for the passion that continues to fuel the work I am assigned (in an Earthly sense) to do.

I’ve got to give love to Iyanla Vanzant’s book Peace from Broken Pieces (How to Get Through What You’re Going Through). It came into my life at a moment when I needed it most. Art is crazy like that!

Shoutout to my littles (Jayden and Zuri). I learn lessons in love and humanity on a daily just by being their momma.

Please keep an eye out for my first, co-written book titled Mentoring the Fem-tor to be released later this year. This has been my baby. I’m so proud of this work and can’t wait to add to the critical mentoring discussion in academia.

Website: https://www.asebookboutique.com/

Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-brooks-61154a59/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-brooks-61154a59/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/asebookboutique

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