In this episode, I step back from the chaos of logistics to look inward — developing my why for opening a used bookstore. I make lists of what I’m good at versus what I actually enjoy, what brings me joy, and what I truly need.

Through that process, I talk about Self-Determination Theory and how understanding autonomy, competence, and relatedness helps me find motivation on hard days. There’s also an unplanned kitten cameo — because of course there is.

This episode is about honoring intention while being realistic about your own abilities — learning that sometimes what you can do isn’t what you want to build a life around.

🕊️ Follow along as The Phoenix Used Bookshop takes shape — subscribe to A Bookshop of My Own and get updates at phoenixusedbookshop.com.

In this episode, I dive into the part of the story no one glamorizes — the logistical nightmare of trying to buy an existing used bookstore. Referrals, agents, lawyers, endless emails — it all turned into a quagmire that left me questioning whether the deal was even meant to happen.

But somewhere in the waiting, I found something unexpected: gratitude. The slow timing gave me space to shore up my life for the changes that were coming, and to start trusting that maybe everything was unfolding exactly as it should.

🐦‍🔥 Want to follow along as The Phoenix Used Bookshop takes shape? Subscribe to A Bookshop of My Own and get updates at phoenixusedbookshop.com

In this first full episode, I share the story behind A Bookshop of My Own — how I grew up surrounded by small business life, why bookstores have always felt like home, and why they matter so deeply to all kinds of people.

This is the backstory of how it all started: the moment I decided to write an offer letter to buy an existing used bookstore, what that process looked like, and why it set me on the path toward creating my own.

It’s personal, it’s honest, (and it’s explicit sorry!) — because this story deserves to be told exactly as it happened

Want to follow along as The Phoenix Used Bookshop comes to life? Subscribe to this podcast, and sign up for updates at phoenixusedbookshop.com