Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae Marie.
Hi Janae, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hello, my name is Janae Marie, and I am an Author of five urban fiction books. I started writing when I was around 13 years old. I wrote poetry to help cope with the boredom of being the only child at the time. Plus, I stayed in the house, often reading books as a child. As I got older, age 16, I began writing short stories. It wasn’t until I attended Wayne State University that I took writing as a career seriously! I often would visit the Barnes & Noble bookstore on campus and researched how I could get my stories published.
At the age of 25, I self-published my first book, Flirting with Temptations. By the age of 30, I’d published three more titles, “Daddy’s Home” “Double Take,” Later, I published two more titled “Besties” & “Sleeping with the Enemy.” I’m currently working on book #6 “Leilani’s Secret.” I took a hiatus from writing to focus on my new clothing brand, The Ebonee Kouture Experience. (Ebonee Kouture) But I plan to release my next title October 2025.
Ebonee Kouture is a handbag and ladies’ apparel fashion brand for melanin women of color. The core brand values are building self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-awareness. I really believe in being FLY. Which to me means to First Love Yourself. I always say, “It doesn’t matter how good you look on the outside if you aren’t truly happy with who you are in the inside!” Ebonee Kouture launches this summer on Juneteenth 6.19.24.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not! Things have not been an easy road. One of the many struggles has been trying to find support from family and friends. Honestly, the biggest supporters I’ve had during my writing career have been complete strangers. With the exception from my mom and sister and a couple of friends. I’ve garnered readers from social media mainly.
Also, another tough struggle is finding financing for a startup. I’ve had to finance my business completely on my own. But it’s made me stronger and more resourceful. Plus, more eager to drive for success.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write urban fiction books and blog my creative thoughts. I am also an owner of an online handbag and apparel store. I am most proud of accomplishing my goal of being an author. I always wanted to be a writer and I accomplished that goal. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I try to be real and raw with my stories. Because the world isn’t perfect. It’s real.
Most of my stories are based around my imagination but more so from the world around me growing up in Detroit, MI.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I learned that it is NOT enough to try and survive off of one income. Jobs are not enough to sustain your income. You could lose your employment at the drop of a hat and there is no chance you may be able to return. That’s why I believe it’s vital to have multiple sources of income. You can’t ever get too comfortable in life. Things can change and you need to be able to stay on top of whatever happens. So, you aren’t blindsided.
Pricing:
- Flirting with Temptations $7.99
- Daddy’s Home $9.99
- Double Take $9.99
- Besties $9.99
- Sleeping with the Enemy $12.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://janaemariebooks.com https://eboneekouturebags.com
- Instagram: authorjanae_marie5 ebonee_kouture
- Facebook: authorjanaemarie4519 eboneekouture
- Linkedin: krystlehudson
- Twitter: Janaemarie5 eboneekouture
- Youtube: AuthorJanaeMarie EboneeKouture
Image Credits
Nick Hunte
