By Jessica Dillon
Local author and media entrepreneur Natalie Hodge continues to expand her creative reach, from publishing poetry to producing television.
Hodge, owner of Rudy’s Girl Media, held a recent book signing at Magnolia & Main Books in Ridgeway, where she met readers and shared excerpts from her poetry collection “Mahogany Blues.”
Released in November 2024, “Mahogany Blues” debuted as the No. 1 Black and African American poetry book on Amazon. Since its release, Hodge has hosted several readings and signings across the region, including events at TAD Tavern in Uptown Martinsville.
Beyond writing, Hodge also produces and hosts the PBS series Zero Waste, created in partnership with VPM, the PBS affiliate serving central Virginia. The show explores sustainability topics such as circular fashion, featuring businesses in Danville and Richmond.
“The most recent episode focuses on circular fashion,” Hodge said. “I interviewed a woman from VCU who’s an expert on the subject and visited a mending shop called Top Stitch in Richmond — and I even got a pair of pants mended, which was a win.”
Despite her many projects, Hodge said writing remains her first love. She’s currently preparing to release a free ebook titled “Dear Self “on her website before the end of the year.
“It’s a process of self-empowerment and affirmation — something we can all do for ourselves in a world that constantly makes us feel less than,” she said. “This is a tool I personally use to build my own confidence, and I wanted to share it so anyone can access it.”
Hodge encourages the community to continue supporting independent bookstores such as Magnolia & Main.
“There’s something so valuable about touching a book and turning its pages,” she said. “I don’t want us to lose the magic of that physical connection.”
Mahogany Blues is available at Magnolia & Main Books, located at 810 Main St. in Ridgeway. The store is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can also meet Wilbur, the shop’s recently adopted bookstore cat.
