Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Her
Hi Kimberly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I fell in love with reading on evenings hidden behind the Christmas tree, reading with the lights on the trees for hours. I would lose myself to stories and imagined myself as the characters going on adventures tricking fae and riding dragons. Little did I know this obsession would turn into a life-long passion.
After losing my job during the pandemic, I decided to try applying to a bookstore. I had found a fun and creative community of readers on social media. Working at a bookstore combined two things I grew to care deeply about: Reading and helping businesses grow (particularly small businesses and BIPOC and women-owned business owners) via social media. I soon found myself making videos and growing the bookstore’s channel into a local community of bookish content creators. We found ourselves supporting local and indie authors. On my personal channel, I focus on diverse authors and indie authors. I’ve been able to connect with wonderful creators and authors around the world to highlight the importance of diversity in the publishing industry. It has come such a long way and has more to go!
I have big plans for myself and my content. My story is still being written and I can’t wait for what I have next!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Eventually, I found myself in a creative rut – I had burned out. I was making content for myself, the bookstore, and managing social media for a local author. I had never found the capacity of my creativity and it was, indeed, finite. My passion had become work and it wasn’t fun anymore. I was reading books out of obligations and not enjoying them. A problem all mood readers can understand. My creative rut bled into my enjoyment of reading and I could barely finish any of the books I picked up. Reading has always been my escape. Especially as a single mom actually working two (sometimes three) jobs, not having this escape to wind down was rough.
After struggling and finding a reset, I focused on books that brought me joy, finding that place of wonder behind the Christmas tree. Inspiration doesn’t always hit you, it’s not always a lightbulb in the dark. Sometimes it comes back slowly, sitting under the shade of an oak tree on a quiet summer day or while you’re on a nighttime cruise with the windows rolled down and music blasting. I learned a few very important things: first, I am not invincible. I have limits. Second, I can do hard things and be successful. Especially as a second generation Asian woman. And third, inspiration can be found anywhere if you’re open to it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I make content about books but my favorite part are the friends I make along the way. Haha, but actually, I’ve made some wonderful friends. We work together to continue bringing support to BIPOC and indie authors!
Social media is over-saturated. I have found my niche in my mission. I love being like, “Yes, we can talk about this Romantasy but did you know it was written by an Asian author? Did you notice these distinct cultural influences?” Advocacy will always have a place in everything I do.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People tend to be surprised that I have a business degree or that I’m in grad school for political advocacy, One thing about being a minority woman (a woman in general, really) is that everyone underestimates you. Books are fun and can be an escape. Something you can also get from books is knowledge. And knowledge is powerful. We can have fun and be smart at the same time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kkimlyreads?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kkimlyreads?_t=8apXmpQaXX8&_r=1
