Elizabeth & Minnie: Authoring a New Story in Publishing

Tanya Sam, Co-founder (Left) and Jeanell English, Co-founder (Right)

Ever had a dream so vivid it felt like the universe was trying to tell you something? That's exactly what happened to Jeanell English and Tanya Sam. Both women kept having the same dream – picture this: mountains of books being shared with endless lines of women, who then joined circles of readers, all laughing and connecting over stories. Little did they know, these dreams weren't just dreams. They were glimpses into their future.

So, a mutual friend saw something special in both women's separate lives and thought, "These two need to meet." And wow, that friend was right!! When Jeanell and Tanya finally sat down together, it was like finding a missing puzzle piece. Their values clicked, their passions aligned, and most importantly, they shared the same burning desire to shake up the publishing world.

So, where did they get the name? Elizabeth and Minnie. Elizabeth was Jeanell's great-grandmother, who discovered letters of countless untold stories of Black women that deserved to be heard. Minnie? She was Tanya's grandmother, an immigrant who found her first job in Canada working in publishing. Talk about destiny!

But this isn't just another publishing house. Jeanell and Tanya are on a mission to break down those frustrating "industry standards" that have kept too many voices off our bookshelves. They're creating space for stories that have been waiting far too long to be told, especially those from communities whose narratives often get pushed to the margins.

What makes Elizabeth and Minnie truly special is how it was built on the power of community. It's a reminder that when women support women, incredible things happen. Their story proves that sometimes the best business ideas don't come from market research or focus groups – they come from dreams, legacy, and the simple truth that everyone deserves to see their story in print.

We celebrate Jeanell and Tanya, two women who dared to dream differently. Cheers to Elizabeth and Minnie Publishing, where dreams of inclusive storytelling are becoming reality, one book at a time. Because sometimes all it takes is two women with a vision to start changing the world.

In the end, their story proves that sometimes the most powerful business partnerships begin with a dream, are guided by legacy, and flourish through community. Elizabeth and Minnie Publishing isn't just changing who gets published, it's rewriting the story of publishing itself.