Today we’d like to introduce you to Shequandra Boone.
Hi Shequandra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always had a love for reading, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself falling deeply in love with books all over again. The very first book I picked up was Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us series, a story that resonated with me in ways that I was dealing with at the time. I was navigating some of the most difficult moments of my life, and I found myself relating to the story on a deeply personal level.
A few months after reading the book, I made the decision to file for divorce and begin a new chapter of life with my daughter and our dog. Starting over was not easy. After spending ten years with someone, I was afraid to start life over as a single mother, I knew learning how to stand on my own while balancing motherhood, work, and, at the time, two jobs was going to be hard and on top of that dealing with my own emotions. I was also managing my mental health and trying to establish a new routine while figuring out what this next chapter of my life would look like for me and Zara. It wasn’t easy and I told myself I had to bury whatever I was feeling to be able to create the life I wanted for my daughter and I.
Reading became one of my outlets. In my spare time, I began exploring different genres and discovering Bookstagrammers who shared their love for books online. Eventually, I started creating my own content on BookTok, talking to the camera about the stories I loved and the characters I couldn’t stop thinking about. But the more I shared, the more I realized that I wanted something beyond posting online. I wanted to connect with other readers in real life.
At the time, it felt like I was the only person in my area constantly talking about books. Then, a post went viral featuring a group of people gathered in a park in Atlanta, simply enjoying a day of reading together. People immediately began tagging me, telling me that I needed to bring something like that to Virginia.
I picked a location at the beach and put the invitation out there. Three people showed up. And honestly, I was happy! We sat together, enjoyed drinks, and talked about books. I wasn’t discouraged by the small turnout because I knew that if nothing else, I had created an opportunity for readers to connect.
I tried again the following month, and seven people showed up. To me, that was a win. I remember thinking, Wow, there really are people out here who love reading just as much as I do!
Then, two weeks later, I hosted another gathering at this coffee shop called Knotts, and about 30 people showed up.
I can still remember that day. I was fighting back tears as people walked up and saying that they were there for the silent reading meetup. I couldn’t believe that something I started simply because I wanted to meet other readers was bringing so many people together. What began as a small gathering at the beach was becoming something much bigger than I had imagined.
Eventually, I decided it was time to take the next step and create a book club. And that is how Hush Reads VA was born.
Today, Hush Reads VA is so much more than a book club. It is a community built on connection, friendship, and a shared love for stories. It has introduced me to incredible people, created friendships I will forever cherish, and given me the opportunity to build something meaningful from a season of my life when I was simply trying to find my footing again.
When I look back, I realize that reading was not just an escape for me; it became the beginning of a new chapter. I started reading to get through a difficult season, but somewhere along the way, I built a community that has become a part of my purpose.
Now, I look forward to our book club Saturdays, the laughter, the conversations, the friendships, and the memories we continue to make together.
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?
This journey has not been a smooth road at all! 😂 People sometimes think running a book club is as simple as picking a book, gathering everyone together, and reading. But there is so much more that goes into building a community than people realize.
You’re managing different personalities, navigating different expectations, choosing books that appeal to your audience, planning experiences, and constantly thinking about how to create a space that attracts the kind of community you want to build. For me, everything I do has to have purpose. I don’t just want to host events; I want to create experiences that serve people, foster genuine connections, and provide a safe space where everyone feels welcome.
Balancing all of that while being a full-time real estate agent, a mom, a daughter, a sister, and a friend has not been easy. On top of those responsibilities, I’m also trying to grow as a content creator and continue building Hush Reads VA into something bigger than myself. There have been plenty of struggles, especially when it comes to trying to satisfy everyone.
But creating this book club taught me a lesson that I probably should have learned a long time ago: you cannot please everybody!
During my first year, I put so much pressure on myself to make everyone happy. I would choose books based on what different groups wanted to read, go above and beyond to accommodate everyone’s preferences, and sometimes stretch myself far beyond what was necessary. I wanted everyone to love the experience, feel included, and keep coming back. My intentions were good, but I eventually realized that trying to cater to everyone can cause you to lose sight of your original vision.
In many ways, building Hush Reads VA reminds me of working in real estate. People may not always see what you’re dealing with behind the scenes. They don’t necessarily know what it took for you to show up that day, what personal challenges you’re navigating, or how much you had to juggle just to make something happen. I left a funeral and a hour later I was at book club while I wasn’t hosting I still showed up while trying to push my grief down. But I still have responsibilities, people counting on me, and a vision I’m working toward. You have to learn how to keep showing up without allowing the pressure to consume you.
One of the biggest blessings throughout this journey has been finding women who genuinely believe in what I’m building. I’ve developed incredible bonds with a group of women who have stepped up to help me carry the responsibility of growing this community. They’re my book club committee, but we call ourselves “What the Smut” because, naturally, we all enjoy reading that genre!
