About Us

Every great story starts with a spark of imagination.

For ILORI (pronounced ee-lor-ee) Press founder Dara Girard, that spark came from a magical tale about a black fairy and an unconventional dragon. As a young reader, she found herself captivated by Walter Dean Myers' "The Dragon Takes a Wife" – a story that dared to place characters of color at the center of their own enchanting narrative.

That early encounter with representation shaped a powerful vision: what if more stories could break free from traditional molds while celebrating black voices and experiences?

ILORI Press stands as a micro company with a distinct mission. We don't just publish books and products – we curate cultural treasures. Our carefully crafted collection spans fiction, non-fiction, and specialty products, each one chosen to illuminate the rich tapestry of a wide range of interests.

We take pride in sharing stories that might otherwise go untold. ILORI Press creates space for narratives that empower, uplift, and inspire.

By choosing ILORI Press, you're joining a movement to diversify bookshelves and minds alike. We believe that when readers see themselves reflected in stories, they're empowered to live and/or write their own.

Join us as we continue to reimagine what's possible one product and story at a time.