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