An as-told-to interview with a Chicago publishing whiz, for our Spring Books issue.

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Why did I start a small press? Initially it was just to publish my first novel, Sophomoric Philosophy. My background isn’t in writing. I’m a CPA. I work for Jim Beam, that’s my real job, and also am a part owner of Beauty Bar on Chicago Avenue. But I’d always wanted to write a book. As I worked with my editor to finish it and figure out what I wanted to do with it, I realized how difficult it is to get published by a big publisher. I also figured out that more and more people were self-publishing, and so I decided to pursue that. As I did it, I decided to engage friends of mine who were creative to work on the design and artwork for the book. I had a website created, started the company, and all that. Doing this—and beginning to meet other writers and publishers, encouraging literary events to occur at Beauty Bar—I discovered the world of independent/small publishers, especially the ones here in Chicago like Green Lantern Press, Rose Metal Press, Featherproof Books. And I was fascinated. I realized that these entities were not just making books—they were making art objects. And I was inspired. I decided to take the platform I’d started with Curbside Splendor and seek out others to join me and be a part of this thriving literary community. So here we are, and it’s been a ton of fun thus far.

In terms of a niche, I’d say that Curbside’s aim is to present artful books that can be enjoyed by the casual reader or the urban reader. But we’re also in the process of creating different imprints that will focus on other areas. Like this summer we’re launching Concepcion Books, which will focus on romantic poetry, with the work presented in English and Spanish. Why? My mother was born and raised in Mexico, and as a teenager I was inspired by reading the books she had of romantic Latin poetry. So I guess I have a soft spot for that stuff, and it’s sort of a tribute to my mom.

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