Desireé Sanders

Desiree’ D. Sanders is the founder, owner and sole proprietor of Scrybes N’Vybes, a new brand and concept that is the successor to her former Afrocentric Bookstore, the first African American-owned bookstore established in downtown Chicago. The highly successful and beloved store, formerly situated on historic Bookseller’s Row, and then relocated to the historic Bronzeville neighborhood on Chicago’s south side ceased operations years ago, but has now been reborn in this, her latest venture. The store stood unchallenged for years as the leading retailer of African and African-American literature throughout the Midwest region, stocking by far the most extensive selection of fiction and nonfiction books by authors of African descent. It also emerged as a must-stop in the Midwest for notable black authors, with important literary figures regularly walking through Sanders doors for special appearances, book signings and, community discussions.

Upon closing Afrocentric bookstore, Desiree decided to help her parents with their business Sanders Landscaping Incorporated. She was in charge of marketing and sales. It was there at a suggestion from her mother Helen that she considered taking a 9-month course of sustainable Urban agriculture offered by the Chicago Botanic Garden “Windy City Harvest” program. Having no prior experience in gardening or Landscaping she was a bit skeptical at first. Once she enrolled in the course in 2012 she got the urban ag “bug”. Learning the various crops, planting styles, and numerous agriculture techniques, she knew this was something she wanted to do as more than a hobby.

After receiving her certificate in Sustainable Urban Agriculture, she was employed through Windy City Harvest to teach community gardening in Bronzeville and the West Side of Chicago for several years. interacting in the community and teaching residents how to grow their own food had a profound impact on her. She even volunteered and shared resources of her own to help others start their own Gardens.