Growing up in a military family, Tristen Epps moved around a lot. But no matter where he was living, Friday nights were sacred. He got to dress up, go to a restaurant, not order from a kids menu, and feel like he was getting to know the place he was living — for now. At home, when his mom taught him to scramble an egg, he was mesmerized by the alchemy; one simple ingredient could transform into so many things. It's that wonder and curiosity that transformed him into the leader, visionary, and Top Chef winner he is today. He joined Tinfoil Swans at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen to talk about his mission to “un-colonize colonized food,” the freedom he feels cooking in Air Jordans, why it's important to him to celebrate oxtails with Michelin-level finesse, and his belief that cooking has power to correct history. Sponsor: Old Fitzgerald® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bardstown, KY. 50% Alc./Vol. Think Wisely. Drink Wisely. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
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Shelf Made Stories
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Manage series 3651972
Inhalt bereitgestellt von Christina Nicholson. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Christina Nicholson oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.
Hear how people are turning bookish passions into thriving businesses on Shelf Made Stories.
Listen each week to hear from people behind bookstores, book buses, book trucks, subscription box curators, and paid book clubs. We're talking to the trailblazers turning pages into profits and stories into thriving communities.
From cozy corner shops to wheels-on-fire bookmobiles, we uncover the tales behind the shelves (and steering wheels!).
Whether you're a book lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just here for a good story, expect laughs, bibliophile tips, and a whole lot of bookish banter.
20 Episoden
Teilen
Alle als (un)gespielt markieren ...
Manage series 3651972
Inhalt bereitgestellt von Christina Nicholson. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Christina Nicholson oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.
Hear how people are turning bookish passions into thriving businesses on Shelf Made Stories.
Listen each week to hear from people behind bookstores, book buses, book trucks, subscription box curators, and paid book clubs. We're talking to the trailblazers turning pages into profits and stories into thriving communities.
From cozy corner shops to wheels-on-fire bookmobiles, we uncover the tales behind the shelves (and steering wheels!).
Whether you're a book lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just here for a good story, expect laughs, bibliophile tips, and a whole lot of bookish banter.
20 Episoden
Alle Folgen
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What if you could run a bookstore without actually owning a storefront? In this episode, we chat with Alicia Boemi, the founder of Lakeside Books in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. It’s a charming indie bookstore that lives inside another store and rolls around town in a tricked-out trailer. Yep, she’s running two bookstores in one… without the overhead of a full brick-and-mortar. We talk about: How Alicia landed a “shop within a shop” and why she doesn’t even have to staff it Why she launched her business with a bookmobile first and how it totally paid off The reality of inventory headaches, damaged books, and sticker bestsellers What it’s like hauling a mobile bookstore around town with your husband and a Jeep Her tips for book-loving entrepreneurs who want to test the waters without diving all the way in This episode will leave you inspired and maybe even Googling “cute trailers for sale.” 😆 Check out Lakeside Books online at lakesidebookslg.com Follow Lakeside Books on social media: Instagram.com/lakesidebookslg Facebook.com/lakesidebookslg Tiktok.com/@lakesidebookslg…
In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of Bookstagram with Kristen Cioffi—aka Kray’s Book Club. If you've ever wondered how to grow an authentic, engaged community online without selling your soul to the algorithm, this is your episode. Kristen keeps it real about how she started posting about books during a tough time, and how that turned into an incredible, joy-filled space filled with new friendships, wild opportunities (hello, Oprah and Reese!), and honest-to-goodness bookish fun. We talk about everything from monetizing your content to what it actually takes to build relationships online, and why Kristen has no plans to start dancing on BookTok anytime soon. We also cover: Why being brutally honest about books (even the “dumpster fire” ones) builds trust How she’s landed brand partnerships, exclusive invites, and monetized organically Why engagement matters more than follower count The importance of knowing your worth and not being afraid to ask for it Why this should always be fun Follow Kray’s Book Club here: instagram.com/kraysbookclub…
What happens when you mix romance novels, DIY spirit, and a full bar? You get The Plot Twist , Denton's most Instagrammable bookstore, and a total book lover's dream. In this episode, Darci Middleton shares how she went from being a middle school science teacher to opening a one-of-a-kind bookstore with her mom. We talk about: The viral book wall (and how she made it herself) Why she focused on romance books and indie authors How they made a bar part of the business (and what it cost) Their brilliant book-inspired cocktail menu Turning TikTok into a marketing machine Creating a space that feels safe, inclusive, and FUN Her advice for anyone dreaming of a bookstore life The Plot Twist: www.theplottwistbookbar.com Social media: https://www.instagram.com/theplottwistbookbar https://www.facebook.com/theplottwistbookbar https://www.tiktok.com/@theplottwistbookbar…
