Meet Kendra Shannon | Book Influencer: kendrareadswithlove

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kendra Shannon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kendra, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my favorite affirmations is: “I am enough just as I am.”

It’s simple, but it holds so much power. I love anything that reminds me I don’t have to shrink myself, perform, or become anyone else to be worthy of love, joy, or success. This affirmation anchors me in self-love—it reminds me that showing up as my full, authentic self is more than enough.

As someone who lives a very public life online as a book influencer, it’s easy to get caught up in comparison or feel like I have to fit a mold. But the truth is, no one else can be me, and no one else can love me like I can. So I make it a point to lead with love—starting with myself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey has been anything but easy, but it’s been rooted in purpose and passion every step of the way. Becoming a book influencer wasn’t something I originally set out to do—it was a path that unfolded as I followed my joy and leaned into the things that made me feel most alive. With encouragement from my father, I started sharing my love for books online. Over time, what began as a personal passion evolved into a platform that allows me to amplify powerful stories, connect with incredible readers and authors, and advocate for underrepresented voices.
There have absolutely been challenges—moments of self-doubt, comparison, and growing pains—but I’ve learned to push through by staying grounded in my faith, surrounding myself with people who pour into me, and choosing authenticity over perfection.

What I want the world to know is that my brand is built on love—love for stories, love for community, and love for self. I show up as who I am, and I hope that gives others permission to do the same. Books have the power to heal, to challenge, and to change lives—and I’m so honored to play a small part in that.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would have to hit up my favorite bookstores in the city- Sourcebooks or Love and Other books in Ferndale!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My father. He’s been one of my biggest supporters and the person who constantly reminds me to believe beyond what I can see. It was actually his encouragement that led me to become a book influencer in the first place. He saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself, and he’s always pushed me to dream bigger, speak louder, and walk boldly in my purpose. This journey wouldn’t be what it is without him.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kendrareadswithlove