Meet Karina Schmitt | Publisher and Author Karina Schmitt

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

Hi Karina, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
There are many ways people can express their artistic skills. For me, it is through literature and love for freedom of speech which motivated me to first open Sophie Publishing House in March 2019. We have now grown to encompass not only local authors but also from several other states. The written word is crucial to how we construct our identity and liberties and it must be unconditional, which has been a challenge throughout history as some people find it difficult to deal with opposing views, but that is precisely the reason why it is so important for writers to stand steadfast on their right to freedom of speech for otherwise quality literature will simply die.

What should our readers know about your business?
Starting a business is always lots of work and dedication, but when you put your heart and mind to it nothing can stop you. It’s with a business as it is with any other passion, be it sports, music, or love. Only you set your own limitations. I love what I do. In my professional life, it’s what drives me every day. What sets Sophie Publishing House, and now our books and gift store Sophie’s Corner, apart is that we truly are a company that embraces freedom of speech and press. The media these days are generally notorious for killing our First Amendment right if it doesn’t jive with the left, but honestly, while they claim to be tolerant and diverse, that attacking people for their religious views or views on gender and race, which is what they try to make everything about lately, it only demonstrates that they are truly not about tolerance or diversity. Sophie Publishing House has welcomed authors who has been targeted for their religious and political views, and we want to be known for that. Freedom of speech and the press is so fundamental to this business and it’s just something we will not compromise on. The Equality Act that the House of Representative just voted on is an open door to frivolous lawsuits which seeks to persecute people. It has nothing to do with equality at all. Rather, it is a weapon for totalitarianism and a sign of absolute ignorance. Has it been easy to start the company with a view that freedom of speech and press cannot be compromised? No, of course not. But it’s necessary.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LOL well, we are in the literature and arts and craft business, the latter especially after we opened Sophie’s Corner where I invited two amazing ladies to have their handmade clothing and jewelry in my store. With a great book from Sophie’s Corner, one that you by the way can conveniently order on www.SophiePublishing.com, nice beachwear from Wendy’s, and cute summer dresses for the little girls from Viviana’s collection, you are set to go to either Miami Beach, Surfside, or the Keys. Pack that cooler and relax with your book in the sun. After all, if you never go to the beach and chill, why are you in South Florida in the first place. I recommend finding mom and pop restaurants and enjoy local foods. You can always get the premade food at chain restaurants. It comes in packages that they just have to prepare, but local mom and pop restaurants offer you not only food made from good ingredients but also a local experience that the large corporations can never give you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Certainly, I want to shout out to our awesome authors and readers. The authors’ dedication to their art is what brought their readers pleasure in reading, expansion of their horizons, views they may not have considered, and their books open a Pandora’s Box of imagination. Through their stories and work – be it fiction or nonfiction – new worlds are created and old ways remembered and learned from.

Website: www.SophiePublishing.com

Instagram: @sophiepublishing

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-m-schmitt33035

Youtube: sophie publishing house