Ever wonder who’s behind the voice in your favorite audiobook? Meet Marni Penning, an audiobook narrator with over 350 titles under her belt (plus a spicy secret pseudonym). In this episode, Marni shares how she went from performing Shakespeare on stage to narrating Fourth Wing , ACOTAR , and Crescent City ... all from her basement studio. She shares: 🎙️ What it really takes to be an audiobook narrator (hint: AI could never) 🎭 How she keeps hundreds of character voices straight 🔥 Why she uses a fake name for romance novels 🏠 How she built a six-figure narration career without leaving her house 🤯 That time Whoopi Goldberg fangirled over her 📚 Where to start if you’ve ever thought, “Hey, I could do that…” This conversation is packed with insider stories, pro tips, and behind-the-scenes gems that’ll make you appreciate your audiobooks in a whole new way. Find Marni online at theladyhamlet.com Follow her on social media: Facebook Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Resources mentioned in this episode: Graphic Audio: https://www.graphicaudio.net/ Recorded Books: https://rbmediaglobal.com/recorded-books/ Narrators Roadmap: https://www.narratorsroadmap.com/ Starving Artist No More: https://www.starvingartistnomore.com/ Narrator: https://narrator.life/ ACX: https://www.acx.com/ Ahab: https://www.ahabtalent.com/ Beachside Bookfest: https://www.beachsidebookfest.com/ The video with Whoopi Goldberg: https://www.instagram.com/p/DG7TlWiM38M/ The Penning Method for the Panicked Actor: https://amzn.to/4kEVfIl…
If you're into food, books, or doing good... you’re going to love this one. Kimberly Behzadi is the founder of Read It & Eat Bookshop, Buffalo’s first culinary bookstore that mixes reading, eating, and giving back in the tastiest way possible. We talk about: How she turned her book subscription box into a brick-and-mortar store The magic of cookbooks, chef memoirs, and food writing that makes you hungry Her Books & Cooks series (yes, you can actually take cooking classes!) The mission behind their Food First weekends and why giving back is baked into everything they do The delicious extras you'll find in-store, like baking kits, cocktail mixers, and global spices Visit Read It & Eat Bookshop, Buffalo's culinary bookstore: readitandeatshop.com facebook.com/readitandeatbuf instagram.com/readitandeatbuf linkedin.com/company/read-it-and-eat-buffalo…
What happens when a lifelong romance reader, punk rock enthusiast, and photographer turns a trailer into a moody, mobile bookstore? You get Slow Burn . Tonya Pineda, the creator behind Slow Burn , a jet-black trailer-turned-bookstore specializing in romance. shares how she and her husband (neither of them particularly handy) built the entire thing from scratch with nothing but a dream and a lot of YouTube tutorials. Here’s why you need to listen: Get Inspired: If you’ve ever fantasized about opening a bookstore but dreaded the overhead, this mobile twist will blow your mind. Fall in Love with the Vibe: A dark, European-inspired aesthetic for a romance-only bookshop? It’s unexpected… and it works. Real Talk on Indie Bookselling: From low book margins to building community, Tonya gets candid about the challenges and the deep rewards. Behind-the-Scenes Goodness: Hear how she decides where to pop up, what goes into setup (think bungee cords and barn doors), and how going viral on Instagram and TikTok has fueled her growth. Visit Slow Burn online at SlowBurnTN.com. Visit Slow Burn on social media @SlowBurnTN.…
She went from 0 to 1,000 subscribers in one year. In two years, she was bringing in one million dollars in revenue. Five years ago, Lorena Hixson launched her first subscription box. Because reading has always been a cornerstone of her personal growth, healing, and self-care journey, she wanted to create an experience that encourages more women to slow down, prioritize themselves, and reconnect with the joy of reading. Think of the ShelfCare Box as your monthly bookish bestie—a cozy, intentional moment of self-care delivered straight to your door. In this episode, you’re going to hear the surprising tactic that still brings in subscribers today and the one thing Lorena suggests for anyone starting a bookish business. Visit ShelfCare Box at shelfcarebox.com Follow SelfCare Box on social media: www.instagram.com/shelfcarebox.com https://www.tiktok.com/@shelfcarebox…
Come inside Flame & Fable, the charming new romantasy bookstore that's quickly becoming a community hub in Lakewood, Ohio. Owner Nickie Lui opened her doors just over a month ago, but she's already outperforming her business projections and creating a space where strangers bring birthday gifts and book recommendations flow freely. But the journey wasn't always magical. Nickie shares the moment she nervously pitched her bookstore idea to her dad while he fixed a closet door, and how that conversation sparked a nine-month journey from business plan to grand opening. You'll hear why banks weren't interested in funding her dream (despite her meticulous 31-page business plan), and the surprising way she ultimately made it happen anyway. Nickie also reveals the behind-the-scenes reality, including an IKEA nightmare that required a last-minute U-Haul adventure to Pittsburgh for thousands of pounds of bookshelves just days before opening. In a digital age, how does a physical bookstore with zero marketing budget build buzz? Nickie's clever social media strategy and four distinct book clubs might offer a blueprint for indie retail success. Visit Flame and Fable at 13439 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood, OH 44107 Website: flameandfablebooks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flameandfablebooks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flameandfablebooks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571634133018…
