Meet Ms. Maze Storybook Maze | Radical Street Librarian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ms. Maze Storybook Maze and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ms. Maze, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Storybook Maze was born out of a deeply personal experience and a burning desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. As a passionate advocate for literacy and an avid reader myself, I couldn’t ignore the stark reality of book deserts in our communities – places where access to quality reading materials is limited, impacting the very foundation of education and future opportunities.

The spark ignited when I began reading to my nieces and neighborhood kids on my front stoop. Witnessing their enthusiasm for stories was heartwarming, but it also unveiled a harsh truth – many of these children lacked books at home. This realization fueled my determination to bridge the gap and create a solution that would bring books directly to those who needed them the most.

The decision to establish Storybook Maze was a natural progression driven by the conviction that literacy is not just a privilege but a fundamental right. I wanted to channel my energy into a purpose-driven endeavor that could transform lives and empower communities. This journey has been a labor of love, fueled by a belief in the power of books to inspire, educate, and uplift.

In essence, my thought process was shaped by a potent blend of compassion, a thirst for change, and an unwavering commitment to break down barriers to books. Every step of this entrepreneurial journey has been guided by the notion that no child should be denied the joy and transformative potential of a good book. And so, Storybook Maze was born – a beacon of hope and a testament to the profound impact that one person’s vision can have on the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What truly distinguishes Storybook Maze is our innovative approach of harnessing the power of social media, particularly platforms like BookTok, for a profound social purpose. Storybook Maze often likens itself to the “Mr. Beast for books” and the “Redbox for books,” signaling a unique role in combating book deserts with a modern twist.

The journey Storybook Maze has taken has been guided by a vision that sees social media not just as a tool for entertainment, but as a means to address critical societal issues. This forward-thinking approach has enabled Storybook Maze to creatively engage and mobilize a global audience, transforming them into advocates for literacy and change.

Navigating this path hasn’t been without its challenges. Securing funding and establishing Storybook Maze in a traditional landscape posed hurdles. The key lesson learned is that innovation has the power to break barriers and rewrite the narrative. Storybook Maze is bridging the gap between the online and real world. The initiative is rewriting the story of book deserts, offering a dynamic and accessible solution to an age-old problem. Storybook Maze wants the world to recognize that, beyond being a platform, it stands as a movement, one that embraces technology, social media, and community collaboration to create lasting change.

At its core, Storybook Maze stands as a testament to the remarkable change that can be sparked when the conventional is reimagined, transforming it into a force for good. Through BookTok and other digital avenues, Storybook Maze is not only bridging book deserts but ushering in a new era of social impact, one where technology becomes a catalyst for positive change.

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?
Absolutely, here’s the revised one-activity-per-day itinerary for your friend’s week-long trip to Baltimore:

**Day 1:**
– **Harbor Day:** Walk the harbor and grab delicious bites at Crust by Mac, known for their mouthwatering crab cakes and delightful cuisine. For a touch of history, visit the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House. Take a water taxi to the American Visionary Art Museum for a unique artistic experience.

**Day 2:**
– **Kitsch Cafe Specials:** Enjoy a meal at Kitsch Cafe for the best breakfast sandwiches in town, don’t miss out on their specials for a blast of flavors

**Day 3:**
– **Hearty Dinner at Papi’s Cuisine:** Indulge in an early dinner at Papi’s Cuisine and savor their flavorful offerings.

**Day 4:**
– **Literary Exploration:** Spend your day at the Peabody Library and Enoch Pratt Free Library Central Branch, immersing yourself in literary wonders. Experience a rite of passage by enjoying a Glizzy from Lexington Market.

**Day 5:**
– **Baltimore Peninsula:** Attend an event at the Baltimore Peninsula and contribute to the community by dropping off books at the MD Book Bank.

**Day 6:**
– **Stationery Adventure:** Visit the Paper Herald Stationery Store to discover new stationary obsessions. Send travel logs or diaries back home to capture your experiences.

**Day 7:**
– **Bookstore Tour:** Embark on a journey through Baltimore’s bookstores, including Charm City Books and Greedy Reads Remington Location. While in Remington, grab a coffee at Cafe Los Suenos.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to the United Way of Central Maryland, particularly their Changemaker Challenge. Without this remarkable initiative, which is aimed at empowering individual neighbors to make a positive impact, I would have never had the essential funds to kickstart my own initiative. The Changemaker Challenge, backed by the United Way of Central Maryland, provided the crucial financial backing that laid the foundation for Storybook Maze’s mission to combat book deserts and promote literacy.

I also want to express immense gratitude to @SharonSaysSo and her incredible band of #governerds. Their unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in emptying my booklist and amplifying our efforts. Their passion for our cause has been an invaluable driving force.

A huge shoutout is also due to all of our followers on TikTok, BookTok, and Instagram. Your support and engagement have been instrumental in furthering our mission of using social media for social good through crowdfunding. Your contributions, whether big or small, are making a tangible impact on combating book deserts and promoting literacy.

Together, with the backing of the United Way of Central Maryland, the incredible efforts of @SharonSaysSo and the governnerds , and the support of our social media community, we are making strides towards a more literate and empowered future for all. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/storybookmaze/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083520154222

Other: tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storybookmaze/video/7029492249532714286?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1