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