About
MEET THE TEAM
SHAQUINTA L.L. RICHARDSON, PhD, MMFT Founder and (Acting) President/Bookstore Manager
Dr. Shaquinta Richardson is a Spartanburg, SC native, proud Claflin University alum, a lifelong reader, and someone whose relationship with books has led to the vision of Audre’s Den.
While training as a therapist and deepening my committment to youth development in graduate school, Audre Lorde’s writing gave language to what I was already learning in practice: that care is not optional, reflection is necessary, and tending to our inner lives is inseparable from justice. For more than a decade, her words caring for myself is not self indulgence, but self preservation have guided how I live and how I work.
Before founding Audre’s Den, I worked as a therapist and educator, supporting individuals, families, and young people in building sustainable, whole lives. That work taught me the importance of accessible spaces where people can slow down, feel safe, and reconnect with themselves outside of crisis or performance.
Audre’s Den grew from that same commitment. It is a nonprofit bookstore created to serve the community through books, programming, and shared space. A place where people of all ages can read on site, write freely, and rest without having to justify their presence. This space is an offering rooted in South Carolina, shaped by care, and dedicated to the belief that literacy, imagination, and wellness belong to everyone.
Current read: Parachutes by Takerra Allen
Next read: Parachutes 2 by Takerra Allen
Favorite read: Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
Favorite genre: Black Fantasy Romance
Coffee or tea: Coffee
JAMIL M. GILLIAM, PhD
Director of Youth Programming & Fundraising Coordinator
Jamil is a Spartanburg, SC native and happy to join the Audre’s Den team! As a school psychologist, she is an advocate for youth mental health and literacy. In addition to caring for her new kitten, Kali Tabina Ruth, Jamil loves diving into 90s-00s R&B playlists and learning new line dances.
Her current reads (while waiting for Butterfly 6 by Ashley Antoinette and Score by Kennedy Ryan to arrive) are How the Word Was Passed by Clint Smith and The Best Man, Unfinished Business by Malcolm D. Lee and Jayne Allen.
Her next reads are Communion by bell hooks and Zeal by Morgan Jenkins and favorite genre is Black romance.
She loves coffee and tea, often bouncing between the two. If at home, you can catch her enjoying Winter Wake Up from Trader Joe’s (it’s seasonal so if you have extra let me knooww) or peach green tea. When she’s exploring coffee shops, you’ll undoubtedly catch her with a hot matcha latte with vanilla and cinnamon or a triple shot latte with caramel sauce.
TARAH T. MATTISON
Director of Bookstore Operations and Events Coordinator
Tarah is a Spartanburg, SC native and healthcare administrator by experience. As Director of Operations and Events Coordinator, Tarah oversees the the day to day operations of Audre’s Den and coordination of company events with care.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching football. She takes pride in balancing professionalism with approachability.
Current read: Jessica Cage "I Accidentally Summoned a Demon Boyfriend"
Next read: Octavia Grant "Cutthroat"
Favorite read: Elle Kayson "Demons Dream"
Favorite genre: Romance
Coffee or tea: Tea
