Rising Stars: Meet Goldie Pompey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Goldie Pompey.

Hi Goldie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m 34, Born & Raised in NJ (although I like to call Brooklyn home). I am currently living in and LOVING Phoenix, AZ. I have had dreams of being a writer and publisher since I was about ten years old. I have always wanted to publish my own work once I learned that companies own your rights, that was a concept I never understood. Of course work and every other excuse got in the way of those dreams (for 20+ years lol) and so I made writing more of a hobby than focusing on it as a career. I began writing my second poetry book Making Up with the Universe in 2019 and kind of left it sitting with only about 10 or so poems about heartbreak completed. With all of the injustice, racial tension, and political divide in America in 2020 the book took a different turn which ended up catapulting me into publishing.

During the pandemic we saw unrest and protests almost daily. Social media had turned into a diary for so many Black Americans. Many people began vocalizing the unfairness, micro aggressions, and judgment they were experiencing daily. This is when I realized there were so many stories to be told with no vessel to get the people the knowledge and education they need in order to produce quality writing. I have family members who are great storytellers but do not have an education or proper etiquette to walk into a publishing company and get a book deal. With a new found love to get all Black voices heard, from fiction to cookbooks, I decided to start a publishing company to help bridge the gap. I wanted to give people access to editors, marketing, illustrators and so much more so that they could be successful.

So in April while editing my own book I decided that I would start a publishing company to help people produce quality mainstream writing. It was a few weeks after my maternal grandmother’s death which I had a hard time dealing with because all of my family was back in NJ and I was here in Arizona with no way to get home due to the pandemic. I named the company after her as a dedication. She was a helper, she always took people in, always made people feel welcomed and that’s what I want Pearl Pages Publishing to be known for. Helping the community, letting people know it’s not too late to write the book, be a support system for writers and not just a publishing company. Our long term goals include partnering with schools and shelters to offer free writing classes and publishing services.

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?
The struggle was definitely real while trying to start a business in 2020 at all. Feeling alone. Not being able to sit at a round table with a group of people. Not able to go out after a long day of my 9-5 and new business venture from 5:01pm until I fell asleep. I eventually reached out to my absolute best friend here in Arizona and asked her to be a business partner because doing it alone was exhausting. She became a driving force for me going to therapy in the process which helped me come more into the person I am today. From dealing with grief and not being able to mourn with my family, going through a divorce, and trying to juggle work and finding a virtual social life, I needed an outlet and therapy provided that.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Poet, Novelist, and trade book publisher, and lover of people and their dreams. I am most proud of staying true to who I am especially because I see so many people lose sight of their “why” and change their character just to get ahead. I’ve always wanted my character to match my mission and vision. I have always been known as a Ms. Congeniality, constantly motivating others, also being a great poet/writer. What sets me apart is definitely my unwillingness to sway. What you see is what you get with me there is no guessing. Just like myself my work is honest, passionate, and unorthodox. As the revolutionary in me emerges. I see expressions in my writings that resemble the passion of the writers during the Black Arts Movement which was influenced by the Civil Rights & Black Panther movements.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I learned that there is no time like the present. I have heard it all my life, but it’s nothing like finally clearing the hurdle only to realize the will to win and persevere was in you all along. Habitually procrastinating will not get your goals accomplished. You never know what gems you have for people today so don’t wait, live every moment IN the moment.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@pearlpagespub.com
• Website: pearlpagespub.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlpagespublishing
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pearlpagespub

Image Credits
MoreLove Photography