We recently connected with Ellen Cappard and have shared our conversation below.

Ellen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Tell us the story of a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big, life changing risk or a small risk. Either way, paint the picture for us, tell us the backstory and all the relevant details so we can fully understand the context and circumstances around when and why you took the risk and tell us how it turned out

Living your dream is often portrayed as a big risk, scary and unstable. For me taking a big risk was the right adrenaline infused catalyst for living out my dream of owning a bookstore. The truth is opening a business is not an easy feat, especially opening a bookstore during the tail end of a pandemic’s lockdown. I silenced my fears with plans, steady action steps forward, and a growing desire to foster community around great stories.

Before opening the store I was teaching by day, writing on scraps of free time I’d get. As a parent of a disabled child those moments were few and far between to really create magic. I was drained and exhausted. Then came the shut down response to COVID. At first it was all scary because we didn’t know what was happening and what was coming next. Everything was shutting down. I was instructing from home over zoom and my daughter was home receiving instruction. The uncertainty of what came next fostered this creative buzz and new rhythm to each day. If I woke up early enough I could write and paint before zooming instruction for the day. I’d teach, then my daughter had her class and therapy, then we’d head outside for a much needed dose of sunshine and fresh air.

The end of 2020 marked the unexpected end of teaching in the classroom. I was not able to return to the classroom in order to support my daughter who was still at home. Luckily for me I recently completed an entrepreneur business planning workshop with a local program called the Launcher. They walked you through your basic business launching tools and helped you put your plan to paper as a guide for action. I had a business coach that saw my eagerness to serve my community. At this time there were only big box stores selling books in my area. I saw a need for a community bookstore, one that was a special place to go and connect with like minded people.

Without any funding I took a leap of faith and invested in myself. After tons of research, bargain hunting and a chance opportunity to rent a small corner space I committed to starting my dream a lot sooner. It was happening, but I still filled out applications “just in case”, I seriously did not know when I’d be open or if I could actually sustain. All I could do is try, so I continued to work with community partners until it was opening day. For me there never was an assured day or feeling that I was ready. I just had to rip the band-aid off and dive into it.

Opening day was surreal. So many people can through and to show love to my little dream. I promise I could breath down crying every sale I wrung up. I meant every thank you and met more people I could remember. From opening the fear moved from when would I open to will I make it to 1 year? Each month it was my focus to foster a love of reading and build community with like minded organizations and small business owners. It’s an organic network of support that keeps me going, anchoring my work with purpose.

I’m grateful that not only did I make it a year, I’m now a full time entrepreneur. I split my time with personal projects and running the store and have the flexibility to support my daughter. This was a dream come true for me, to live each day authentically. Now I can focus my time on my talents and interests. Taking a risk and following my dream was such a life changing experience for me. It has brought me balance, peace, community and deeper love in my practice of motherhood. I do not feel I have to choose between taking care of my child and working. I bring my daughter with me most days. She gets to see me live out my dream.

Ellen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Ellen Cappard, I am the owner of Books & Bagels community bookstore in the heart of Wilmington, DE. At Books & Bagels you will find local brands highlighted as featured vendors. It’s a source of pride to curate a unique selection of books and It’s our mission at Books & Bagel to provide a safe space for all patrons to explore and feel welcome.

I am also an author illustrator creating diverse stories. I have a background in graphic design, painting, photography as well as experience with teaching and mentoring children and young adults. The stories I create will share a sense of wonder and imagination for children that normally do not see themselves in the forefront as protagonist exploring the world. Representation is important for all children, especially children of minority communities. It is my goal to share stories that connect with the joys, wonders, excitement and imagination of our children from the lens of their experience. It is imperative for minorities to have pride in their culture and their stories and seeing themselves as a part of the world they live in.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I have a personal love of books. I pull on this and really listen to what the customer is telling me they want to read. From that I elaborate and curate the books in the space. I try to keep a pulse on what the customers love to read, I engage a lot on social media as well as making connections in the neighborhood. At the store we highlight a lot of local brands and share resources for small businesses to thrive.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I had to pivot in the pandemic. Being an entrepreneur was not the original plan, but the timing was right. My daughter needed my full support and I was let go from my job before the shut down. I took this opportunity to fully focus on building my business plan out. I was able to really smooth out all details and take the next step forward. Had I stayed employed I would have never taken the risk of opening the store. I now have the freedom to support Sophia as she needs me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.booksandbagelsllc.com/
• Instagram: @booksandbagels.llc

Image Credits
Shakira Hunt (headshot) Olive and Grace Photography (Store shots)