I'm L'Oreal Thompson Payton—author, storyteller, speaker, and founder of Zora's Place. I help Black women find, shape, and share the stories only they can tell through books, community, conversation, and the spaces I build.
I help purpose-driven women (and brands) find, shape and share their stories with the world.
For nearly two decades, I've helped people uncover the stories that shape who they are and how they move through the world. As an author, journalist, communications leader, bookstore founder, and community builder, I've come to believe one thing:
Black women's stories aren't optional. They're necessary.
My work exists to help more of those stories be seen, heard, and celebrated.
THE WORK▼
Speaking
From boardrooms to bookstores, conferences to classrooms, I create conversations that help audiences think differently about storytelling, leadership, community, and the courage it takes to take up space. My talks blend personal narrative, practical insight, and cultural commentary, leaving audiences feeling seen, challenged, and inspired long after the event ends.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING"[L’Oreal’s] ability to break down the topic into something very tangible for our audience, to connect with our audience by telling her story and then to be not only actionable but engaging as she navigated the conversation with ease was exactly what we were looking for. [...] We've been getting rave reviews from our women since. We would recommend her time and time again!"
Stef Caldwell
CEO & Founder, Manifest
"[L’Oreal’s] style incorporates the perfect blend of honesty, humor and inspiration. The environment she creates, even with a virtual audience, feels supportive, connected and energizing. [...] I was buzzing for days following the event and walked away with both inspiration to take action and practical tools to know where to get started."
Nicole Wood
CEO & Co-Founder, Ama La Vida
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Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power
Part memoir, part practical guide, Stop Waiting for Perfect helps readers move beyond self-doubt, trust their instincts, and stop postponing the life they're meant to live.
Violet Goes Voting
Come along with young Violet as she accompanies her parents as they go to vote in this Step 2 leveled reader, perfect for kids ages 4-6!
Available Sept. 15, 2026
Pre-Order Now
Books
The stories we carry shape the lives we build. Through books for children and adults alike, I write stories that encourage readers to use their voices, take up space, and believe in what's possible.
Amanda Gorman: Poet and Activist
Discover the story of Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, and learn how one young woman found her voice—and inspired the world to listen.
As seen on CBS Mornings
Amanda Gorman: Poet and Activist
Learn all about Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, in this Step 2 biography reader!
Violet Goes Voting
Come along with young Violet as she accompanies her parents as they go to vote in this Step 2 leveled reader, perfect for kids ages 4-6!
Available Sept. 15, 2026
Pre-Order Now
Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power
Don’t let impostor syndrome and self-doubt derail your dreams—learn to trust your vision and take control of your future.
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Community
A space devoted to rest and collective care. Zora's Place in Evanston, IL is centering Black women's experiences within its walls.
◀PRESS THE DOOR TO VISIT HER BOOKSTORE▼
I help Black women find, shape, and share the stories only they can tell.
Collaborate & Connect
Let’s Build Together
The most meaningful work I've done has started with a conversation. If you're creating spaces where people can learn, connect, lead, or share their stories, I'd love to hear what you're building. Let's create something meaningful together.
Join the Newsletter
Part personal essay, part love letter, part conversation among friends, The Journal is where I explore storytelling, creativity, motherhood, community, and what it means for Black women to take up space in our lives, work, and relationships. Pull up a chair and join us.