Meet Melissa Saavedra | Founder and CEO of Steamy Lit

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

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting Steamy Lit was driven by a passion for diverse storytelling, a recognition of the gaps in the publishing industry, and a desire to make a positive impact by amplifying authors who have been historically underrepresented. All while promoting a healthy outlook on sexual wellness in a respectful and inclusive manner.

I’ve always been a fervent reader and over time, I’d noticed the lack of diversity in the books I was reading. Most of the popular romance novels seemed to follow similar storylines and featured characters that didn’t represent the wide range of experiences and backgrounds in our society.

As I delved deeper into the publishing industry, I discovered that there were many talented authors from marginalized communities whose voices were often overlooked or ignored.
This realization led me to think about creating a service that would not only offer readers a wide selection of romance novels but also prioritize the works of underrepresented authors. I wanted to create a space where readers could discover diverse stories that resonated with them and where talented authors had a chance to showcase their work.

Additionally, I recognized that sexuality and sexual wellness are important aspects of people’s lives, but often they are not given sufficient attention or are stigmatized in mainstream media. By incorporating a sexual wellness subscription service alongside the romance novels, Steamy Lit aimed to create a holistic experience that catered to readers’ emotional, intellectual, and physical well-being.

Our goal was to break the traditional mold of the romance novel industry and challenge the status quo by providing an inclusive platform for authors and readers alike. We wanted to offer diverse perspectives, promote representation, and foster a sense of empowerment and acceptance.Through Steamy Lit, we strive to contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant literary landscape where everyone can see themselves and their experiences reflected.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am most proud of the fact that I’ve built Steamy Lit from the ground up, and now, I am taking the leap to focus on it full time. And while this decision is one that fills me with a mixture of excitement and nerves, it’s also steeped in my firm belief that when you put your heart and passion into something, the pieces of your puzzle start falling into place.

Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t always been an easy journey. There were numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. Starting a small business demands dedication, hard work, and perseverance. There were moments of self-doubt, financial constraints, and the fear of the unknown, but one of the most significant lessons I’ve learnt is to trust my instincts and have faith in my own abilities. Taking risks can be scary, but betting on myself and believing in the purpose of my business has been empowering.

Another lesson I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. The business landscape is ever-changing, and being open to evolving strategies and ideas is crucial for growth and success.

As for my brand and story, I want the world to know that we are driven by a passion to make a positive impact. Our convention in August is a manifestation of our commitment to our values, vision and drive to create a community of like minded people that embrace diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment. Steamy Lit is not just about selling products; it’s about fostering connections, championing diversity and self love, and creating a space where people can feel seen and heard.

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?

I’m a foodie so it’s no surprise that the majority of places I’d like to take them to are centered around food. Breakfast at Sergios or Islas Canarias is a must followed by a visit to my favorite spot on the beautiful Deerfield Beach to relax, enjoy the sun and maybe even take a swim. We’d then head to my favorite Peruvian restaurant, Pukara, that’s just by the beach for lunch.

Miami is also less than an hour away so we’d head down there to soak in the vibrant city atmosphere.

We could visit Little Havana and take a stroll along Calle Ocho to enjoy some live music, and maybe even stop by the famous Ball & Chain for some drinks and dancing.

I’d also take them to see the Wynwood Walls, a renowned outdoor street art museum followed by our dinner at one of Miami’s many fantastic restaurants.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude and give a big shoutout to Becca from Hello Lovely Box and Renee from Feminist Book Club. These incredible individuals not only offered their support but also provided valuable guidance and advice that was crucial in helping me create my own book box business.

Becca’s expertise and insights from Hello Lovely Box played a significant role in shaping my ideas and understanding the dynamics of running a successful subscription box service. Her generosity in sharing her experiences and knowledge was truly exceptional, and I owe a great deal of my progress to her.

Similarly, Renee from Feminist Book Club showed remarkable kindness by taking me under her wing and offering invaluable pointers on how to create a box with a meaningful and impactful theme. Her dedication to empowering marginalized voices through literature has been an inspiration, and her encouragement gave me the confidence to move forward with my venture.

In addition to Becca and Renee, I want to acknowledge the contributions of other individuals, such as my friends and family, who provided unwavering support and cheered me on throughout this journey. Their belief in me and my vision helped me stay motivated during the challenging times and celebrate the successes.

Website: https://www.steamylit.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesteamboxco

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@steamylit