An Interview with Deborah
Deborah owns a wonderful children’s bookshop in my hometown. I can’t tell you how many times my husband, son and I have spent time looking through the books and enjoying talking to Deborah. She always has goldfish crackers for my son and she plans great activities like reading time for the kids. And in December Santa Claus even makes an appearance to read special stories to the kids! But my favorite part — mostly because I've never grown up — is the little tea party room that you can rent out for little girls! It's so sweet!
With both of our crazy schedules, we were only able to conduct this interview over e-mail, and you can find her answers below. She is a true inspiration and such a joy to be around. I think you will be able to feel that as you read through her answers. Her personality and her warmth are but two of the many reasons her bookshop attracts so many people.
Q: What are your kids’ names and how old are they?
A: Jonathan is 18 and Michael is 7
Q: What is your favorite part about being a mom?
A: My favorite part about being a mom is watching them be who they are. It used to be about getting them to where I thought they needed to be. It took me awhile to realize that they all get there on their own, when they’re good and ready. Now I just try to enjoy them.
Q: What is your business?
A: I own and run a children’s bookshop
Q: How did the idea for your business start?
A: I love books. I love kids. My kids love books. It seemed like a good fit.
Q: How did you come up with the name of your business?
A: After a few attempts at trying to find the right name, I remembered hearing a phrase "from little acorns grow mighty oaks." I thought it was perfect. It was just the right message I was trying to get across.
Q: How long did it take for you to get from idea to your first day of business? And what was that process like for you?
A: For me "the process" never goes fast enough. I’m always onto the next thing. Finding the right spot for the store was frustrating. The space I found was new, so the build-out and the permits took months. But I was looking for product at the same time and took the entire summer before I opened, looking through forty thousand book titles. So from idea to opening, it was about a year.
Q: We all know people who have great ideas for businesses, but they never actually start up. Why do you think so many people stay in the idea phase?
A: I think most people have a hard time getting out of their own way and believing in themselves.
Q: Why do you think you were successful? Why didn’t your idea remain “Just an idea” — what had you make it a reality?
A: I have a "just do it" mentality I don’t like hearing "can’t", "never" and I’m told I have a problem with "no" also. (laugh)
Q: If you knew someone who had a great idea, what are the steps you would tell them to take?
A: Just follow your instincts. We all have that little voice. Always listen to yourself first.
Q: Do you think anyone could take those steps?
A: Anyone can accomplish anything if they really want it.
Q: What do you consider to be the hardest part of your business?
A: Not being there all the time for Michael, my younger son, tugs at me a lot lately. And even though Jonathan is in college now, I think he feels it when he is home on the weekend and I’m working.
Q: What is the most fun for you?
A: Everything! I love it all!
Q: What would you warn people not to do based on what you’ve learned through opening up a business?
A: I really don’t have any warnings. Try to cross as many T-s and dot as many I-s as you can. It is a process. You are going to make some mistakes. But they are your mistakes and they will be your triumphs.
Q: What do you consider your talents to be?
A: I think I’m a people person. I am also detail oriented. For what I do, I think it’s a good combination
Q: Do you get to use your talents in the business?
A: Everyday!
Q: Do you consider yourself an expert in this field?
A: NO! [laugh]
Q: What is the best part about owning a business and being a mom?
A: The best part of owning a business is being the boss. The best part of being a mom is being the boss (yeah right) (laugh) I like being the boss! Have I mentioned that I’m a little bit of a control freak! I hope in a nice way. You’ll have to ask the staff and my family.
Q: What advice would you give to women who are thinking of starting their own businesses?
A: If you really have your heart set on starting a business, jump in with both feet. Give it all you have and do it the best way you can everyday!
Q: What role does your husband play? And how important is that to your success?
A: If you are lucky enough to have a supportive husband – that is huge! Taking care of the house and kids was always my job And I thought I did it really well and NO ONE could do it better. Guess what? Not true. He helps with everything and dare I say, does a few things better! He is there every step of the way. He’s great. Not to say that if you are a single mom you can’t run a business. It’s just nice to be able to lean on someone else when you need to. And he’s really good at math!
Interview by Sarah
