DBW

Summer is here, and with it, the irresistible call of sun-drenched beaches, cool breezes, and the promise of escaping into a captivating story. This year, we're urging you to pack your bags – both literally and figuratively – and embark on adventures fueled by the brilliant imaginations of Black authors

Satonya’s journey into the world of storytelling began in 2009, during a difficult professional transition. When the mortgage industry collapsed, she turned inward and discovered writing as a new outlet. That creative spark eventually evolved into screenwriting, directing, and producing.

Nikki’s creative voice is both bold and restorative. Her stories frequently explore themes of social justice, cultural identity, personal transformation, and the weight of silence. She’s committed to showing readers how speaking up, especially in the face of adversity, is a powerful act of reclaiming one’s narrative.

A Virginia native, Hall began writing stories as a child. By the time she graduated from college, she decided to take a chance on herself and self-published her first book. What followed was years of trial, error, and eventually mastery. Her dedication to learning the business side of publishing led to the creation of her Booked & Busy™ course, which helps aspiring authors turn their passion into published works and profit.

Each design starts with a spark of inspiration—whether it’s a scripture, a nature walk, or a conversation with a customer. Tonya prays over her workspace and believes that creative energy flows through spiritual alignment. “God is my creative partner,” she says. “Everything I make starts with intention and ends with purpose.”

Monique Fisher is a rom-com writer with a superhero origin story. A lifelong theater and comic book geek, Monique’s creative journey took her from playwriting and television scripts to building an entire romantic universe—one hilarious and heartfelt novel at a time. With her pen firmly planted in the indie romance space, she creates cozy, character-driven stories that put Black women at the center of love, laughter, and modern real-life relationships.

Cam’s inspiration comes from everyday experiences. Product packaging, 2000s web aesthetics, even wine bottle labels spark ideas. “Most concepts come to me in my sleep,” they say. “I wake up, grab my phone, and put it in Google Keep.”

Jasmine officially launched her brand in October 2021. With little guidance available for designing clothes for people with dwarfism, she had to create her own framework—sizing, fit, construction, and fabrication—all from scratch. Manufacturers couldn’t support her needs. Industry mentors didn’t exist for her niche. So she taught herself how to produce everything.

Raised in a world where books were refuge and imagination was survival, Phylisha discovered her gift for storytelling early. As a child on the autism spectrum, she found safety in solitude and power in creativity. “I just was who I was,” she says. “I didn’t realize I was different until others told me I was.” Rather than retreating, she leaned into her uniqueness. “I lived in my own world,” she says. “But that world became my strength.”

Angela’s journey began early. Encouraged by her grandparents and teachers, she was writing by elementary school, often assigned extra essays just to keep her busy. She was nurtured in a household that valued reading, writing, and independent thought—skills that would become her lifeline and launching pad. Her love of penmanship—something she honors by writing many drafts by hand—was passed down from her grandfather, a writer and orator who modeled intellectual power and quiet

Like many designers, Chizoba Nancy Uchechukwu-Elekwa began with custom pieces—measuring, fitting, and tailoring outfits for individual clients. But after relocating from Nigeria to England, she noticed something that changed her business model. “A lot here depends on the weather,” she says. “Weddings are seasonal. Events happen mostly in the summer. I needed something that could work year-round.”

For Nina-Simone Jones, hairstyling has always been more than just a profession—it’s an art form and a means of self-expression. Based in Que

Tiffany Shanta White is a filmmaker, composer, wellness advocate, and nonprofit executive dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices throug

Maya’s journey into storytelling began in childhood as a way to escape reality. "As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, creating stories i

For Sabine Guillaume Hayes, the founder of Georgette Marise Interiors, interior design is more than just creating beautiful spaces—it’s abou

For DJ Queen Breezy, music is more than just sound—it’s a feeling, a movement, and a way to bring people together. As a Dallas-based mobile

Dr. Shariee Jones is a rare force—a creative visionary who refuses to be confined by a single title. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, she ha

What if food was more than just sustenance—what if it was history, culture, and resistance? In The Legacy Table, Amara, a young woman from S

Alisa’s work is a powerful blend of faith, creativity, and empowerment. Through her music, books, and motivational speaking, she is proving

Black love is powerful, transformative, and deeply deserving of celebration. Few authors capture its essence with the depth and authenticity