Stories come in.
Self-care comes out.
One book by a Black author or author of color, self-care chosen to match its mood, and a guided prompt for whatever the story leaves behind. Delivered monthly.
The gap nobody else was filling
Rest without recognition
Most book subscription boxes center white, heteronormative stories. Most self-care brands talk about rest without understanding the specific weight women of color carry. That overlap, real literature, real self-care, real community, was missing the depth and intention it deserved.
A practice, not a product
Story & Self pairs thoughtful curation with a developed reflective writing practice, shaped by ongoing training in journal coaching. Every prompt, every pairing, and every gathering is chosen with intention, so the box works as a wellness practice as much as a literary one.
Six pillars, one practice
Reading as Soul‑Nourishment
Each box is built as a sensory retreat, not one more thing to finish.
Representation as Replenishment
Seeing yourself in a layered, joyful story is nourishment, not a checkbox.
Softness as Power
Rest is not a reward you earn first. It is where her strength lives.
Writing as Return
The prompt is an invitation. It is never an assignment.
Community as Warmth
A reading life deserves company, and lurking counts as belonging.
Beauty as Nourishing Self‑Love
Every detail is chosen to slow her down, not dress her up.
Four pieces, one practice
The Book
One title by a Black author or author of color, chosen for how it makes her feel rather than for prestige.
The Self‑Care
Three to four items chosen to match the book's mood: candles, bath products, body oils, tea.
The Prompt
A guided reflection card, written new each month, for the story it travels with.
The Extras
A note from the founder, access to the community, and a playlist made for the month.
“If something is asking to come out, here is a place for it. Set a timer. Keep the pen moving.”From the Story & Self prompt cards
Writing as return
The prompt is written against the book it comes with, not pulled from a general list. There is no correct answer and no assignment due. Some months she writes for fifteen minutes. Some months the card sits closed for two weeks, and she opens it on a Sunday. Both are the practice.
A note on the practice: Story & Self is a practice, not treatment. It is shaped by ongoing training in journal coaching.
Pricing at launch
Monthly
$60/box
Billed every month
3‑Month Prepaid
$171total
$57 per box
Save $9
6‑Month Prepaid
$336total
$56 per box
Save $24
Annual Prepaid
$648total
$54 per box
Save $72
Cancel any time. Renewal and cancellation terms will be stated plainly at checkout, always.
D'Ann Jordan
Founder & Chief CuratorMeet the founder
D'Ann started Story & Self from a familiar gap. As a reader, she wanted stories that reflected her fully and self-care that honored her, and never found a box offering both with real depth. She writes every reflection prompt herself, pairing each one to its book and building the year so the practice deepens instead of repeating. Her approach is shaped by ongoing training in journal coaching, and she says plainly where the practice ends and clinical therapy begins.
“Rest is not something you earn. It is something you deserve.”
Save your place at the table
Join the waitlist for early access when Story & Self opens its doors this fall.
Your guide, plus a few updates as we get closer to launch. Never anything else.
One quick thing first.
Look for a confirmation email from us and click the link inside, that's what saves your place. Once you do, Your Soft Start will land in your inbox right after.