We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis ONESTAS and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’m from France, and I grew up in the neighborhoods of the Paris region. I’ve always looked for examples of successful entrepreneurs who looked like me. I read The Tanning of America by Steve Stoute—it deeply inspired me and changed my life.
I kept reading books in English and started asking myself why these works by African-American authors were never translated into French. During a trip to New York, while speaking with American publishing houses, I realized that the issue came from the French publishers who were unwilling to translate these works. So I decided to do it myself. For Us By Us.
I created OmaxBooks, and since then, I’ve translated books by Issa Rae, Common, Taraji P. Henson, 50 Cent, and Rick Ross. I also wrote the book OMAXBOOKS – How I Built a Bridge Connecting African-American Authors to 300 Million Francophone Readers, which tells the full story of this journey.

What should our readers know about your business?
OmaxBooks is a French publishing house I founded with a clear mission: to translate and distribute inspiring and motivational books by African-American authors for the 300 million francophone readers around the world. What sets us apart is that we are the first and only company dedicated to building this cultural and literary bridge between the U.S. and the French-speaking world.

We’ve had the honor of working with major voices like 50 Cent, Issa Rae, Common, Rick Ross, and Taraji P. Henson, and in 2025, we’ll release the French editions of books by Rob Kenner (Nipsey Hussle), Donda West, and Gucci Mane. Our approach is unique not only because of the authors we represent, but also because we make these stories accessible in a new language and context—helping them reach audiences who never would’ve had access otherwise due to the language barrier.

It wasn’t easy getting here. I had no background in publishing or translation. What I did have was passion, curiosity, and the belief that our stories deserve to be heard globally. I faced a lot of rejections and had to self-teach everything—from rights acquisition to distribution. But I was inspired by entrepreneurs like Steve Stoute, whose book The Tanning of America changed my life. I created OmaxBooks to follow in that spirit—For Us, By Us.

I want the world to know that OmaxBooks isn’t just a publisher—it’s a movement. A movement to empower, to inspire, and to remind every reader that their story matters. We don’t just translate words—we translate cultures, perspectives, and dreams. That’s our superpower.

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.
Every time I’ve visited L.A., it’s been during BET Awards week—and honestly, there’s nothing like it. The city feels alive. There’s an electric energy in the air, full of creativity, celebration, and Black excellence. It’s a time when the culture truly takes center stage.

But if I were hosting a close friend in L.A. for a full week, here’s how we’d do it—Black-owned and powerful from start to finish:

Day 1 – Start with soul & purpose:
We’d kick things off with brunch at Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, co-owned by Issa Rae. It’s more than just great food and coffee—it’s a space that celebrates ambition, culture, and creativity. A perfect way to ease into L.A.

Day 2 – Culture deep dive:
We’d head to Leimert Park, the cultural heartbeat of Black L.A. From the art, to the vendors, to the live music—it’s where the spirit of the community thrives.
For lunch, we’d stop at Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine, and later browse the shelves of Eso Won Books, a legendary Black-owned bookstore that has hosted everyone from Obama to Toni Morrison.

Day 3 – Art, vibes & views:
We’d visit Art + Practice, an art space founded by artist Mark Bradford that champions contemporary Black artists.
Later, for a peaceful sunset, we’d hit Kenneth Hahn Park, an underrated gem with incredible views over the city.
Dinner? Alta Adams—modern soul food with real roots.

Day 4 – Empowerment + connection:
Midday meet-up at Sip & Sonder, a coffee shop and creative space in Inglewood that feels like a hub for Black thinkers and changemakers.
Then we’d check out The Beehive, a Black-led business campus that supports economic development and innovation in South LA.

Day 5 – Beach reset:
We’d drive to Malibu but make it special with a detour for food from Comfort LA—their organic wings are legendary. We’d take the food to-go and post up on the sand.
Evening plans? A smooth night at Soho Warehouse, always a vibe.

Day 6 – Shop & style:
We’d hit Sole Folks, a Black-owned streetwear boutique and creative incubator, then support local Black designers on Melrose or Downtown L.A.
Dinner at Harun Coffee or Post & Beam, depending on the vibe.

Day 7 – Recharge & reflect:
Final breakfast at Hot and Cool Café, grab a few juices at Simply Wholesome, and have a real conversation about the impact Black-owned businesses are making in this city—and how we can amplify it further.

L.A. is magical, but Black L.A. is transformative. Every place has a story, a mission, and a soul. That’s the L.A. I’d want my people to experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The success of my publishing house, OmaxBooks, is undeniably thanks to Steve Stoute. A brilliant entrepreneur, his book The Tanning of America was the first book I ever read in English—and it marked a radical turning point in my life.

Website: http://www.omaxbooks.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/omaxbooks

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexisonestas/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/alexisonestas/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/omaxbooks

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/alexisonestas

Image Credits
@ OmaxBooks @Omax6mum

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