Daily Inspiration: Meet Tiffany Obeng

Hi Tiffany, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in Houston and raised in Missouri City, Texas. I have always wanted to become a lawyer and an author. I first pursued becoming a lawyer. In 2009. I graduated from a top-tier law school and went on to pursue a fulfilling legal career. Then, in 2020, I decided to finally pursue becoming an author. I researched publishing companies but quickly realized that the traditional publishing route was not readily available to me as a no-name, first-time, minority author. So, I turned my research efforts to creating my own publishing imprint and going at authorship and publication independently. I published my first children’s picture book Andrew Learns about Actors (Career Book for Kids) in August 2020. Six months later, I published my second picture book, Andrew Learns about Teachers (Career Book for Kids).

Determined to make a significant impact in the literary space, I kicked my efforts into high gear. I have since published 13 more children’s picture books, all with the goal of educating, inspiring and normalizing our Black children. My books such as Spencer Knows Spring and Scout’s Honor can be found on various recommended book lists, in magazines, and even on Yahoo’s Best Products list. Andrew Learns about Engineers (Career Book for Kids) recently received the coveted “Best Seller” designation on Amazon.

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?
Right, “fairly smooth” may be an accurate description here. I have experienced a lot of “success” and am fulfilled by my author journey, but there have definitely been obstacles along the way. External obstacles like critics who oppose diverse books and the common obstacle for many small businesses, gaining reach and exposure for your products. Then there is the internal obstacle of “imposter syndrome.” I have published 15 books that sell, yet I still worry, usually during a book launch, am I “good enough.”

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am owner and principal author of Sugar Cookie Books book publishing imprint. We publish enjoyable, quality literary content featuring BIPOC characters in spaces where they have historically been absent, such as in children’s literature, in media and in certain professions. Equally important, we publish universally relatable content featuring Black child characters, especially Black boys, in normal everyday situations. In this way, our children are normalized, humanized, and the world can be made a safer place for them. As an independent publisher, I identify gaps in children’s literature (particularly in the picture book space), fill those gaps and fill them quickly. For example, after my son was teased about his curly hair, I created and published a book that celebrates Black boys and their hair called Black Boy Hair Joy. I found that although Black boys experience much negative criticism about their hair, there are not many hair love books for Black boys.

We have a diverse collection of children’s books, so there is always something for everyone. From career exploration books to SEL books to seasons books and even Spanish books. Additionaly as a literacy advocate, we create and offer companion activity kits for some of the books. Recently, Sugar Cookie Books expanded to include puzzles, clothing, stickers, notebooks, and more.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I journal sometimes, and the journal I turn to is titled But God Says, From Fearful to Faith: A Tool for Achieving Abundance. It helps me overcome fear, worry, doubt and keeps me focused on my purpose, mission, and my God. I also maintain a blog called The True T.E.A (Truth. Errors. Accomplishments) about my author journey, things I have learned along the way, and the inspirations behind my books.

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