Business Spotlight: Kizzy’s Books & More
November 14, 2019
|In Announcements
Trenessa Williams is a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and the proud owner of Kizzy’s Books & More – an online independant bookstore bringing Black literature to the hands of Central Floridians. Her mission is to provide a place for lovers of African-American literature and other creative expressions with a welcoming ambiance and customer service!
We sat down with Trenessa to learn all about her business and what lead her to join The Chamber. Here is what she had to say:
What do you think makes Central Florida a special place to do business?
TW: Central Florida is full of diversity, from Hispanic and Latino cultures to African Americans to Caribbean backgrounds, there are so many different cultures that bring multiple forms of art, and literature to the business landscape.
Because of this diversity, there is high demand for minority focused businesses like mine. This demand makes Central Florida a really beneficial location for me, and I’d say that’s really special.
Who is your target market/audience?
TW: We consider our core audience to be those that love to read African American Literature, I’d say ages 20-49. This includes the Gen Z population, Millennials, and the end of the Gen X generation.
There are a lot of great books out there within African-American Literature that appeal to each of these generations, and at Kizzy’s Books & More we carry a large variety of each.
What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?
TW: It has been extremely exciting to see an increase in the customer base for African-American literature. A lot of independent minority owned bookstores are opening up and it’s beautiful to see. For a while we were actually seeing a decrease in demand, but interest is on the rise! More of us are opening stores across the country because there is a need for places for us to buy and discuss our literature.
People are looking for unique and creative stories to meet their needs. People are craving diversity and again, I’ll reiterate that they are specifically coming to Central Florida for that diversity!
TW: Central Florida is full of diversity, from Hispanic and Latino cultures to African Americans to Caribbean backgrounds, there are so many different cultures that bring multiple forms of art, and literature to the business landscape.
Because of this diversity, there is high demand for minority focused businesses like mine. This demand makes Central Florida a really beneficial location for me, and I’d say that’s really special.
Who is your target market/audience?
TW: We consider our core audience to be those that love to read African American Literature, I’d say ages 20-49. This includes the Gen Z population, Millennials, and the end of the Gen X generation.
There are a lot of great books out there within African-American Literature that appeal to each of these generations, and at Kizzy’s Books & More we carry a large variety of each.
What is the most exciting thing you see happening in your industry?
TW: It has been extremely exciting to see an increase in the customer base for African-American literature. A lot of independent minority owned bookstores are opening up and it’s beautiful to see. For a while we were actually seeing a decrease in demand, but interest is on the rise! More of us are opening stores across the country because there is a need for places for us to buy and discuss our literature.
People are looking for unique and creative stories to meet their needs. People are craving diversity and again, I’ll reiterate that they are specifically coming to Central Florida for that diversity!
What is the biggest benefit to joining the AACCCF?
TW: I actually followed The Chamber for a while and always wanted to join because I could so clearly see the positive impact that they have on the community supporting black business owners. Since joining I’ve greatly benefited from the events. Being able to go to workshops and network with professionals and businesses that can really help me to grow has been amazing.
What books are you currently reading?
TW: So many, but I actually just finished “Broken Promises” by S.K. Lessly and an audio book called “Slay” by Brittney Morris.
At this moment, I’m on the lookout for my next read.
To keep up with Kizzy’s Books & More be sure to follow them on Facebook and sign up for their Newsletter on their website.
The Newsletter spotlights a curated list of fiction and nonfiction books for both adults and kids!
TW: I actually followed The Chamber for a while and always wanted to join because I could so clearly see the positive impact that they have on the community supporting black business owners. Since joining I’ve greatly benefited from the events. Being able to go to workshops and network with professionals and businesses that can really help me to grow has been amazing.
What books are you currently reading?
TW: So many, but I actually just finished “Broken Promises” by S.K. Lessly and an audio book called “Slay” by Brittney Morris.
At this moment, I’m on the lookout for my next read.
To keep up with Kizzy’s Books & More be sure to follow them on Facebook and sign up for their Newsletter on their website.
The Newsletter spotlights a curated list of fiction and nonfiction books for both adults and kids!