We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sabrina Moreno. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sabrina below.

Hi Sabrina , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

As a passionate reader, I’ve always dreamed of being part of a community of fellow book lovers—people who share similar interests and enjoy exchanging recommendations. It took me some time to take the leap, but eventually, I started my own blog and book club, which gradually evolved into an online bookstore.

Initially, I tried connecting with other readers on social media and joined a few local library book clubs. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts and a lack of deeper connections made it difficult to fully engage. Meanwhile, I continued to share my reading list on my personal Instagram account. Over time, I noticed friends, family, and colleagues regularly asking for my thoughts on the books I posted—something that confirmed I was on the right path.

The idea to create a separate social media account that catered to specific audience was the start of my fruitful venture.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always found it challenging to express emotions or navigate intense emotional conversations. But whenever someone came to me with personal struggles, I often found myself recommending a book that offered comfort or perspective. It wasn’t that I didn’t care—I just express it differently. I realized that books were my way of offering support and connection.
When I officially launched my book club, I focused on keeping the conversations lively and relatable, often using memes, discussing writing styles, and diving deep into plot developments. We meet virtually at the end of each month—on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.—allowing everyone to join in from the comfort of home, even in their pajamas.

Our community reads widely and diversely—from smutty romance and gripping thrillers to thought-provoking books on social issues and self-help. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of receiving advance reader copies, hosting Q&As with authors, and offering readers a chance to connect more deeply by submitting their own questions or sharing recommendations in our suggestion feed.

I strive to keep the online bookstore personal and reader-focused. My ultimate goal is to keep the joy of reading alive. As Doug Wilhelm once said, “A library is a house of hope. It’s a place where we all, whatever our situation, can feed our ideas and develop our dreams.” I like to think of my bookstore in the same way—a house of hope for readers everywhere.
Inspired by that quote, I officially launched my online bookstore on April 22, 2025. I love connecting people with books, and I’m incredibly grateful for the relationships I’ve built along the way—each one has shaped me into the business owner I am today.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The year 2020—a year none of us will ever forget due to the global pandemic—was also the year I graduated with a Marketing degree from California State University. I was depressed since I missed the opportunity to graduate on stage due to the shutdown. That milestone felt deeply personal and shared, as my son was part of every step of the journey. I was pregnant when I first enrolled, but severe morning sickness caused me to have a setback. I held on, reapplying multiple times despite repeated denials. When I couldn’t find childcare, my son came with me to group meetings and study sessions. We often worked together in our own little corner of the library.

As the world shut down, I found myself grappling with uncertainty, heartbreak, and fear of what lay ahead. It was during that time that a book that was gifted to me, Unapologetically Ambitious by Shellye Archambeau, given to me on my 30th birthday, became the most meaningful gift I received. Those words were a lifeline. They reminded me that even amidst chaos, I had the strength to rise, rebuild, and reimagine my life.

As a single mother in her 30s, I questioned whether it was too late to take risks, to dream big, and to start over. I battled imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear—but the book helped me see those challenges as stepping stones. It became my roadmap.

Today, I’ve been able to apply those lessons in tangible ways—building connections, networking, and most proudly, opening a bookstore of my own. It’s still a work in progress, but it’s mine, and it represents everything I’ve overcome.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Dive in! This is your unique creation—your personal expression of art and freedom. Don’t fear the journey; embrace it. Life itself is one big learning curve, and we’re all figuring it out as we go. There’s no perfect way to live it, so get your hands dirty and explore it on your own terms.

Stay open to constructive feedback, but don’t let harsh criticism weigh you down. Remember, some people project their bad days online—don’t take it personally. Their words only have power if you give them meaning. Keep creating, keep learning, and stay true to your path.

Follow people who share the same interest, interact with other business owners, and attend functions that will help you achieve your goals. There is so much accessible online use it to your advantage. Also, your time is valuable. Seek what aligns to you and your goals, small strives sets the foundation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bookedgrungyprincess.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/booked_grungyprincess/
• Other: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/190185902-moreno-sabrina