Meet Sabriyah Richardson: Self- Published Author

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

Hi Sabriyah, how do you think about risk?
I think taking risks is a very big part of life! I think we miss out on a lot of potentially very big, fun, remarkable events and moments in life when we are afraid of taking healthy risks. Now while not all risks are reasonable or productive risks, as a whole most risks we take teach us something whether it is good or bad. Taking a risk is what even made my book possible. In my own personal work and career I came across a couple of decisions that could be considered a risk, even the actual topic of my book since it is so touchy was a risk. I wouldn’t trade any of the risks I have taken in my life in general, because they lead to experiences, memories, triumphs and results I wouldn’t trade for the world. What is life without risk? death.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got started literally on my school laptop and a Microsoft word document. I knew I wanted to turn my journals into a story but it wasn’t actually till after my school at the time did a viewing of the movie ” The Hate U Give”. One of the subplots in the movie being the main character having to be a black girl in a predominately white school, and the overlooked struggles that accompany that and my book has a similar subplot. I remember after leaving the viewing feeling so inspired and amped to a degree to tell my story. It was not easy in the since of staying motivated to the end and keeping the faith in my own story and abilities. I overcame these challenges by realizing that this story can help others and for that it deserves to be told. I have learned so many lessons from this experience but the most important one being that people can sense if there is a passion or not behind a project, you must always believe in your story first or no one else will. I want the world to pay attention to the topics behind my work, I want people to hear the issues I speak of and re-evaluate themselves and the roles they play in these problems. I want people to think about these touchy topics in gray, not just black and white.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in Charleston! The city is so gorgeous and full of amazing food and drinks its hard to pick just a few

to sightsee:
– king street
– the battery
– the top level of any parking garage (the real views)

To Eat:
– Hannibals kitchen!
– Daves Seafood
– Taco Boy
– John King Bar & Grill

For happy hour:
-El Jefes ( Taco Tuesday!)
– The watch rooftop& spirits
– The Brick Tavern

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?
Oh Gosh, there are so many!

I have been blessed immensely in life with amazing family and friends who have been my absolute anchors through the past years. I would like to of course first dedicate this shoutout to my parents, because they recognized when I needed help outside of myself and immediate circle. They knew what was best for me before I ever did and so I’d like to thank them for quite literally saving me from myself. I would also like to thank my first therapist Ms. Gwen B. She was not only phenomenal at her job but just a wonderful role model especially as a black woman in a field dominated by non- minorities. She was the one who first assigned me to start journaling, had she not held me accountable for writing down my thoughts, this book probably wouldn’t exist.

Website: coming soon

Instagram: @Sabriychardsonn

Linkedin: Sabriyah Richardson

Twitter: @sabrichardsonn

Facebook: Sabriyah Richardson

Image Credits
Malik Gist @squidlik