Mocha Books

1. What is your name and where are you from? 

Shionka McGlory residing in Oklahoma.

2. What is your preferred art form? And when did you start? 

I love crafting and doing DIY projects but this last year or so I’ve grown closer to reading and writing. I’ve penned and won a few pieces in elementary and high school but never took a big interest in it. 

3. Who are your biggest influences?

I’m often inspired by women writers and fellow mompreneurs. One writer who has inspired me in my current season would be Latham Thomas.

4. What is your favorite work that you’ve produced/worked on so far?

Hands down, Mocha Books. An online bookstore and literacy resource that I created in 2017. I’ve spent a great deal of time (often, time away from my children that I feel guilty for) building this platform to bring exposure to books that feature characters of color and/or written/illustrated by authors of color. 

5. What does your work aim to say?

That literacy and cultural and diverse representation in literature (especially in the home) are important.

6. If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to seize the opportunities. Stay true to yourself because more than half of the people your surround yourself with won’t be there later in life. 

To learn more about Mocha Books please visit http://www.readwithmochabooks.com or go to Instagram @readwithmochabooks

Thanks for sharing Shionka!