Help a Latina-owned Bookstore (through big changes)

Hi there / Buenas, I'm Heather. I've owned and operated Third House Books, an independent margins-focused bookstore in Gainesville (Florida), solo for almost seven years now. For the first 1.5 years, I had the pleasure of running it with my dear friend Kiren.

Gainesville has a long history of loving locally owned. My 13 years here have very much been shaped by Gainesville’s indie bookstores, record stores, bars, live venues, and restaurants. I can’t imagine who I’d be if I didn’t walk into Hear Again Records or Wild Iris Books when I freshly arrived here at 17. But even a small town is not immune to the ravages of the country's fluctuating economy. As prices rise for me as a business, prices also rise for me (as they do for you) personally. It's getting harder to make ends meet.

And so, while I love the bookstore life, after eight years of bookselling, it is time for a new chapter. I'm converting Third House Books to pop-ups and events, and saying goodbye to the brick and mortar the first week of May. But, please don't cry for me, Gainesville. It's not a sad thing - I'm ready for something different and I can't lie - it's something I have to do for my health, too. I'm stoked for the stability of a regular paycheck and a job that is, well, just a job, that I can leave at the door when I come home. This means that while running the store would no longer be my full-time gig, I will be back at markets in the fall to sling books and see your faces; I'd announce these in advance of course. I'm not going away entirely, don't worry!

But here's the hard facts: most small businesses have outstanding loans they pay over time. I have a few, and I'm asking for your help in covering these, which will also help me pay off debt after not being able to pay myself regularly for 8 years. (To clarify, this isn't for lack of funds or success, last year was the best year we ever had at the shop -- thank you!! -- it's just no longer sustainable for me). Your support over the years, and all the friendships I've made in the process, are the gift I get to keep from this. I could not have asked for a more loving community and running this store has made me part of something much larger than what I imagined. Gainesville is home, and I look forward to what's next. I couldn't have done this for years without all of you. (I'm awful at asking for help and hate doing stuff like this, so thank you for reading this far.)

I know my friends are as broke as me so please don't obligated to donate. In fact, I’d probably be a little upset if you donated and you’re not a landlord. But! Even just sharing this goes a long way. Perhaps a millionaire will feel inclined to be generous, who knows!

I couldn’t say thank you enough, Gainesville. I love you lots.

Con mucho, mucho amor / Abrazotes,

h