Author and artist recalls lessons from his father
By Tia Carol Jones
Shawn Amos was seven years old when his dad, Wallace “Famous” Amos, opened his cookie shop. He remembers standing on a milk crate behind the counter to work the cash register, selling cookies, stocking the milk and helping in the kitchen. He learned at a young age the value of hard work.
That time in Amos’ life is the subject of the semi-autobiographical children’s book, “Cookies and Milk,” which is geared toward middle school students, ages 8-12.
Amos wanted to write the book to speak to Black fathers and Black boys. He also wanted to tell a sweet chapter of his life. He wants his children to believe in themselves and the power of their ideas.
Amos admitted while he talked about his father throughout the years, he also ducked a lot of questions about his father throughout the years, and has spoken candidly about other aspects of his life. Amos is a father of three and had been thinking a lot about fatherhood when he decided to write the book.
Amos described the time when his father was opening up the Famous Amos Cookie Shop as a lovely moment in his childhood. He wanted to document that moment in time, for his children and his siblings children, as well as other family members. He also hopes they will read it and understand the power of hard work, which Amos’ father instilled in him.
On Sunday, May 29th, Amos attended the Kolbe Children’s Business Fair in Chicago. The goal of the event is to have children, ages 5-15 get experience in selling a product or service and have them learn about entrepreneurship, with a focus on the role plays in business. To be around young entrepreneurs was super inspiring for him. He hoped there was something they could learn from his experiences. He described it as a full circle moment.
The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Initiative is a partnership between the Famous Amos cookie brand and the National Black Chamber of Commerce. The initiative awarded $50,000 to three entrepreneurs, along with resources and tools to enable their businesses to have sustainable growth and success. The initiative is gearing up to award its next set of entrepreneurs. The deadline is Sunday, June 26th. To apply, visit https://famousamos.nationalbcc.org.
“It’s a testament to how Famous Amos has really carried on the legacy of entrepreneurship that’s really baked into the original story of the brand,” Amos said.
Amos is a Blues musician, who went to film school at New York University. His father was a talent agent for the William Morris Talent Agency before he started Famous Amos. Amos grew up around soundstages, nightclubs and recording studios, and that is the bug that ultimately bit him. He makes his living as an artist, songwriter, writer and touring musician. He also started marketing agencies, which grew out of his love of storytelling.
“My father was really committed to doing what he loved and loving what he did. It wasn’t about chasing money, it was about chasing satisfaction and the power of believing in yourself. He instilled that in me,” he said. “He also instilled that it takes a lot of hard work and that you don’t get by just on hope or beliefs alone, you actually have to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work and often do the work that no one else wants to do. Lastly, have fun doing it, and have humility.”
For more information about Shawn Amos, visit www.shawnamos.com. To purchase the book, visit tinyurl.com/3x97z2fv.
