Who I’m Reading (and Loving) on Substack and Beyond
Writers bringing fresh perspectives, beauty, and joy to my feed
I’m so grateful you’re here, following along on this uncharted journey with me. As I shared in Rising Tides: Behind the Name, I started this Substack to bring together my mashup of passions: spotlighting incredible but underrepresented entrepreneurs, reflecting on raising a multiracial family, and celebrating beauty in all its forms - because it truly makes my soul sing.
For years, I thought about starting a blog, but I didn’t want to just churn out content into the void. I eventually shared gift guides via a website, but feedback was nonexistent (what did people like? I never knew!). When I discovered Substack - its community, its ease of use, and its spirit of connection - I was sold.
The best surprise? Finding other writers whose voices I love, and now I get to share them with you.
These are the newsletters I return to again and again. Some make me laugh, some challenge me, some introduce me to entirely new worlds. I make a point to diversify my feed, so I’m hearing from people with different lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of seeing. I hope at least one of these sparks your curiosity.
I’m also including a few articles I think will resonate with this community. So if you’re not ready to subscribe to more Substacks (I get it!), just scroll to the end and check out the links. Maybe one will broaden your perspective or brighten your day.
The articles run the gamut… Interested in impact investing - the idea that your investments can reflect your values and still offer a competitive return? Or want to know about something fun happening in downtown San Francisco? Or maybe you’re a music lover curious about what Kendrick Lamar latest move is? Or an inspiring story out of San Quentin? All in the list.
Happy reading - and expanding our minds - together.
In the Substack Universe…
Highly Recommended by DP
Danielle Prescod has entered the chat, friends! I’ve cheered Danielle on here before and was thrilled when she joined Substack. Her voice is sharp, funny, and full of cultural references that double as homework for talking to my kids. (Am I the only person who didn’t watch Love Island this summer?! At least now I can nod along and kind of know what my teen girls are talking about.) Follow her Substack - and while you’re at it, check out her books Token Black Girl (memoir) and The Rules of Fortune (fiction).
Africa Unbound
A monthly newsletter from Zimbabwean journalist Kim Chakanetsa. Each issue features a conversation with a creative living somewhere in Africa, and I’ve discovered artists, brands, and fresh perspectives through her work. It’s an inspiring peek into how creatives live and work across the continent.
Hannah’s List
Hannah Bronfman - OG influencer, DJ, wellness advocate, angel investor - writes on everything from social issues to interviews with founders (often women of color) to life in NYC with her husband and two young kids. I love her well-rounded posts - sharp intellect and caring about style are not mutually exclusive!
Objects of Desire
Noora Raj Brown’s taste is unmatched, and her writing is worthy of a publishing deal. Follow for smart, stylish roundups with a writer’s touch. After losing her home in the Palisades fire, she relocated to Paris - turning loss into an inspiring new chapter. I am excited to follow along.
W. Kamau Bell
The comedian and cultural commentator brings sharp political insight with a wink. His posts are longer—the kind you want to sit down with and savor, not just skim.
Between Friends
Kia Desiree Goosby, Beauty & Fashion Editor at Vanity Fair, shares her insider take. Her recent interview with the founder of Frances de Lourdes - a small, new-to-me brand - convinced me to buy two shirts, so… consider me influenced.
Sherri’s Substack
Sherri McMullen - founder and owner of McMullen boutique in San Francisco - just joined Substack, and it was an instant follow for me. Sherri is a woman of style and substance.
And Articles I Bookmarked for You…
The internet is vast and can be a black hole, so I bookmarked a few articles to share here. These articles feel right for this community, and I hope you click and enjoy.
Kendrick Lamar Launches His Own Creative Agency – I love seeing creatives expand their reach. Kendrick is a true genius, so I’ll pay attention to whatever he puts into the world.
Empire’s New San Francisco Headquarters – Speaking of Kendrick, his record label, Empire, is based here in SF and has exciting things in store for its downtown HQ.
ESG Investing with Stacey Abrams & Rachel J. Robasciotti – Read from these two powerhouse women on why impact investing is good business… and more vital than ever. Note from me: ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance investing) is an interest of mine, and I am wondering if people here would want to explore that in this space? LMK, friends!
World-class murals changing San Quentin – When you hear “San Quentin,” you might think… our nation’s most notorious prison. But California is working to transform it into a model for rehabilitation. Written by a journalist/formerly incarcerated person, this piece offers an inside look at how incarcerated artists and collaborators are turning the prison’s stark walls into vibrant works of art.
In conclusion
I know this list leans a bit on the lighter side, but right now I’m balancing my media diet. I get my daily news fix from multiple sources, and Substack is where I go to mix in curiosity, beauty, and joy. I hope you’re finding… and following… your joy as well.
In this together,
P.S. I have gift subscriptions to some of these Substacks, so chat with me in the comments or DM me if you’re interested. :)
I look forward to checking these Substacks & articles out. Thank you. 🙏🏻
Just when I am tempted to give up on hoping that we, as fellow human beings, really “see “ each other, I turn my attention to this bit of writing and grab back onto hope. Katie, I wish I had time to devour it all but even a slice is so satisfying!