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

Hi Kris, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success in the book space has been authenticity. I’ve always had a deep passion for reading and sharing stories with others, and that love shines through in everything I create. When I started, my goal wasn’t just to talk about books, I wanted to inspire other moms to reclaim their passions and carve out time for themselves outside of motherhood.

Building this community has been about finding like-minded people who appreciate books as much as I do. I’ve connected with so many readers who resonate with my journey, whether it’s through book recommendations, reviews, or just conversations about making time for hobbies. By staying true to myself, and being intentional with my content, I’ve created a space that feels inviting and personal.

Success for me, has come from embracing my love for reading and using it to build genuine relationships. It’s not about trends or numbers, it’s about sharing what I love in a way that encourages and inspires others to do the same.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got started because I really wanted to get back into reading and have hobbies outside of motherhood. As much as I love being a mom, I knew I needed something for myself, something that brought me joy and allowed me to reconnect with my interests. That led me to creating a safe space online where I could share my book experiences and thoughts with other readers who love reading as much as I do.

I wouldn’t say it’s been hard, but it does take consistency and dedication to build a community. Finding the right people, creating engaging content, and staying connected with my audience all require effort, but because I genuinely love what I do, it never feels like work.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to always be authentic and true to yourself. When you do that, you naturally attract the right people who truly resonate with you. My goal has always been to create a space where people feel like they have a bookish friend online, and someone they can turn to for recommendations, discussions, and just a shared love of reading.

At the heart of my brand, I want people to feel welcomed, inspired, and encouraged to explore their own reading journey. Whether you’re a mom looking to rediscover hobbies, a longtime book lover, or just someone searching for a good recommendation, I want my platforms to feel like a cozy, judgment-free space where we can all share our thoughts and experiences together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was visiting, of course, we would go to my favorite bookstore, Scuppernong Books, to have some hot chocolate or coffee while browsing the latest book releases or just relaxing in their lounge area with a good read. It’s the perfect spot to soak in a cozy, bookish atmosphere.

I love a good burger, I’d take her to my favorite burger spot in town, Hops Burger Bar, because they have the best burgers in town! Their burgers are fresh, flavorful, and always cooked to perfection. It’s a must visit for anyone who loves a good meal!

Lastly, we’d visit the Greensboro Arboretum, it’s a beautiful park with gorgeous scenery and trails. It’s such a peaceful place to walk and talk, and since our kids would be with us, they’d get to enjoy playing in the park while we soak in the fresh air and unwind. It would be the perfect mix of books, great food, nature, and a little bit of everything I love!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mom (Wanda West). She’s the reason I fell in love with reading beyond just what was required in school. She introduced me to books, and some of my best memories are of us talking about books, sharing recommendations, and bonding over stories.

Her influence shaped me into the reader I am today. Now as a mom myself, I hope to pass that same love for books down to my daughter. Without her, I might not have discovered the joy that reading brings, and I’m so grateful for the way she nurtured that passion in me. Thank you mama, this journey wouldn’t have started without you!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisbookreads

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KrisBookReads

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@krisbookreads

Image Credits
Tyler Young (Urban Codec Photography)

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