CEO visited Ink & Imprint Books and talked with owner Julie Bates about her entrepreneurial journey over the last 18 months. Julie did not initially plan to launch the store as quickly as she did, but opportunities aligned that made opening sooner rather than later the right choice. She had already heavily researched the independent bookstore industry, so she knew what to do. It was just a matter of deciding to go for it... and put in ALL the extra hours to make it happen! (Dr. Bates is also Associate Professor/Director of the School of Writing, Languages, and Cultures at Millikin University.)
She discussed how book retail structure is different from other types of retail, managing inventory, sidelines, point of sale, marketing, creating a business plan, and how the bookstore connects with our community as well as other indie booksellers in the area.
Students enjoyed taking a look around at all. the. books! (Some even posed with one of their favorite titles!)
Thank you for taking time to chat with CEO!
#LandofLincolnCEO #youngentrepreneur #cityoflincolnil #inkandimprintbooks #indiebookstore
