Meet Theresa Decker | Independent Bookshop Owner & Bookseller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Theresa Decker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have had a dream of owning my own retail space for years. My father just retired from his retail work after 51 years. So I was raised in an entrepreneurial home. At first I didn’t follow that dream, I had a few. I began my career in tv and radio reporting and then moved into professional photography. However, I always knew, I’d end up with my own place. I wanted a place to use my skills and creativity and to frankly, see what I could do. I married my passion for reading and book love to create a bookshop.

It wasn’t an overnight process. I took 3 years to explore the idea, research, iron out my concept and design it. Then create a business plan and put the plan in motion.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My bookshop is more than a place for people to buy books. Our mission is to create a space for Book Lovers. We hope that our customers can press pause on their day and daydream, to read the stories of others, and to share their own. This is a place for community, a place to discover new worlds, to grow, to find comfort, excitement, literary friends and real ones too. We are a place for peace, a sweet treat, and conversation.

I want to create a peaceful pause for people to have in their day.

We’ve only been in business for 9 months so far, however, I’ve already witness old and new friendships bond in this place. I’ve seen so much happiness and we have so many events to encourage more good experiences and the sharing of knowledge.

It’s not easy to have an idea and see it take off. However, my idea has been very welcomed. I think people are hungering for old school human interactions like those found in a bookshop. My biggest obstacle is getting the word out there. Letting people know that we want you to make this space yours. Come relax in our cafe, bring a friend, bring a writing group, bring a chess board… I want people to make this their own old fashioned town square.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Book Love is set in the town of Senoia. Which is pretty cool since the town motto is “the perfect setting. For life.” I chose this town because it was where I wanted to spend my every day. I’m drawn to the charm of the old buildings, charming boutiques, and delicious restaurants and breweries. The town feels like a town you’d watch in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Besides the old town charm, the town is also well known for being the Hollywood of the South. 41,000 tourists come to Senoia yearly to see where movies like Sweet Home Alabama, Fried Green Tomatoes were filmed. Senoia is also the town of Woodbury in the TV show “The Walking Dead”. People come from all over to see the locations of all of the famous scenes.

You can easily spend all day. We have a bed and breakfast in town. One could start their day there and then go to the coffee shop or creperie for breakfast. We have so many fantastic lunch options from southern bbq to french, mexican, and american restaurants and breweries. Of course you’d need to stop in our Book Love dessert cafe for tea and desserts! There are also charming boutiques if you’re looking for antiques, clothing, bbq sauces, the best vinegars, and you have to see the fun finds at our neighbor shop Table Talk. You can also unwind at the beautiful spa just down the street! You can take a tour of the movie locations at the Tour Company too! If I were coming for a long weekend, I’d book a tour, book a massage or facial, eat so many yummy things, and shop!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My father, for showing me through example. He had a dream, built it, and ran it successfully for 51 years. My, mother for instilling a love of reading. My husband and kids for supporting me and helping with the physical labour of building out the space. My friend Amy, for calling me a “bibliophile” which was my lightbulb moment. It was in that moment that I knew that my retail dream was supposed to be a bookshop. My friend Nessa, for inspiring me to reach for my potential.

Website: www.booklovethebookshop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booklovethebookshopofsenoia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BOOKLOVEthebookshop