Small Business Highlight - The Story Collective
The February Small Business Highlight goes to The Story Collective, selling new books and more.
The Story Collective is a bookstore located at 114 South 7th Street in St. Joseph. As soon as you open the door, you'll notice the scent of fresh books filling the air. The beautiful original tiled floor is lined with shelves and shelves of colorful books. In the middle of the store, there are sofas providing plenty of space to sit and relax. In a little corner, you'll find bins full of books for little ones to reach in, grab a book and enjoy. A few tables display a variety of items, including pink mugs (the owner’s favorite), bookmarks, treats, pens, board games, and more.
The Story Collective, a haven for all book lovers, opened its doors in October 2023. Ashley, the founder of the bookstore, is a passionate devotee of reading and has always found solace in the pages of a good book. Her fondest childhood memories revolve around being read to and getting lost in the world of books. Even to this day, Ashley enjoys reading to her three daughters, sharing her love for books with them. She believes that books have the ability to bring people together and create a sense of community. With this in mind, Ashley envisioned a space where other book enthusiasts could come together to share their love for literature and discover their new favorite book. A place where you can immerse yourself in the magic of books and connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for reading. The Story Collective is that dream place.
Despite balancing family, working at the store, and being a small business owner, Ashley still finds time to read. She has a spot in the store with some of her current favorites and has read many of the books she sells. If you need a recommendation, Ashley can help you find the right book for you. She loves being there to help people and being a part of their lives. She is excited to be a place where locals become regulars and to be a part of their lives by getting to know customers and their families. She also loves meeting new people and discussing what they are currently reading or have read and what they loved about it.
Some of Ashley's favorite books include The Giver, which she read in 6th grade, and East of Eden, which she read a few years ago. Both books made a lasting impression on her, and she believes that books can change the way you think and see the world around you. They can inspire you and cause you to be more compassionate to the world around us.
Being a part of the small business community has proved to be rewarding for Ashley. The small business community has been very supportive and encouraging as she prepared to open the bookstore. Ashley is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and believes in Saint Joseph and it’s future. She wants The Story Collective to be a part of that future.
Although the store is still brand new, Ashley is already giving back to the community. She collected books for Edison Elementary School and has plans for more ways to give back.
The store had its first author event with Tara Davis and her personal memoir, "Becoming Tara." Many locals came out to support Tara, and Ashley said, “It was like a little high school reunion”.
Ashley is starting a 1st Saturday story time for kids of all ages to come and listen to a good book reading. More details will be available on Facebook, so make sure you are following The Story Collective to see all their events. If you don't use Facebook, the website is updated often with events and new books to purchase.
https://bookshop.org/shop/stjoestoryco
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