Having them alongside me has made such a difference. I no longer feel like I have to carry every responsibility on my own, and I have people I can lean on, brainstorm with, laugh with, and trust to help bring our ideas to life. They understand the vision, and having that kind of support reminds me that building a community was never meant to be a one-woman show.
I’m still learning. I’m still growing. I’m still figuring out how to balance all the different parts of my life while protecting the vision that started this journey in the first place. But I’m also learning to give myself grace, set boundaries, trust the people around me, and remember why I started.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Real Estate Agent ?
Reading has become such a meaningful part of my life that I wanted to find a way to incorporate it into every aspect of my brand, including my career in real estate. For me, real estate has never been just about helping people buy and sell houses. It’s about building relationships, creating memorable experiences, and finding ways to make people feel appreciated long after the transaction is complete.
Whenever I work with a client who is a fellow bookworm, I make it a tradition to take them on a book-shopping spree at my expense once we close on their property! They get to choose ten books of their choice, whether they’re special editions, books they’ve been wanting to read, or anything else that catches their eye. I purchase the books for them as a personal way of celebrating their milestone. I love being able to combine two things I’m passionate about: helping people find a place to call home and sharing the joy of reading.
As I’ve become more involved in the literary community, I’ve also developed an even deeper appreciation for indie authors. While I enjoy reading mainstream authors, indie authors will always hold a special place in my heart. I understand how important it is for creators to have opportunities to share their work, reach new audiences, and build meaningful connections with readers.
That’s why Hush Reads VA exclusively features indie authors only each month, regardless of the genre our members are reading. I want our book club to be more than a place where people gather to discuss books. I want it to be a platform that intentionally creates visibility for indie authors, builds relationships between authors and readers, and encourages our members to step outside their usual reading preferences.
By featuring a different indie author each month, we create opportunities for readers to discover voices they may not have encountered otherwise. We also give authors a chance to connect with an engaged community that genuinely wants to explore their work and learn more about their stories.
For me, this is what community building is all about. It’s about creating opportunities, opening doors, and using the platform I’ve built to support others along the way.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been the people who have supported me, inspired me, and helped shape Hush Reads VA into what it is today. While this community started with my love for reading, it has grown because of the relationships, encouragement, and genuine connections that have come along with it.
First and foremost, my daughter will always be one of my biggest motivations. She has watched me build this community while balancing motherhood, real estate, and my journey as a content creator. Whenever I start slacking, she will ask me, “So, did you make content today, Nonnie?” Nonnie is what she calls me because, when she was younger, she couldn’t pronounce Mommy, and the name just stuck. Now, hearing her ask me that question reminds me that she’s paying attention to everything I’m doing, even when I don’t realize it. Sometimes, she has to come along with me to book club events, and she is always as patient as she can be while Mommy handle book club duties. I know it isn’t always the most exciting thing for a child to sit through, but I appreciate her more than she knows. She motivates me in ways I can’t fully explain, and even though I don’t know exactly where this journey will take me, I hope it goes as far as it possibly can. I want her to see what it looks like to pursue something you love, build something from the ground up, and keep going even when the journey isn’t easy. I want her to grow up knowing that she can do it, too.
My book club committee, DeLanni, Sierra, Azriele, and Tasia, deserves so much recognition and honestly, so much more. These women are not just book content creators; they are the backbone of Hush Reads VA. When I’m going through it, they’re there. When I’m struggling mentally, they’re showing up for me. When I need support, they show up. And when it comes to building this club, it’s not just me coming up with ideas. They’re right there brainstorming, planning, and helping bring the vision to life with me.
You know that saying about how it doesn’t matter how long you’ve known someone, but what matters is how they show up for you? These women showed up from the very beginning. From the moment we met, they were willing to put in the work, support the vision, and help me build something meaningful. They made me realize that I don’t have to exhaust myself trying to do everything alone. Even now, I’ll go off and do something on my own, bring it back to them, and they’ll fuss me out like, “Girl, we could’ve helped you with that!” LMAO. And honestly, they’re right!
The crazy part is that I met all of them through this very book club! People think we’ve been friends for years because of the bond we share, but we’re literally just approaching two years of friendship. It’s wild to think that a community I created because I wanted to meet other readers introduced me to women who have become so important to me, both personally and professionally.
These are my sisters, forever. We literally have a saying between us that I cannot put in this piece, but they know exactly what I’m talking about, and I already know they’re going to laugh when they read this. That’s how close we are.
