Meet LaWanda Lewis Burrell: Published Author and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaWanda Lewis Burrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaWanda, what do you want your legacy to be?
My legacy is my life’s purpose, which includes my faith in God, cherishing family time, spreading positivity, being a leader, having a character full of love and kindness and building financial wealth through my hard work, determination and pursuing my dreams. I have been blessed with a good life, but it hasn’t always been easy. God made us to have the courage to do what he has called us to do. I would like to be remembered as an inspirational woman of faith that encourages you to always strive to reach your highest potential. Each and every day I feel that I am living my legacy, by enjoying special moments with my friends and family, and making every day count by discovering my God given purpose. I am leaving a Godly legacy by teaching my children how to pray for themselves and others, treating people how you would like to be treated, having strong work ethics and encouraging them to have faith and never give up on their dreams, even when the world brings obstacles along the way. Every problem has a purpose and part of God’s purpose may be to test your attitude, that’s why it is very important to be positive even in negative situations. Children are impacted by you and how you handle difficulties. It is also important to learn how to allow others to make mistakes and be open to forgive. One of my worst upsets in my career was losing my position as a HR Director for speaking up. I quickly realized that it was the greatest blessing from God, as I am now a published author of “Stand Up, Speak Up, Because Your Time’s Up, a book of inspirational messages of hope, faith, forgiveness, and love. My journey of writing has led me to many opportunities. Last year I collaborated with a production company in Atlanta, Georgia that is interested in turning my book into a movie! In January 2021, my husband and I started SUSU Entertainment LLC our own book writing and publishing business. We are so excited that we have already gotten a few clients! I am happy to be writing my legacy one chapter at a time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a ghostwriter, screenwriter, audiobook narrator, and publisher.  My husband and I have a love for books. At a very young age I was a great storyteller with a broad imagination. My writings often mimics my personality to inspire, uplift, engage, encourage, and help you fertilize your spirit with positive thoughts, clear your mind and give you reassurance of who you are. I believe everyone has a story to tell, and I want to help others share their story with the world. DeMorris, my husband was blessed with his tech savvy abilities with electronics as a child always watching his Dad with stereo and TV equipment. His love for reading books and journaling, excellent computer skills, formal education in business administration sparked an interest in audiobook publishing. 

In January 2021, we started SUSU Entertainment LLC our own book writing, audiobook narrating and publishing business. We’re so happy we were able to narrate and produce our own audiobook for Stand Up, Speak Up, Because Your Time’s Up. Our motto is “Together this husband and wife team will bring your books to life and capture life’s precious moments through words, by specializing in audio book narrations, book writing, editing, quality assurance monitoring, and master engineering. Let US read and write your stress away, and help fulfill your purpose!” If you or someone you know may be interested in our services, please email us at susuentertainmentllc@gmail.com. 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since the pandemic it has been hard to get out in the city. Houston has so many attractions and dining experiences, but like most major cities a lot of your favorite cuisines may be available at a food truck park. This is becoming a very popular hot spot for family and friends to gather outside and a great way to social distance. We enjoy visiting the museum district, picnics at Allen Parkway park while taking in the beautiful views of the downtown Houston skyline, Hermann Park, going to outdoor concerts at the Miller Outdoor Theater, or Cynthia Woods Pavilion, Discovery Green park downtown, a lot of lounging and hang out spots on Main Street downtown, shopping at the Galleria, and taking the children to the Children’s Museum. We often love supporting black owned restaurants such as Lucille’s, Turkey Leg Hut, The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory, and Phil and Derek’s enjoying their cajun creole cuisine and live jazz music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I would like to thank the Most High God for his undeniable love for me. Thanks to my family and friends in purchasing a copy of my book, supporting me at book signings, radio and magazine interviews, podcast, etc. I would like to thank my loving and supportive husband of 15 years, DeMorris Burrell, Jr. who persuaded me to submit my book to a publisher after holding on to it for 9 months. Also, thanks to our three beautiful children who’s constantly helping us think of ways to market our books. A very special thank you to my wonderful parents and sister and family who purchased every format of my book and constantly encourages me to keep striving for excellence. Many thanks of support to my sorority sisters of my beloved Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Order of Eastern Star, The African American Library at the Gregory School, Greenville Public Library and Greenville High School, in my hometown of Greenville, Alabama, Cypress Sweets Candy Shop in Cypress, Texas and The Houston Texas Book Club, led by my friend and book host Adena Jenkins. Lastly, I’m so thankful to have Walmart sell my book Stand Up, Speak Up, Because Your Time’s Up online. My book is available in audiobook, e book, paperback, and hardcover formats. 

Website: www.sosweetauthor.com

Instagram: @lawanda lewis burrell or wandavision2020

Linkedin: lawanda lewis burrell

Twitter: @lawandalewisbu2

Facebook: @authorlawandaburrell

Other: authorlawandaburrell@gmail.com

Image Credits
DeMorris Burrell, Jr. Willie Earl Lewis