What started as a spicy subscription box packed in her kitchen is now two thriving bookstores, a merch line, and a romance convention. In this episode, Melissa Saavedra, founder of Steamy Lit , shares how she turned her love of romance books into a full-on literary brand. We talk about how she built her audience, grew from popups to storefronts, and why representation in romance matters. Plus, she shares advice for anyone dreaming of starting a bookish business and her favorite steamy reads. If you love spicy books and bold business moves, this one's for you. When she’s not curating must-read romances or running her bookstore, Melissa can be found enjoying tequila on the beach. Instagram: Steamy Lit Website: steamylit.com…
Karley Schaper shares how her handcrafted bookshelf decorations accidentally launched a thriving business from her small Oklahoma town, "where there are more cows than people." In this episode, Karley shares How creating without sales intentions can lead to organic business growth The power of authentic social media sharing that grew Karley's Instagram from 100 to 25,000 followers Why solving your own problems creates products others desperately want How to build a business that fits your lifestyle rather than the other way around Now with a warehouse instead of just her home office, Karley has achieved her version of success—the flexibility to walk her kids home from school and work when inspiration strikes, even if that's at one in the morning. Tune in to hear her best advice for aspiring creators. Visit Jordan Valley Designs website: JordanValleyDesigns.com Connect on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@itskarleynicole https://www.instagram.com/jordanvalleydesigns…
This week’s guest is literally tearing books apart... and people love her for it. What started as a casual scroll through BookTok turned into a side hustle-turned-small business for Valerie Brand, all centered around rebinding books into one-of-a-kind, stunning keepsakes. She’s crafted custom covers for fantasy favorites, sentimental heirlooms, and even indie author giveaways—all while holding down a 9-to-5. In this episode, we chat about: How a viral video changed everything Bookish burnout, and how she’s still keeping the fun alive Her advice for anyone trying to grow a creative business online What really goes into crafting a custom book cover (hint: it’s not just glue and glitter) Whether you’re a fantasy fan, small business dreamer, or just love hearing how someone makes it doing something they love, you’re going to want to tune in. And yes, we do talk about ACOTAR. Visit her website: www.valbinds.com Get social with Val: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valbinds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valbinds YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/valeriebrand…
What happens when a real estate-savvy book lover stumbles upon a shuttered bookstore already zoned for hotel use ? You get The Bookhouse Hotel, a boutique literary escape where guests literally sleep surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. In this episode, Stephanie Olenik, the creative force behind not one, but two magical book-themed hotels in Pennsylvania, talks about turning a once-forgotten bookstore into a thriving destination to growing a nationwide book club community, and: How Stephanie turned 5,000 leftover books into the inspiration for a boutique hotel What made people start flying in from all over the world to stay at The Bookhouse Hotel Why her second location (a stunning 7-room mansion) includes a Jane Austen suite and a secret photo booth How a viral 24-hour read-a-thon helped boost bookings, and what she’s learned about influencer marketing Her real-talk advice for launching a bookish business that stands out The importance of building community and staying flexible when plans need to change Whether you’re a book lover, a dreamer with a business idea, or just curious about what it’s like to run a hotel where every room tells a story, this one’s for you. Visit The Bookhouse Hotel and The Bookhouse Hotel in Faunbrook: https://thebookhousehotel.com/ https://thebookhouseatfaunbrook.com/ Check out the book club: https://thebookhousebookclub.com/ Get social on Instagram: @thebookhousehotels @thebookhousefaunbook @thebhbookclub…
Listen in as author Lou Emerson reveals how she transformed her love of cozy crime fiction into a subscription box business. Lou shares how she delivers an immersive reading experience by pairing mystery novels with page-specific gifts, built a loyal subscriber base through a clever email challenge, and manages the chaos of "Christmas every month" from her home. Perfect for mystery lovers and aspiring entrepreneurs, this episode unpacks the business behind giving readers the ultimate "me-time" experience, one page number at a time. Connect with Cozy Read Books: Website: https://cozyreadbooks.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozyreadbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozyreadbooks/…
