Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Gill.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to the states when I was 10 years old. My mom worked three jobs to get us by and that hard work and perseverance always stayed with me. I would have never guessed back then, or even 3 years ago, that I would start my own business but I can 100% say it was on the foundation and sacrifice my mom laid out for me. I joined the Navy in 2013 and that’s how I ended up here in San Diego. I was stationed on the USS America (LHA 6) where I completed the 4 years of my contract and got out. I met my husband there and his Navy orders are what have kept us here in San Diego which I am so thankful for because I love San Diego!
My husband deployed last year at the beginning of the pandemic. Due to COVID-19, their deployment end up being much longer than anticipated. I think all in all they were deployed from 321 days or so. During the time, I was working from home, and honestly very alone, and I turned to romance books to keep me going. I have been an avid reader my whole life but romance was really what I needed during this time and this is what led me to launch Steamy Lit at the beginning of this year.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, no. It has been a struggle! My business is something that defies the norms that society have laid out for women so it has not been easy. Also juggling a full-time job while also becoming a business owner have led to tons of stress but I love it. I am not at the point where Steamy Lit can be my full-time job so I am pushing on.
Also, in the grand scheme of things, creating an LLC sounds great, but man! The paperwork, the taxes, the deadlines!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Steamy Lit is the romance bookish shop for all romance readers. We have bookish merchandise like hats, sweatshirts, mugs, and t-shirts. We also sell books (will soon open up an online romance bookstore), vibrators, and our subscription box, The Steam Box.
The Steam Box is a quarterly romance book subscription box that features 3 books every quarter. Books featured in the box are written by romance authors who are part of marginalized communities or identities. We have different tiers depending on what kind of experience you want but the goal is to provide subscribers with an experience that promotes sex positivity and self-love.
– The Book Only subscription box contains the three books for that quarter, and are shipped out monthly.
– The No Vibes subscription contains the three books for that quarter plus 3-5 specially curated items from other women-owned small businesses that promote self-love and embrace your sexuality.
– The Full Box contains the three books for that quarter plus 3-5 specially curated items from other women-owned small businesses and an adult toy.
Customers also have the option of purchasing a one-time box if they don’t want to commit to a quarterly subscription.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was my mom always making time to take me to the Miami Dade public library and letting me check out as many books ad the library would allow. This was a trip that didn’t happen often because of her schedule but I cherished those moments at the library so much. Reading was my company on the most lonely days.
Pricing:
- starting at $55 for our book-only subscription.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@steamylit.com
- Website: https://www.steamylit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesteamboxco/?igshid=n975rp126bjx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesteambox
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesteamylitbookclub
Image Credits
Nixon Photography
