Her fans listened to her cries. Two days later, her contribution page was shared by TikTok users, who helped her reach her goal.
According to AfroTech, Nia-Tayler Clark, the owner of a bookshop, has collected $20,000 with the help of online supporters. Before Clark could even start her Dallas-based company, BLACKLIT, she received a ten-day notice of eviction and a demand for $27,000. She shared her experience on Instagram on January 22 in an effort to make things better.
“After securing the building for the BLACKLIT Bookstore but not being able to open to the public for 4 months, we have fallen behind on bills and have been fighting to keep our head above water for the past few months,” Clark said. “We just lost everything.”
Her fans listened to her cries. Two days later, her contribution page was shared by TikTok users, who helped her reach her goal. The HBCU alumnus soon released an update with the wonderful news.
“Long story short: I pick up my keys tomorrow! And, they gave me 10 days to raise the $7,000,” Clark shared in an update.
According to Fort Worth Magazine, Clark won a pitch competition during Fort Worth’s Global Entrepreneurship Week, which led to the beginning of the BLACKLIT storefront narrative. She defined her company as a monthly book subscription box that features books written by Black writers and run by Black businesspeople. Her company’s stated goals are to “help bridge the literacy gap, boost representation, and promote discussions that bring harmony across racial divisions,” according to the company’s website. The website included a brief explanation of her motivation for starting her firm.
“I literally had a student tell me “I don’t read Ms. I’m Black,” the former 10th-grade teacher wrote. “It broke my heart; but, it also opened my eyes.” “It’s gotten us pretty far, but we need to hire.”
(instagram)
The money received will help her establish a team, something the Texas company owner told Fort Worth Magazine she needs, in addition to enabling her to keep her firm open. – Steve Sijenyi
