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Local bookstore shares story for national mom-and-pop shop day

March 29 marks the national holiday for recognizing mom-and-pop shop contributions in communities, and Read Stick Reads, a Baton Rouge bookstore, has been noticed for its qualities that set them March 29 marks the national holiday for mom-and-pop shop contributions in communities. Read Stick Reads, a Baton Rouge bookstore, was recently recognized for its unique qualities that set them apart from corporate competitors. Co-owners James and Tere Hyfield realized they wanted a better work-life balance four years ago and decided to make sure each book in their store was chosen with peace of mind. Small business shoppers in Baton Rouge recognize the impact of the store and are encouraged to follow their dreams.

Local bookstore shares story for national mom-and-pop shop day

Published : 12 months ago by Maddie Pistorius | @maddiepistorius in

March 29 marks the national holiday for recognizing mom-and-pop shop contributions in communities, and Read Stick Reads, a Baton Rouge bookstore, has been noticed for its qualities that set them apart from corporate competitors.

Co-owners and married couple James and Tere Hyfield realized four years ago they wanted a better work-life balance, and after working a job where he was unhappy, Hyfield said he needed to be his own boss.

"The quality of life was starting to suffer," Hyfield said. "He was not as happy as he used to be. That lack of happiness and that lack of peace of mind is what started the conversation about the bookstore."

The two initially felt their small selection of books would be a great weakness in competition with large, corporate companies, but they quickly realized it is their greatest strength.

"The response that we started to get was that people appreciated that we had curated, that we had made a small selection, that it wasn't so overwhelming when they walked in," she said.

The co-owners make sure each book in their store is chosen with peace of mind. Making customers feel understood and recognized is a priority.

"It became very important that when people walked in here, representation mattered. You wanted to see yourself in that book," she said. "It's not exactly typically what you are going to find, and that is sort of what we pride ourselves on."

Variety is provided to customers through thoughtful and intentional choices. James, Tere, an employee or a customer has personally read or recommended each book in their shop.

Still, creating a community was their biggest goal.

"When they're not at home this is where they feel just as comfortable," she said. "You want a place that you are invested in and that you feel is invested back in you."

Small business shoppers in Baton Rouge recognize the impact of the store.

"We need more places like this here," Ash Engemann said. "There's not enough places like this."

Engemann understands what it takes to start a business from scratch.

"Passion. That's it. Find your voice and find what you're passionate about," Engemeann said.

"Follow your dreams. Even if it seems crazy to somebody else. Do it," she said.

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