My Journey from Bookstagram to Building SeedLit Society
You know that feeling when you realize that you’re just going through the motions? The one that kind of hits you out of nowhere and forces you to confront the monotony of your days? Yeah, that hit me hard earlier this year. I was in what I thought was my dream job, living with a great partner and the cutest dog in a beautiful place. Everything on paper was finally perfect—except for that gnawing feeling: the absence of true creativity.
A little deep? Maybe, but it felt real. I decided to go on a journey to get back to myself. You see, I’ve always wanted to own a business, and when I tell you I’ve come up with about half a million business ideas, I’m not even exaggerating. But I put that on the back burner because, no matter how badly I wanted it, I didn’t have something that really sparked my soul.
This is where the SeedLit Society Instagram page began. I have always been a reader. I remember sneaking books off my grandparents' bookshelves that I was probably too young to read, but I couldn’t ignore the feeling I would get when I was immersed in another world. I smile when I think of little 10-year-old Sarah blasting the window AC unit, cuddled up in the big bed that was draped in Western decor, sneak-reading a book that I’d disappear into for hours. It was so freeing.
My dad reading to me, where my love for books all started.
When I got to the root of myself, I realized I hadn’t made time to read simply because I wanted to. I let life swoop me up and pull me along. I knew that if I wanted to get back in touch with my true self, I would have to set time aside for things I loved—books being one of those things.
Consistency is something I’ve always struggled with, and through this journey of getting back to myself, it hit me that it wasn’t the discipline I lacked, but the joy in what I was doing. That shift in mindset was a game-changer—it made me realize that true commitment comes from passion, not just routine, and not from willpower. That realization has impacted every part of my life, from preparing meals to how I treat myself, others, and especially my goals.
So, I made a Bookstagram account. I wanted to not only hold myself accountable but finally have people to talk to about the books I was reading. I’ve mentioned this before, but I have ALWAYS wanted to be in a book club. My anxiety has kept me from that, though, and I felt disappointed in myself for not being brave enough to go. Anxiety and moving a lot made it feel impossible to join a group of people, even if they did have similar interests to mine.
This is when my Bookstagram account morphed into an online book club. I finally accepted that it was okay that I didn’t join an in-person book club, but that didn’t mean I had to entirely miss out on the community of readers I had been looking for. Imagine my surprise when the SeedLit Society Book Club turned into a club that people actually wanted to take part in! We now have almost 100 members!
Starting and running this book club has really healed a part of me that I didn’t know needed it. Being part of a community where I could freely share my thoughts and be heard, and meet others with similar thoughts, passions, and struggles, was really powerful. It’s amazing how something as simple as discussing a book—or even engagement, or the lack thereof, on Instagram—can create such deep connections and bring about a sense of belonging I hadn’t realized I was missing.
That may sound silly, but there really is something beautiful about giving yourself something you previously believed you couldn’t have—no matter what the reason.
The more I read, the more I found myself connecting with others—whether they were fellow readers, authors, or small business owners. I made real friends and discovered a community that shared my passions. As I continued posting on Instagram, it all started to click: this was the perfect avenue for a business that I would love to work on every day. It checked all the boxes—a subject I love, endless creativity, and an inclusive community.
But enough about me. I hope this resonated with you in some way, and if it did, I’d love for you to reach out and say hi, join the book club, or even go on your own journey of rediscovering what makes your heart happy.
Happy reading,
Sarah