Dr. Trenessa Williams, the passionate owner of Kizzy’s Books and More, has dedicated her career to promoting literacy and celebrating Black authors. Through her bookstore, Trenessa is committed to rebuilding the Black literary community and providing access to literature that represents and uplifts the Black experience. In this interview, she discusses her journey, the unique aspects of her bookstore, and the importance of following one’s passion to create positive change.
Tell me a little bit about your career path before you became a bookseller. What were you doing before you set up your bookstore?
That’s a great question. My career path has been anything but linear. If you had asked my high school self where I’d be at 41, I would have said I’d be in New York selling fashion because I loved it. But life took a different turn. I’ve worked with low-income families, connecting them with resources, and spent 10 years teaching marketing and entrepreneurship in higher education. I even have a DBA in entrepreneurship, with a focus on gentrification and its impact on small businesses in Harlem. But my true passion is literacy, and that’s what led me to start Kizzy’s Books and More.
What makes Kizzy’s Books unique compared to other types of bookstores?
What sets Kizzy’s apart is the way we relay our message and the unique essence we bring. Our logo, featuring a Black woman with an afro, draws people in, and we focus on promoting African-American literature while also amplifying the voices of indie Black authors. These indie voices often don’t get the recognition they deserve, so we’re working on ways to incorporate them more into our offerings. We also partner with various organizations to connect with the community, even without a physical location yet.
You’ve talked about your passion for books. Why did you choose to focus on promoting Black authors and literacy?
Promoting literacy, especially in our communities, is crucial because there are so many book deserts where children and adults don’t have access to literature that reflects their identities. Reading is powerful and liberating, and it’s one of the most impactful ways to uplift and inspire. The goal with Kizzy’s is to rebuild the Black literary community in Orlando, to create a space where people can connect with literature and with each other, just like they did when Montsho Books was thriving here for 15 years before it closed in 2005.
Who is supporting you in your work, particularly from the publishing world? What do you wish publishers would do more of?
I appreciate getting ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) from publishers because they help me stay ahead of what’s coming out. But I’d love it if publishers provided a list of upcoming books in advance, so I can plan better and share with my community. I’m also working on building a podcast to have informal conversations with authors, which I think would be a great way to promote their work. It would be amazing if publishers could facilitate these kinds of connections between authors and booksellers like me.
What books, both for adults and children, are you most excited about right now?
For adults, I’m really looking forward to Unicorn Woman by Gail Jones, a historical fiction book narrated by a Black soldier returning from the Jim Crow era. It’s set in the early 1950s and is coming out on August 20th. For children, Radiant Child, the story of young artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, is a fantastic book, especially for creative kids. Another one I’m excited about is Brown Girls Ballet, which celebrates diverse girls in ballet and is perfect for young readers. It’s coming out on August 27th.
You’re doing so much to support the community, but what do you want people to know about the challenges and opportunities you face as a Black bookseller?
It’s important to understand that while there’s a lot of support, the journey is still challenging. We’re trying to build something significant here, and it takes time, resources, and community support. But I’m optimistic because I believe in the power of books to change lives. I just want to encourage others to follow their passions, despite the challenges, because the impact you can make is worth it.
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