Day 24 Running my own bookshop!
Got the keys on July 13th, opened the doors August 1st... Now, August 24th, really FEELS like a bookshop!
Opening my own bookshop has been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, especially during these first 24 days. Getting the keys on July 13th was a thrilling moment that felt like the first step toward a dream becoming real. From there, the race to set up the space, organize shelves, and curate a selection of books began in earnest. When August 1st finally arrived and the doors opened, it was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Seeing the first customers browse and purchase books was incredibly rewarding. Over the following weeks, the shop began to settle into its rhythm and identity — a welcoming community space for readers and explorers. One interesting aspect has been managing an eclectic selection that spans not only popular romance novels and thrillers from authors like Shari Lapena but also unique titles like Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s gripping series and captivating comics and graphic novels. A challenge has been organizing the stock so that frequent visitors can easily find favorites or discover something new. I love sharing recommendations personally and getting to know readers’ tastes — it truly makes the shop feel alive. An unexpected but delightful element has been the connection with local community members, including those interested in Spanish-language books, which I’m happy to order on request to meet diverse needs. Social media and word of mouth are helping spread the word, and every day brings fresh faces eager to talk about books and stories. Cash handling has had its own learning curve — I’ve grown fond of smaller bills and even have a lighthearted appreciation for Benjamin Franklin! The experience of curating a welcoming, vibrant space full of diverse stories has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. For anyone thinking about starting their own bookshop or small business, my advice is to embrace flexibility, know your customers, and treasure the community you build around your passion. Every day is a new page in this story, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds.
