Logo of a cookie with chocolate chips and a feather quill, accompanied by the text "Soulful Stories. Sweet Delights."

Soulful Stories. Sweet Delights.

At Stories and Sweets, we believe stories deserve space — and celebration.

What started as a heartfelt book launch and a homegrown cookie table has grown into a community-rooted, storytelling-centered experience for authors, creatives, and visionaries ready to bring their work to life. Whether it's a debut book, a passion project, or a story that’s been waiting years to be told, we’re here to help you launch it with intention — and joy.

We combine thoughtful event planning with a love for literature, culture, and food to create events that feel just like you: authentic, vibrant, and full of heart.

Stories and Sweets

Meet the Co-Founders

Our Team

Lyrique Richards

Zharia Gallimore

A woman with braided dark hair smiling and holding a wooden platter with an assortment of decorated cookies, including chocolate chip cookies and cookies with frosting and sprinkles. She is wearing a black top, and in the background, there are people and a sign that reads 'Labyrinth of Dreams'.
A young woman with curly black hair and glasses, smiling, wearing a black top and a beige cardigan, standing against a light background.

    • Oversees the full culinary experience, including vendor curation and Zar’s Cookie Jar

    • Manages day-of-event execution, vendor coordination, and venue logistics

    • Anchors the hospitality experience and ensures a welcoming atmosphere

    • Supports budgeting, inventory, and on-site setup and flow

    • Brings the sweet side of every story to life through food and creative touch points

  • Because food is its own kind of storytelling. Whether it’s your grandmother’s recipe, a handcrafted cookie, or a slice of celebration cake, sweets bring people together — and that’s what we’re all about.

    Baker. Entrepreneur. Sweet Creator.
    Zharia is the founder of Zar’s Cookie Jar — the delicious, creative spark behind the “sweets” in Stories and Sweets. Her work reminds us that food is a story in itself — one that connects, comforts, and celebrates all at once.

CEO & Creative Director

    • Leads the overall vision, strategy, and brand direction

    • Oversees operations, logistics, and business structure design

    • Develops event programming, author partnerships, and storytelling themes

    • Directs creative content, marketing, and community engagement

    • Represents the brand publicly through speaking, media features, and collaborations

  • Because stories shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Every author or creative we work with has something to say — and we create the space for them to say it, out loud, in their own way.

    Author. Storyteller. Community Builder.
    Lyrique is the author of #1 bestseller Dear Black Girl, Let Me Hold Your Pain and a speaker devoted to helping others claim their power and share their voice. She brings her eye for intentional storytelling and her deep community roots to every event we craft.

COO & Culinary Director

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