Four friends in their 20s realized none of them were reading books like they used to. So, Ben Bradbury hosted a casual gathering on their rooftop, invited some friends, put together a playlist, and everyone just... read books together. Then they chatted about what they were reading before calling it a night. But it caught on. Ben and three of his friends formalized things a bit, named it “Reading Rhythms,” planned more get-togethers, expanded their invite list, and started sharing it on Instagram. As these reading parties continued, they garnered attention in places like the New York Times, and this hobby quickly became a worldwide business. In this episode, Ben walks us through what a reading party is and how you can bring one to your city. Connect with Reading Rhythms: Website: readingrhythms.co Instagram: instagram.com/reading_rhythms Ben on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benbradbury…
Jules Buonocore reaches 800,000 monthly readers and has built multiple revenue streams through her book blog, The Literary Lifestyle. In this episode, she reveals her journey from attorney to book influencer, her battle with Google's algorithm changes, and the surprising way she's monetizing trending book series like Fourth Wing and ACOTAR . She also shares behind-the-scenes details of her Rory Gilmore Book Club and practical tips for turning reading passion into profit. Visit The Literary Lifestyle: https://theliterarylifestyle.com/ Get social with Jules: Instagram Pinterest Facebook YouTube TikTok LinkedIn Threads Reddit Goodreads…
Amanda Badeau left her corporate job to pursue her childhood dream of opening a bookstore. We chat with Amanda about trading her corporate ops director role for the green-walled, castle-like atmosphere of "The Archive" – her dark academia bookstore in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Amanda gets real about the ups and downs of making this childhood dream happen: the unexpected costs, permit headaches, and why selecting books is way more stressful than she imagined. While pink romance bookshops are having their moment, Amanda spotted a gap for something different and jumped in with both feet. She shares how a chance conversation at dinner led to finding her perfect space, her unique approach to hiring staff, and all the creative ways she's planning to make this bookstore profitable. Visit the Archive at 700 S Shelmore Blvd Unit 103, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Follow The Archive on Instagram at @thearchivechs .…
When everyone said bookstores couldn't survive, Jenny Kelley did the impossible - opening Bookish Boutique in just 25 days! With pink couches, a wine bar, and custom "Smut University" merch, this Panama City store is defying the odds. How is she thriving where major chains have failed? Tune in to discover the secrets behind her success and why readers are flocking to this bookish paradise one year later! Want 40 book recommendations for every vibe? Click here. Watch this on YouTube at @ShelfMadeStories Follow along on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay Connect with Jenny Kelley from Bookish Boutique: Website: https://bookishboutiquellc.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554472483170 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookishboutiquellc/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookishboutiquellc…
When publishers wouldn't pay for her bookish content on Instagram (free books don't pay bills!), Hayley Solano got creative and built a literary empire that goes far beyond monthly discussions. After growing her #bookstagram to 40,000 followers, Hayley launched The Enchanted Book Club. She took her love of books and turned it into this vibe where classic book lovers can connect, no matter how busy life gets. For fifteen bucks a month (or $150 if you go annually), you get access to this bookish world… and she has 800 members! Want 40 book recommendations for every vibe? Click here. Watch this on YouTube at @ShelfMadeStories Follow along on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay Connect with Hayley here: Website: enchantedbookclub.com Instagram @hayleysolano…
Have you ever dreamed of opening your own bookstore? Pull up a chair as Amy Hall takes us behind the shelves of Hudson Valley Books for Humanity. She's getting real about the ups, downs, and creative hustle it takes to make an indie bookstore work today. From turning her book-loving dream into a thriving community hub to finding smart ways to keep the lights on (spoiler: it's not just about selling books), Amy's sharing all the tea on building a bookstore that stands out from the crowd. Want 40 book recommendations for every vibe? Click here. Watch this on YouTube at @ShelfMadeStories Follow along on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay Catch up with Amy & Hudson Valley Books for Humanity: Website: hvbooksforhumanity.com Instagram: @hudsonvalleybooksforhumanity Facebook: /HVBooksforHumanity LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amyhall914…
Want to turn your overflowing bookshelves into a business? Join us for a chat with Renee Powers, Director of Partnerships and Publicity at PangoBooks, where book lovers are becoming entrepreneurs from their living rooms. She's spilling the details on how readers are transforming their personal libraries into profitable ventures, building community through books, and reshaping the way we think about secondhand book sales. Plus, she shares how PangoBooks got started and how the company makes money with its small but mighty team. Click here to get $5 of PangoBucks! Want 40 book recommendations for every vibe? Click here. Watch this on YouTube at @ShelfMadeStories Follow along on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay Connect with PangoBooks: Website: pangobooks.com Instagram: @pangobooks TikTok: @pangobooks Facebook: /pangobooks YouTube: @pangobooks Connect with Renee on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/renee-powers-578052185…
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