Meet: A'Driana LaFaye

Happy Black Business Month! Please introduce yourself and your business: 
Happy Black Business Month! My name is A'Driana LaFaye and I am a Self-Published Author, Co-Author, Book Mentor, and Speaker.  I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I fell in love with reading and writing over twenty years ago and it's been my passion ever since. I'll be married 24 years in November. I have two sons, 22 and 20. I also have a YouTube Channel, Cocktails & Conversations, that I created to help bring value and insight to help Authors become successful.

What makes you unique in your industry? 
I feel that what makes me unique in my industry is that there is only one me! I focus on real-life matters, try to offer encouragement, and make my books relatable.  I pride myself in knowing that anyone reading them will see themselves or someone they know and can relate to that character or their situation. I bring to the forefront a lot of the issues people are dealing with on a daily basis such as infidelity, sexual assault, domestic violence, lies/deceit, sexual harassment, etc. to help bring about a conversation that will hopefully lead to change. 

Please share your top 3 most proud accomplishments to date: 
My top three proud accomplishments to date are: 

• The moment I made the choice to work through my fear and publish my first book.
• Being accepted into the Strathmore's Who's Who Worldwide 2019 Community.
• Seeing the path that God laid out for me coming to fruition. 

Any advice to other women in your industry? 
My advice to other women in this industry is to not give up. There are so many times where you may forget why you are doing this and question if you want to continue, don't quit! I come across a lot of upcoming authors who start out discouraged because there are so many authors out there and feel they will get lost in the shuffle. You can't be discouraged because no one has heard your story or a story like yours. And, even if they have, so what? That doesn't mean someone won't want to hear about what you have to say. You never know whose life you can touch by getting yours out there. 

What is next for you in 2021 and how can readers connect with you online?
This year I'll be a vendor at the National Black Book Festival in October (virtually). I'm excited about that! It was supposed to be in Houston last year but like so many other events were changed to virtual. I had an opportunity to participate last year and had to come back this year. I'm working on a new writing project as well as the follow-up to Tryals & Trybulations.

My calendar is filling up quickly with upcoming authors needing a mentor, but I do still have some slots remaining. Readers can connect with me via email at info@officialadrianalafaye.com or follow me on Social Media on Facebook @1officialalafaye and IG @officialalafaye. You can purchase your copy of any one of my books on my website at www.officialadrianalafaye.com.