Mary Taris, 60, is dedicated to transforming the literary landscape into a more inclusive space through her innovative Strive Publishing & Bookstore.
Mary Taris’ journey from avid reader to educational pioneer is driven by her belief in the importance of diverse cultural representations in literature.
Igniting her Mission
During her youth, Mary noticed a significant absence in the books she read – a lack of characters that reflected her own life and experiences. Her passion for diversity deepened as she encountered the limitations in school curricula while working as an elementary school teacher.
What sparked your love for books and the arts?
Books used to be my refuge, but I discovered they fell short in some aspects.
When I transitioned to teaching, I realized the vital role of children seeing themselves in books – they need affirmation and the knowledge that they belong in the world. I never felt truly great as myself; I always envisioned being someone else. Publishing unveiled the root of this disappointment – the lack of representation in the industry.
How was the shift from being a teacher to owning a bookstore/publishing house?
The transition from teaching to book publishing has been a blessing, opening doors to profound connections within the publishing industry and the local literary community in the Twin Cities.
Coming from North Minneapolis, a predominantly Black neighborhood, I was unaware of the vibrant literary scene. Meeting extraordinary individuals and delving into my culture and history has been enlightening. While I cherish my time as an educator, I now see the gaps in my education regarding representation and resources.
What subjects did you teach during your teaching career?
I held a license for K-8, focusing on middle grades language arts or English. Being moved around within the school system was frustrating; I yearned to specialize and become a master teacher for a particular grade level.
Teaching seventh and eighth graders was a joy; their vibrancy and eagerness to express themselves were inspiring. Although the curriculum didn’t always align with this engagement, I made it a point to incorporate projects that empowered their voices in class.
What inspired the name “Strive Publishing?” Did you want to encourage readers and supporters to strive for more?
Absolutely. The name reflects my personal journey in striving towards a world where Black stories are not just seen but valued. For instance, this year marked my first business loan approval after six years in the industry.
How did you embark on establishing Strive Publishing?
Dreaming of teaching, I hesitated due to the lack of representation. As a mother and later a college student in my thirties, I recognized the importance of showcasing stories from our culture.
This path led me to publishing by securing grants to support the creation of culturally empowering books for children. In my early teaching years, I pursued grants to implement innovative curricula, inspired by The Oprah Winfrey Show, such as forensic speech – a new concept to me at the time.
While my educational journey was unconventional, taking eight years to obtain my teaching license, I approached it with unwavering determination. Although publishing wasn’t initially on my radar, storytelling always held a special place in my heart.
Who inspires you or do you find inspiration within yourself?
Many individuals inspire me, such as Dr. Artika Tyner, founder of “Planting People, Growing Justice.” Despite her younger age, she embodies wisdom, intelligence, and ambition, having authored over 40 books showcased in our bookstore.
Her dedication to uplifting overlooked narratives, like those in “Justice Makes a Difference,” serves as a beacon in my publishing journey. Our collaboration at the bookstore has been immensely motivating, witnessing her continuous achievements.
What does aging with attitude mean to you?
At 60, aging with attitude transcends mere survival; it signifies thriving. The first five decades were about survival as a single mother and in education. Now, as a business owner, I thrive on my terms, liberated from systemic constraints.
To purchase books online from Strive Publishing and Bookstore, visit here. To contribute to the future endeavors, donate here.
Photos Courtesy of Strive publishing
Top: Mary Taris (Left) Dusty Dembly (right) at a local book fair.
Inset: Mary Taris at her Strive Bookstore.
NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her work has been featured in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and other publications. Explore more at nabeelawashington.com.
