We were lucky to catch up with Jamie Grassman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jamie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I believe that true success comes from within. For me, when my back is against the wall is when I thrive the most. I was almost ten years into owning my bookstore when Covid happened. I remember exactly where I was when hearing all stores would be forced to close for an undisclosed period of time. I knew sitting at home was not going to be option for me. I would not allow an uncertain time to rob me of the business I worked so hard to build. At this point I only had Facebook as a means to reach customers. I did not have a website or any other social media outlets. I started posting on multiple Facebook groups. I wanted to let anyone and everyone know that I was willing to hand deliver books to them. I had plan was to leave orders on a porch or in a mailbox with no contact. With all retail stores closed and Amazon only delivering necessities at that time- I knew I had an edge!
This news starting circulating quickly. I would snap photos of books, email the pictures to interested customers, who would then return my email with their book choices. I packaged them up (with the help of dad) and hand deliver them with cash or check waiting for me in their mailbox. I was willing to do whatever it took to ensure my bookstore would reopen once the mandates were lifted. I began getting flooded with orders. There were days during the six week closure I would deliver 10-15 book orders in a day. All in and around the Pittsburgh area. I believe true success takes hard work, determination and a strong belief in oneself. And often times it’s not equated with money. It’s taking a little idea and turning it into big results!
When my store finally got to reopen, my business boomed. And continues to do so today. I never looked back!

Jamie, 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?

I have owned Beyond Bedtime Books for 15 years this past March. I left Corporate America in 2007 and started my entrepreneurial adventure selling collectible children’s books online all around the world. Finally opening a storefront in 2010. I would describe my bookstore as having an old New York vibe. Others have mentioned the store feeling cozy, warm and welcoming. It’s packed to the ceiling with used books of all kind but in an organized fashion. You will often times hear jazz music playing upon entering. Ipon opening I kept the original buildings tin ceiling and wooden flooring that gives the space an nostalgic feel. I’ve burned the same candle scent over the years in hopes if smelled outside of my store, one would be brought back to Beyond Bedtime Books. As I realize there are many outlets to buy used books, I keep an old school mentality running my store. In 15 years I’ve have never hired anyone and choose to work all the hours myself. I don’t keep a log of inventory online. As I know every book that’s in my store if asked. I consider many of my customers family and never take for granted that a customer chooses to buy their books at my store. I love reading, talking books and giving book recommendations. I’ve built most of my relationships within my store this way. I also love giving back to the communities that has supported me all these years. I host many events including the popular “Booze & Books” the last Friday of each month. From 5-8pm customers can enjoy complimentary wine and chocolate while browsing books after hours. And for each book purchased, their name will go into a raffle for a gift card to a small business I purchase from.
My greatest hope is if you shop at my store, you leave with a great book, a wonderful experience and an itch to return again!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Prior to owning my bookstore I was not using social media much as I mentioned. I only actually realized within the last 5 years how much social media can impact one’s business. I choose to manage all the stores social media myself. From quirky reels to book reviews, I find doing it myself shows the raw, authentic side of who I am and what my business represents.
Like everything else, social media takes a lot of time to build an audience that will consistently follow your journey. If there’s an event or an important message to get out, I think advertising through social media is an excellent tool to use.
My advice to any business owner just starting their social media road would be to stick with it. Don’t get discouraged if you lose followers along the way because those aren’t the customers you would want long term. Slow and steady (as frustrating as it may be at times) wins the race! Build a social media presence that authentically reflects you and your business. I promise the customer loyalty will soon follow!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think curating the best possible inventory has helped build my reputation. From first editions and cool vintage sci-fi softcovers to leather bound rarities and current popular fiction titles, my store has something for everyone. I often times will seek outside the Pittsburgh region to find special editions you just can’t find anywhere else. My customers have come to rely on my book expertise. I am confident when they stop in, they will leave with a book they were on the hunt for or a hidden gem they didn’t expect to find!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @beyondbedtimebooks
• Facebook: Beyond Bedtime Books
• Other: [email protected]