Bronx Business Spotlight is an interview series that highlights the amazing merchants, small business owners, employers, and entrepreneurs in the Bronx. Through these interviews, we aim to share their unique stories, highlight their contributions, and inspire others by showcasing the resilience, creativity, and dedication that drives their success.

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur in the Bronx and would like to be featured in an upcoming interview, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected] or send us a message on Instagram at @jarcbx to share your story and be part of this exciting series. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest stories, features, and opportunities to connect with the JARC!

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Meet Luz, a dynamic Bronx entrepreneur whose work is transforming the lives of children in our community. With boundless creativity and a passion for nurturing young minds, Luz has authored and contributed to an engaging series of children’s books that spark imagination, foster empathy, and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

In this exclusive interview, Luz shares her journey—from the challenges she faced as an emerging writer to the profound impact her stories have had on children and families. Her dedication to empowering the next generation through storytelling is nothing short of inspiring.

Can you tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it?

Luz: My business centers on storytelling through children’s literature, where I weave my Dominican roots and the vibrancy of our communities for young readers. The inspiration came from my desire to help children, especially those from diverse backgrounds, see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Growing up and raising my own children, I saw the need for culturally relevant stories that celebrate our heritage.

What makes your business unique, and how do you differentiate yourself from competitors? 

Luz: My business is unique in its focus on blending Dominican and African heritage with the experiences of living in the South Bronx. Each book I create highlights cultural authenticity, community, and family values. The stories are not only engaging but also serve to empower young readers by celebrating their identities. Additionally, I’ve transformed many of my books into 2D animations, making them accessible to a wider audience through platforms like KweliTV and KidsbeeTV.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner, and how have you overcome them?

Luz: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is balancing my storytelling career with my other responsibilities, including my role as a mother and my full-time job. Another challenge has been finding the right resources to expand my business while staying true to my mission. I’ve overcome these challenges by building a supportive team of freelancers, seeking out partnerships, and staying committed to my purpose of creating stories that empower children.

What advice would you give to other business owners just starting out?

Luz: My advice to new business owners is to stay focused on your vision, but also recognize that funding and finding the right mentors can be some of the biggest challenges you’ll face, especially for small businesses. I’ve bootstrapped my business from the very beginning and learned the importance of aligning with organizations and seeking out grants that support BIPOC creators. While it can be difficult due to the limited number of grants available, it’s encouraging to know that our community is actively asking for more content that reflects their experiences. Persevere through the challenges, and always remember that your mission is key to making an impact.

How do you stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changes in your industry?

Luz: I stay ahead of the curve by constantly learning and evolving with new trends in children’s literature and media. I pay close attention to my audience—especially kids, who are my primary customers—and observe how they enjoy consuming content. By watching my own children, I’ve seen their preferences shift from books to audiobooks, videos, and even games. This insight has inspired me to incorporate these formats into my work, such as creating 2D animations and exploring new ways to make my stories more interactive. 

What are some of your favorite tools or resources that help you run your business more efficiently?

Luz: Some of my favorite tools include platforms like Canva for design, social media for outreach, and mailchimp for email marketing. I also use freelance platforms to collaborate with consultants who help me expand my creative and operational efforts. 

What’s next for your business, and what are your goals for the future?

Luz: My goal is to continue expanding my reach by producing more culturally rich stories and animations. I also aim to collaborate with more schools and educational programs to bring my stories to children who may not have access to diverse literature. Additionally, I’m excited to share more about my upcoming book with Abrams and to continue celebrating diversity through storytelling.

What do you think JARC could do to support businesses in the Bronx and enhance the Jerome Avenue corridor?

Luz: JARC can support Bronx businesses, particularly along the Jerome Avenue corridor, by connecting them to resources like grants, low-interest loans, and financial literacy programs. Training in digital marketing, compliance, and operational support would also strengthen local businesses. Additionally, fostering community partnerships and advocating for infrastructure improvements can boost visibility and economic activity in the area.

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Luz Mack
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Luz M Mack’s Books

Bronx, NY – July 18, 2024 – The Jerome Avenue Revitalization Collaborative (JARC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Sideeq Waziri and Sara Kibboua through the AmeriCorps VISTA program. The two will serve as Business Engagement VISTA and Community Engagement VISTA, respectively, contributing their diverse backgrounds and perspectives to foster economic growth and community empowerment in the West Bronx.

Waziri joins the JARC as the Business Engagement VISTA, leveraging his extensive expertise in mathematics, data science, and entrepreneurship to support local small businesses. Waziri holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Rutgers University, where he also pursued a minor in Social Justice. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science at Eastern University, Waziri brings a passion for data-driven insights and storytelling to his role. 

“[I am] passionate about supporting the growth and success of entrepreneurs,” Waziri said. “I am dedicated to providing data-driven support, targeted marketing, and access to resources and services that empower small business owners in the Bronx to achieve their goals and drive economic growth in the community.”

Kibboua joins the JARC as the Community Engagement VISTA, bringing over five years of experience as a humanitarian worker and interpreter. Her dedication to community service is evident through her roles as an Operational Site Leader for the Humanitarian Emergency Respite and Relief Center (HERRC) and a Community Associate for the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). Her volunteer work with the Red Cross, both internationally and domestically as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) Associate, reflects her commitment to making a positive impact globally. In her spare time, Kibboua says she enjoys reading, cooking Mediterranean cuisine, and running near the beach.

“We are thrilled to add both Sara and Sideeq to our team,” said Justin Weiss, the AmeriCorps VISTA Leader at Children’s Aid, which oversees the JARC VISTA program. “They are both immensely talented and dedicated to the ideals of social justice and economic opportunity. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in their roles.”

The addition of Waziri and Kibboua to the JARC team underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering economic development and community resilience in the Bronx. Their unique backgrounds and dedication to service will undoubtedly strengthen the JARC’s efforts to empower local businesses and residents.

For more information about JARC and its initiatives, please visit jarcbx.com.

Paul Philps (Community Board 4) and Marco Castro talk about the challenges in the Jerome Avenue Corridor and JARC’s role in creating careers in the Bronx.

JARC steering committee members Pierina Sanchez and Community Board 4 Chair Paul Philps announce the JARC’s official launch on OPEN BX with Dr. Bob Lee.