Valarie Brandes & Jacaranda Books: Publishing Diverse Voices Globally

Send us Fan MailGuest: Valarie Brandes, CEO & Founder, Jacaranda BooksHost: AngelaEpisode Summary :  In this inspiring episode of Begin Build Blossom, we discover how Valarie Brandes, founder of Jacaranda Books, built a global publishing house rooted in diasporic excellence. Valarie shares insights on publishing diverse Black voices worldwide, balancing family and entrepreneurship, and growing Jacaranda from a home office to an international powerhouse. Learn about her journey, the influence of her Dominican heritage, and how Jacaranda published 20 books in 2020 (#Twentyin2020) while creating a lasting legacy in the literary world.What We Talked AboutBalancing family life while building a businessThe inspiration behind the name JacarandaThe power of networking in your field of interestPublishing diverse voices globallyHow Jacaranda published 20 books in 2020 (#Twentyin2020)Building a core global team for diasporic excellence and legacyWhy the commercial side of any enterprise mattersA Book That Impacted Valarie the MostThe Bluest Eye by Nobel Prize‑winning author Toni MorrisonConnect with Jacaranda BooksCatch Jacaranda Books in Trinidad & Tobago at the Boca Film Festival from April 29 – May 4, 2026  Festival Website: https://www.bocaslitfest.comSocial Media: TikTok: @jacarandabooksX: @jacarandabooksFacebook: Jacaranda Books Art Music LtdInstagram: JacarandaBooks