BOSS Spotlight Feature: Isis Asare
I do not frame difficult points in my career as obstacles, but rather as opportunities to grow. For a long time, I need the skills to establish realistic expectations and manage boundaries. That led me on a path of radical self-acceptance and practice of trusting the universe.
What inspired you to break into your industry?
What inspired you to break into your industry?
For me, it was 100% passion-driven. I love science fiction, I love building community, and I love engaging with content online. The idea for Sistah Scifi grew organically from those intersecting interests. When I started, I thought Sistah Scifi would be a virtual, science fiction, and fantasy version of Well-Read Black Girl - offering book clubs and literary events. However, I loved book curation and developing a beautiful shopping experience where customers, writers, and readers became a part of a community. I added comic books based on feedback from the Sistah Scifi community. It has been a beautiful new way to interact with the stories that I love. In the process, I found a market need. Sistah Scifi became the first Black-owned bookstore focused on science fiction and fantasy in the United States as validated by the American Booksellers Association.
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance?
To balance my personal and professional life, I created frameworks around my boundaries, and I am continually revisiting them to make sure that they are allowing me and my business to grow. For example, last year, I established a boundary of no meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I also established a guideline of days of rest each week - this has been a bit hard to implement. I am currently mapping out what are my boundaries for committing to requests to participate in events and article requests.
The underlying thread is that I allow myself to stay curious - instead of operating in the mindset of internalized capitalism - to imagine previously unseen possibilities. Being in the science fiction and fantasy space definitely helps with that!!
What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
As an Afrofuturist, I am forever finding inspiration in the works of Octavia E. Butler. When I feel particularly drained, I meditate on saying, “First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you're inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won't. Habit is persistence in practice.” It allows me to focus on opening my mind to the next right action to grow my business and support my community. I know if I focus on that, then the big impact will unfold as if by magic.
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance?
To balance my personal and professional life, I created frameworks around my boundaries, and I am continually revisiting them to make sure that they are allowing me and my business to grow. For example, last year, I established a boundary of no meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I also established a guideline of days of rest each week - this has been a bit hard to implement. I am currently mapping out what are my boundaries for committing to requests to participate in events and article requests.
The underlying thread is that I allow myself to stay curious - instead of operating in the mindset of internalized capitalism - to imagine previously unseen possibilities. Being in the science fiction and fantasy space definitely helps with that!!
What is an inspirational quote that you live by?
As an Afrofuturist, I am forever finding inspiration in the works of Octavia E. Butler. When I feel particularly drained, I meditate on saying, “First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you're inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your stories. Inspiration won't. Habit is persistence in practice.” It allows me to focus on opening my mind to the next right action to grow my business and support my community. I know if I focus on that, then the big impact will unfold as if by magic.
Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?
Oh, wow….how long can this list be!! There is my sister. I felt so seen when she said starting Sistah Scifi is the most authentic act I have done in my life. My first business partner, Sarah N. Freeman. She has been an entrepreneur for decades, and always validates my ideas with an enthusiastic and sincere yes! My accountability partner JenMei Wu, it was a book discussion with JenMei that birthed the idea of Sistah Scifi. I have to include my business coaches Makisha Boothe of SistahBiz and Alexandra Reilly of Silver Lining Action Plan.
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong?
What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong?
Must have tea and the internet :-D
What is your definition of a BOSS?
What is your definition of a BOSS?
To me, BOSS stands for boundaries over other stuff. Basically, it is establishing a deep internal alignment that my decisions and desires stem from the truest, most authentic part of myself and are not incorrectly influenced by external factors, people, or limiting emotions such as fear.
Provide us with two words that describe you?
Provide us with two words that describe you?
Afrofuturism nerd.
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