Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Arcand.
Hi Emily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
2 years ago I left my job as a physician associate. I was desperate for a work environment that was positive, joy-filled, and more flexible. While job hunting, I started daydreaming about the possibility of a romance bookstore. A lifelong reader, I got huge satisfaction from making a successful book recommendation to friends, and then later being able to connect about our mutual enjoyment of the stories. I started discussing my ideas with my best friend– my sister Stephanie. We soon realized we wanted to make this idea a reality, and worked together to come up with a way to make Swoonworthy happen. We began by doing pop-ups, as it was a low cost way to reach people. Since that time, we’ve come to realize that events and community are hugely important to the book community, and have started hosting book clubs, book fairs, book lovers mixers, and more. We have also recently opened a permanent pop-up inside a boutique in White Bear Lake.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all! When we first started doing pop-ups last summer, we realized the massive amount of work it takes to set up our 10 x 10 event tent and haul 150-200 books! Although we’ve gotten pretty efficient, it’s still a huge undertaking each time we pop open the Pink Tent. We’ve also learned a lot about which types of events are most successful– i.e., where we are most likely to find book lovers. It’s also been difficult to move into the indie bookstore space without a brick and mortar store, but we are slowly establishing ourselves on that front now that we have a permanent pop-up in White Bear Lake!
As you know, we’re big fans of Swoonworthy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Swoonworthy is a romance bookstore run by two sisters with a love of reading. We specialize in curation of titles, and pride ourselves on being able to make excellent recommendations due to the fact that we’ve read the vast majority of our inventory and select what we think is the best of the best from the romance genre. We are also unique in the bookstore space because we host and attend so many events– book fairs, book club, book mixers, and more. Our brand is focused on joy, inclusivity, and a dash of indulgence. Our blind dates with a book have become iconic with our customers, and are beautifully wrapped “surprise” romance books that come accompanied with stickers, bookmarks, and other bookish goodies sourced from independent artists. When you visit our pop-up or attend one of our events, you’ll find a welcoming space where you can celebrate your love of reading!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Success may not happen overnight. It’s really easy to get discouraged by comparing yourself to others, particularly on social media. Resist the temptation! Focus on the message and goal of your business, and don’t be afraid to be niche!
Pricing:
- – Blind Date With a Book, $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.swoonworthybooksellers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swoonworthybooksellers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Swoonworthy-Booksellers/61574110782100/?_rdr
- Other: https://libro.fm/swoonworthybooksellers
