Christina Blok ’07 discovered her love of literature in a contemporary lit class at Peddie. Years later in her high-pressure marketing job, Christina returned to that love. “All I wanted at the end of the day was to go home, read and have the biggest cup of tea I could find. And I thought, if I’m feeling that way, there are other people who feel that way too.” When discussing her job with a Peddie classmate, he gave Christina some advice: “Make your own job.”
“It was a lightbulb moment,” she said. One wildly successful Kickstarter campaign later, Christina launched the subscription box of book and tea pairings, Muse Monthly, in 2015.
“My goal is – first and foremost – to find great literature,” said Christina. “I tend to pick books that are a little under the radar. I go for debut authors and marginalized voices. Getting different types of stories from different types of people - books in translation, books from people of color, from LGBTQ writers, from disabled writers – is really important to me because I think that’s what makes a reading experience really thrive.” Pairing unique and exciting contemporary literature with unique tea blends from local sellers, Christina strives to create an experience and an atmosphere for her loyal subscribers.
Christina’s advice to those considering striking out on their own? “Your friends will always be your biggest advocates. A lot of my Peddie friends have helped me promote Muse Monthly. Those people have been my support system. I’ve been very fortunate in that.”