The brief version:
It’s called One Idea Books & Gifts and it’s located in my hometown of Leechburg, PA. (It will be the only bookstore in the entire county!). I’m opening it alongside my business partner and fellow author, Alexandra Franzen. We will be hosting a Tiny, but Grand, Opening on Sunday, November 20, 2022 from 4-6PM. RSVP here.
The full story:
Growing up, I would head to my mom and dad’s shop—Chuck Smith Flooring—after school and on weekends to help out. It was truly like my second home. I had my own desk, play area, and you could often find me climbing on rolls of carpet in the back or taking naps on rolls of padding.
I actually started my first business in their shop. I repurposed leftover ceramic tile and made coasters and hot plates. I would set-up a table on Saturday mornings and sell them to customers that were shopping for flooring. (No rent, free product, and a built-in audience? 8 year-old me really worked the system.)
Working at the family business taught me many lessons about entrepreneurship, tenacity, and creativity. It’s part of the reason why I decided to open my own business right out of college. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur.
After spending the past 11 years building businesses in the online space, the stars all aligned to open a brick and mortar bookstore and gift shop in the very town that raised me.
Leechburg has always been such an important part of my life. Opening a bookstore and gift shop—literally right next to the business that my mom and dad founded—is a dream come true.
One Idea Books & Gifts will be hosting a Tiny, but Grand, Opening on Sunday, November 20, 2022 from 4-6PM. RSVP here.
From there, we’ll operate as a pop-up for the holiday season and officially open with regular hours in the New Year.
Excited to see you there!
