From Hustle to Hardcover: Entrepreneurs Take Over Black Books Matter Fest 2025
Aug 05, 2025This past weekend, the National Harbor pulsed with brilliance and bold ideas as Mahogany Books hosted its much-anticipated Black Books Matter Fest. What started as a small online bookstore has evolved into a cultural powerhouse—now occupying one of the most exclusive retail locations in the DMV and known for curating literary spaces that center, celebrate, and elevate authors.
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We showed up to support one of our own clients: Kia Dupree, a storyteller, creative, and powerhouse entrepreneur who’s been building her empire one strategic step at a time. Seeing Kia among a lineup of celebrated authors and independent creators was a reminder of what happens when purpose meets preparation—and a little PR magic. |
But this year? It was more than books....it was about boss moves.
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Kia’s presence embodied the fusion of story and strategy. She wasn't just there to sign books. She was there to show aspiring entrepreneurs how you turn your name into a brand, your work into a business, and your passion into profit. And can we say how proud we are of the author of Damaged, Shattered, Silenced, and Robbing Peter SOLD OUT EARLY at this event????? Her table was NON-STOP! |
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Mahogany Books began as an online family-run venture to fill the literary void that ignored stories. They recognized that there was a literary gap and they build a movement around that through intentionality and heart. Their shelves are lined with authors who range from first-time dreamers to New York Times bestsellers and they CONSTANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY work to promote the works and businesses of others. They are true collaborators, innovators, and networkers!
Now a staple in the heart of National Harbor, Mahogany Books isn’t just in the business of selling books. They’re in the business of building legacy and bringing others along for the ride!!!!
The Black Books Matter Fest 2025 was a beautiful collision of storytelling and strategy. There were over 50 authors, live discussions, community panels, indie vendors, and thousands of attendees over a few hours. This wasn’t just a festival. It was a flex.
Entrepreneurs mingled with authors. Creators networked with publishers. And for those of us who know the grind of building a brand from the ground up, it was a clear signal: the world is watching, and it’s finally ready for our stories.
Watching Kia Dupree command space at an event like this proves what we preach every day at Innopreneur Academy:
Your brand is your business. Your story is your strategy. Your hustle deserves hardcover treatment.
If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, creative, or small business owner ready to stop winging it and start winning, it’s time to plug into a system designed to help you build a bold, bankable brand.
Join Innopreneur Academy, where entrepreneurs like Kia go from concept to CEO with clarity, community, and confidence. Whether you're building your first offer or scaling your visibility, we’ve got the roadmap, the mindset tools, and the branding strategies to help you turn the page on fear and finally launch the business you were born to run.
Learn more + enroll today at Innopreneur Academy
