Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherrele Goloversic.
Hi Sherrele, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
About 15 years ago, I went in search of romantic suspense books written by African Americans that I could purchase, show my support, and diversify my reading catalog. This search became my mission. I spent many hours, when I should have been sleeping, I was on the internet searching for “that book.” When I was out and about, I checked the local bookstores and libraries, and each time, I came up short. At this time, I was not active on social media, so a Facebook post was out of the question. Then one day, I found a book by Brenda Jackson. The backdrop for this book was Houston, Texas (my hometown), and I was hooked. Who would have thought this single purchase would open my world up to new and exciting adventures of independently published authors and book events. Now I had a new internet search topic to keep me awake, “book events”. My first event was exciting and overwhelming (in a good way). I met several authors of books I had read throughout the years; however, I still noticed there were very few African American authors. Back to the drawing board. I knew in my heart of hearts I would eventually find what I was looking for, and I did. I attended a book event in Atlanta. This event had the diversity I was looking for and even a small meet-and-greet session with African American authors. Now I was excited. Event after event, I listened to their stories of joy and struggles with trying to make it in this industry and gaining much-deserved recognition. The passion for their craft was evident.
That’s when my light bulb came on, and I decided to open a bookstore because I want to do my part to increase their exposure, so they can continue to provide us with laughter, joy, and tears. See, I found out a lot by happen chance and word of mouth. I want to improve the odds of someone purchasing a book published by an independently published author. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience all that I have so far without the search frustration. Most importantly, I am here to champion our authors, bloggers, and book clubs. I don’t want their journeys to end, and I hope seeing the works of these fabulous people will encourage our next generation of authors, readers, bloggers, and book club presidents.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I wish I could say it was a smooth road, but that is not the case. I was my biggest obstacle. I would talk myself in and out of my dream 10 times per day. I would allow feedback from other people to change my vision and cause me to doubt my path forward. Once I got out of my own way, my next biggest challenge was finding a brick-and-mortar space in the area where I live that was affordable and checked all my boxes. All the spaces with high foot traffic were beyond my budget, and all the spaces with affordable rent had low foot traffic. I chose the low foot traffic, low rent location because God said if you don’t start now, then when. The space checked all my boxes except 2 of them. Store visibility to increase foot traffic and sales is still a struggle but we are improving.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Book Readers Venue Bookstore. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
The Book Readers Venue is a black, veteran-owned bookstore located in Humble, Texas just north of Houston. Our niche is romance and romantic suspense books written by independently published authors of color. We also have a selection of children’s books, general fiction, non-fiction, and cookbooks. Our goal is to introduce the works written by indie authors to our community and provide that personal touch that independent bookstores are known for in hopes of increasing the desire to read amongst our children and adults. We are open Friday/Saturday 10 am – 12 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm.
We offer online purchases directly from our website for curbside pickup or shipping. We host author book signings, book club meetings, children’s story time, and other activities. There is a lending library that’s located in the front of the bookstore for all to enjoy.
How do you define success?
Success for me is creating goals that align with my personal values and beliefs and accomplishing those goals that lead to my personal growth, financial improvements, increased/decreased material possessions, or contributing to the well-being of others and society as a whole. Success will look different depending on the goal.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebookreadersvenue.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookreadersvenue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBookReadersVenue/
- Other: https://bookshop.org/shop/thebookreadersvenue
Image Credits
Jakira Lewis
