Today we’d like to introduce you to Gillette Kempf.
Hi Gillette, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My first bookstore was in a little town in central Minnesota, Wadena. I purchased the bookstore from the founding owner in August 2006 after I decided that this small town girl simply could not raise my boys in the big city of Chicago and found out on a visit to my mom in Wadena that the local bookstore was for sale. Ten years later my husband found a new job in St. Paul, three hours away. He refused to commute and was insistent that I stay with him and our sons and not the books. We moved our family to River Falls, WI and I transitioned to focusing on having a mobile pop-up bookstore that focused on events and supporting non-profit gift shops and fundraisers. In 2022 I found out that Chapter2 Books in Hudson, WI — a short ten mile drive north — was up for sale. I purchased Chapter2 Books in April 2023. I am looking forward to 20 years as a bookseller/bookstore owner next year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Other than a love for books, I knew absolutely nothing about owning a business; stocking, inventory, or merchandising. In 2008 a pipe burst inside the bookstore and ruined 40% of my inventory. I moved the bookstore through four locations within the three blocks of downtown Wadena. In 2010 an EF4 tornado leveled 25% of the town. It is difficult to go to work at your bookstore when you have to cross a police checkpoint to get from your house to your business.
Once I learned about the American Bookseller Association and the Midwest Independent Bookstore Association and joined, the resources available to me really helped me bring the bookstore to the next level.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am perpetually curious and love a challenge. I do not have a career path; rather, I have a life filled with jobs that have all been learning opportunities. I have worked for lawyers, as a technical writer, in retail sales (outside of the bookstore), and in hospitality. I love all the interesting people I’ve met in the last 40 years of my working life. Everyone has such interesting stories to tell. I love learning in all its forms; whether it is a new tool, a piece of office equipment, or a software program. I specialize in quality 15-minute relationships!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Podcasts: NPR’s Book of the Day; Microcosm’s A People’s Guide to Publishing; Libro.fm Podcast
Apps: Airtable, Google Drive, Canva, Discord,
Resources: Trade association memberships and conferences (ABA, MIBA, GLIBA),
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chapter2books.indielite.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Chapter2bookshudson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chapter2bookshudson
