We had the good fortune of connecting with Valencia Perkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valencia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I graduated college in 2017, I had published my first book called “Poppy’s Garden”. It was not a business then.

As I progressed in the work force as an educator, I realized having my own business is necessary in today’s economy, so I birth my business after being at home with my first born Reign for a year.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
R and R Booktique was started because I wanted a platform to sell my children’s books. R and R Booktique is an online website for famiies to learn and break generational curses. You can learn to self publish through my self paced classes or you can buy a children’s ebook to educate your child on gun violence. The goal is for the entire family to be able to learn something and thrive not only for the moment but for a lifetime.

I am most proud of how my business as advanced over the few years. I went from selling 25 books in a year to selling 50 books in a month. The growth let’s me know that there is still a demand for my business and I am very grateful for the support.

It has not been easy of course. In 2018-2019 I practical lost everything from my car to a place to stay and had to relearn me and my core values. I had very low self esteem,and when you do not have your basic needs and high self esteem, your business takes a hit as well as your brand.

Along my journey, I learned to keep going! Sometimes you do not see that there is any light, but if you keep going you will see the light. If you put in effort and continue to learn, you will always win and no one will ever be able to take that from you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Okay, so I am from Memphis, T.N. You have to be very strategic about where you go and who you entertain. I would advise anyone to please research before going.

Monday we would most definitely go to the Lorraine Motel. This museuem is where Martin Luther King Jr. died. It is a place that makes you want to be a better you. To eat, we would definitely find Barbeque. Now, I am mostly plant based so, depending on if they are a heavy meat eater or not is how I would decide.

Tuesday we would go on Beale Street and vibe during lunch. The lunch crowd would definitely be better than dinner. After five, the crowd can be too much at times, I think that they put extra liquor in the cups or something.

Wednesday we would definitely take a walk at Shelby Farms. The nature there is unmatched. We would also go to Wild Beet to grab a salad. They have a ton of ways to make salads and it is so fulfilling.

Thursday we would go bowling and maybe to a taco truck. Taco trucks here are typically really good!

Friday we would go shopping at Wolfchase and enjoy a nice restaurant in Germantown, Tennessee. Maybe Staks, the pancakes are awesome and they have vegan options.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout my mom! She has been my rock when I felt my world crumbling before my own eyes. She has supported me every step of the way! I love you mom!!

Website: www.randrbooktique.com

Instagram: randrbooktique

Twitter: Randrbooktique

Facebook: Valencia Perkin

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@rrcommunity

Other: Tiktok: randrbooktique Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.