Success stories often seem larger than life, but when you’re in the trenches, it’s an entirely different journey.
For me, selling books on the streets of New York City wasn’t just a way to make a living—it was the beginning of something much bigger. I knew if I connected with the right people, the possibilities would be endless. Here’s how I went from grassroots hustling to creating a global platform for my stories.
1. Embrace the Hustle: Start Where You Are
Selling books on the streets was the easiest way to reach my market. I knew the hotspots around town—places where people were always passing through. So, I positioned myself in those high-traffic areas and made sure to connect directly with my audience. But let me tell you, it wasn’t just about choosing a spot; it was about understanding the risks and rewards. There was a defining moment when I realized, this is how I’m going to make my way—the streets were my stage, and there was no limit to the money I could make if I was willing to be out there, pushing my agenda.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. These high-traffic areas brought both good and bad elements. Parking, for example, was always an issue. You had to find a place that was secure and avoid parking tickets. Then there were the people—some were supportive, others jealous, and a few just didn’t like the idea of someone making money on their turf. Add to that inclement weather—rain, heat, snow—you name it. It could interrupt your flow when pitching your books to others. But every obstacle became a part of the learning process, teaching me to be resilient.
2. Have a Plan—Or Not: Evolving the Blueprint
Did I have a concrete plan when I started? Not really. I went into this without a strict blueprint. All I knew was that I had the will to make it work. I remember hearing advice from fellow author Brenda L. Thomas. She told me to pack up my books, head down to New Orleans, and sell at the Essence Fest. That piece of advice turned out to be a major turning point for me. I went to the Essence Fest for years, selling thousands of books and connecting with new readers.
Along the way, I learned to adjust my strategy. If the weather was bad, I figured something out. If it was too hot, I adapted. If there was construction on the street, I found a new spot. You learn to tweak everything, from positioning to the way you engage with people. Sometimes you want to trigger sales, but other times, you have to be sensitive to the energy around you. You want attention, but you also have to respect the fact that most people are just going about their day—headed to work or home—and never expected to connect with you. So, you give them a reason and a way to connect.
3. The Power of Face-to-Face Sales
Selling books face-to-face is empowering. You take out all the middlemen, and the connection becomes direct. There’s no question about your goal, your profit, or your bottom line. Every conversation becomes a potential sale, and every sale is a connection with someone who might become a loyal reader. Each interaction taught me more about what people want, how to talk about my work, and how to make a lasting impression.
4. Authenticity as the Foundation of Success
My personal story and authenticity played a huge role in my success. It fortified my gumption and audacity to be out there, day after day, hustling my books. I believe my lived experiences empowered me to do better and be better. People want to connect with someone real, and that’s what I offered. Staying true to myself was key. I wasn’t chasing a trend or trying to fit into a mold—I was on purpose, moving forward with focus and resilience.
5. From Grassroots to Global: The Breakthrough
The moment I realized I’d moved from grassroots to global was when it all started happening at once. I appeared on Fox 5 Good Day New York and simultaneously in The New York Daily News, The New York Times, and on The Michael Baisden Show. I’d set my sights on any and all media, and little by little, it started to work.
There was a woman named Makeda Smith who created a press release and shared my story, and another named Courtney Carreras, who got me a full-page article in a major magazine. These women and others helped push my story into the media. I didn’t know at first how big it would get, but soon, I was on radio, TV, and in newspapers.
Behind every media appearance, there’s a big machine deciding if your story aligns with their audience, and I kept hitting pay dirt by staying the course and hustling my books through the streets and, eventually, online. There was even a time when Halle Berry’s management contacted me for a copy of my book for film consideration.
That’s when I knew I wasn’t just hustling on the streets anymore—I was playing on a global stage.
This is my story—the blueprint of how I turned grassroots hustle into a global platform. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Every step of the way, I learned, adjusted, and stayed relentless in my pursuit. And that’s how you turn a small start into something much bigger.
