Author Karen Taylor Bass visits Ground Central Coffee

Author Karen Taylor Bass, a New Jersey resident, explained what brought her to Ground Central Coffee in Lynbrook on Saturday, Aug. 17 to host her book chat and signing event.

“I lived here in Nassau during the pandemic, and this was one of the few physical places that was open,” she said. “The great atmosphere, natural light, and pulsating music inspired me to come here with my laptop and write, write, write!”

And the energy did not only come from the coffee: Ground Central Coffee became a “sanctuary” and a “safe space” for a community of artists and entrepreneurs to share their struggles and disappointments, as well as hopes and dreams for the future.

One of the chapters in her debut novella “Bitter to Better: A Chocolate Mama’s Journey to Self-Discovery” is titled Ground-Centered and is dedicated to the coffee shop’s significance in this journey.

Taylor Bass read excerpts from the chapter and referred to the Chocolate Momma Club, an exclusive sisterhood where women gather to share, heal and help each other thrive.

Among the many members in attendance was Michele Oxly who believes that Taylor Bass is destined for excellence.

“She and I are friends from childhood, and we’ve had the pleasure of traveling the world together, from Paris to South Africa,” Oxly said. “I am so grateful to have a front row seat witnessing her next amazing journey.”

Event-moderator Lynette Battle, from Valley Stream, has known Taylor Bass for over 20 years, from when they were both on the Elmont school district Board of Education.

“I’ve read the book, and I hope many other women do the same,” Battle said. “It’s so full of takeaways on how to lead your best life.”

From Bitter to Better addresses the strength and wisdom of women that go through pivotal life transitions. Attendee and retired NYPD officer Sandra Hutchinson cites Taylor Bass as an inspiration.

“She encouraged me to start a new chapter and be active past retirement,” Hutchinson said.

Close friend Astrid Roi is not at all surprised at all of what Taylor Bass has accomplished.

“She’s always been a trailblazer, and she’s transformed sad chapters in her life into something inspiring and relatable to others,” Roi said.

Elementary and middle school teacher Sherise Thomas shared with the group how she stays grounded, which includes giving herself the time and place to be still and meditate as an act of self-preservation. She also credited Taylor Bass’s passion for all children, not just her own.

“As a fitness instructor, Karen conducted classes for my students during the pandemic, which was instrumental in their renewal and development,” Thomas said.

Assemblywomen Michaelle Solages, who represents Elmont, North Woodmere and Valley Stream, along with other communities, was among those in line for the book signing.

“Karen has done so much for the Elmont community, and as a fellow author I admire her work and am here to support her in all of her endeavors,” Solages said.

An award-winning media strategist, author, fitness instructor, inspirational speaker and mother, Taylor Bass is all of these, but how would she describe herself?

“A go-getter, a motivator, and an authentic person,” Taylor Bass said. “Events like these give people the chance to leave their homes and develop social connections with others. My message is that you can reset at any age and find the best version of you. Do the work, have fun, and love your sisters.”