Building Hush Reads VA has taught me so much, but one of the biggest lessons has been learning that I don’t have to carry everything on my own. I can trust other people with something I’ve poured my heart into. I can let people help me. I can have a difficult day and know that I have women who genuinely care about me and what we’re building.
When I say these girls are the backbone of Hush Reads VA, I mean that with everything in me. I honestly feel like if I lost them, I would lose a huge part of Hush Reads, and that’s simply not happening! We have built something together that means so much more than a book club, and I will never take that for granted.
They aren’t just my committee. They aren’t just fellow creators. They’re my sisters, my support system, and a part of this story that I could never tell without giving them their flowers. I’m forever grateful that Hush Reads VA brought us together, and I pray we continue to grow, create, laugh, and build together for years to come.
I also have to give a special shoutout to my sister, Ashley, and her husband, Chuck, because they have been such a huge part of my support system and the Hush Reads VA journey.
My sister recently moved back to Virginia, and she’s already been along for the ride, showing up for different book events and supporting what I’m building. But one of the biggest ways she and Chuck support me is by making sure I can pursue opportunities without having to worry about my daughter.
Whenever I have to travel out of town for book events or other opportunities, they never hesitate to keep Zara for me. No complaints, no making me feel guilty, no hesitation. They simply show up and make sure she’s taken care of while I’m handling business.
And let me tell you, having a village that supports your dreams AND loves on your child while you’re chasing them is priceless!
As a single mom, one of the hardest parts of pursuing opportunities outside of my everyday responsibilities is figuring out childcare and making sure my daughter is in good hands. I want to grow, travel, network, attend events, and take advantage of the opportunities that come my way, but I also need to know that Zara is safe, loved, and well taken care of while I’m away.
Knowing that I can leave her with my sister and Chuck without worrying is such a huge relief. I can focus on the business in front of me because I know my baby is surrounded by people who love her. That kind of peace of mind means more to me than they probably realize.
And it’s not just about them keeping her while I’m gone. It’s about the way they root for me, encourage me, and remind me to reach for the stars. They want to see me win, and they support me in ways that allow me to keep growing both personally and professionally.
Sometimes, support doesn’t look like helping plan an event or being physically present at every gathering. Sometimes, it looks like taking care of the people you love so they can go out into the world and chase the things they’re passionate about.
Then there are my two best friends, Monti Ross and Ashley Jordan. These women have supported me behind the scenes from the beginning, whether they’re sending me ideas for the club, encouraging me, or simply giving me the room to build something that means so much to me. They understand how important Hush Reads VA is to me and how much of myself I’ve poured into it. They remind me that real friendship isn’t always about being front and center; sometimes, it’s about quietly supporting someone while they chase a dream. I will always hold these women close to my heart because they represent the true meaning of friendship.
I also have to give credit to someone who inspired me long before I ever imagined creating my own book community: Kris, the creator behind @krisbookreads
Kris was one of the first book content creators I started watching. I remember seeing her get online and simply yap about books she loved. There was nothing overly complicated about it. She was just being herself, sharing her thoughts, and enjoying what she was passionate about. Watching her made me realize that I could do the same thing. I didn’t need to have everything figured out or make creating content more complicated than it needed to be. I could simply show up as myself and talk about the books I loved.
She was one of the people who motivated me to start my own book page I was like dang she make this look like a breeze with how laid back she is. Even now, we’ve become friends, and she continues to show me love and support. Anytime we see each other, she is always so genuine and encouraging. Kris will forever be stamped as a real one in my book! It’s a beautiful thing when someone who inspired you from a distance eventually becomes someone you can call a friend.
And, of course, I am incredibly grateful for the independent authors who have trusted Hush Reads VA with their work. Every month, we intentionally feature indie authors, and I never want to take their willingness to collaborate with us for granted. Thank you to every author who has partnered with our community, shared their stories with our readers, and trusted us to help spotlight their work.
I’m equally thankful to everyone who has given me or Hush Reads VA an opportunity, whether through book events, interviews, features, collaborations, or other literary experiences. Every opportunity matters to me because I know what it feels like to be starting something new and hoping someone will give you a chance. I will always be grateful to the people who have opened doors for me and believed in what I’m building.
When I think about this journey, I realize that Hush Reads VA is so much more than a book club. It is a reflection of the people who have poured into me, the friendships I’ve formed, the authors I’ve had the privilege of supporting, and the little girl watching her mom pursue something she loves.
I started this journey because I wanted to find people who loved reading as much as I did. I never imagined how many relationships, opportunities, and life lessons would come from that simple desire.
I don’t have every answer, and I don’t know exactly how far this will go. But I know that I want to keep building, keep creating, keep supporting indie authors, and keep making room for people to connect through books.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://tr.ee/hush-reads-va
- Youtube: https://tr.ee/BHiOMoG8B7
