Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandy Huff. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sandy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve been a stay home Mom for the past 20 years and one day in January of 2021, during covid I had ran out to get a new planner and a birthday present for my daughter and happened to see a For Lease sign in the window of one of our favorite store spaces. My immediate thought was that space would be perfect for a bookstore. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was the perfect backdrop for books and browsing with a cup of coffee. And the space is in the perfect neighborhood with lots of walking traffic from residents as well as visitors coming to check out the neighboring shops and restaurants. 6 months later we opened Virginia Highland Books.
Sandy, 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?
Virginia Highland Books is snuggled in the center of beautiful, historic Virginia Highlands, located on the corner of Virginia and N. Highland Avenues. Virginia Highlands is the perfect oasis of a walkable neighborhood with a friendly, small town feel situated in the heart of the thriving city of Atlanta.
Virginia Highlands has a rich and interesting history as one of the first suburbs in Atlanta. Our store and the neighboring buildings on our block were constructed in 1900, and have housed many shops and businesses prior to becoming the home of VaHi Books in June 2021.
Our two story location features exposed brick and old hardwoods, the perfect home for our collection of fiction, nonfiction & children’s books of all varieties and genres, puzzles, games, journals, and unique gifts. Be sure to check out our unique collection of art by local artists.
Our staff love to share their favorite books and talk about what you’re reading. That shared love of books and attention to customer service is what sets us apart!
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Opening a business after being a stay home mom for 20 years is a definite pivot! I did not have any plans to open a business, was not looking to go back to work, but the vision I saw when I saw the space where our store is now located was so clear I couldn’t shake it or stop thinking about it. I had to decide to jump and make that change. Sometimes opportunity just surprises you and you have to decide to commit fully and completely jump despite the risk.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Originally, I thought we were in a unique situation where our new clients would primarily be walking by the store and the warm, eclectic, colorful, inviting atmosphere and carefully crafted selection of books would be the way to draw people in. But the power of social media has surprised me. People will be checking out and comment on how they saw a post or pic about our store and drove an hour just to come check it out. Don’t underestimate it!
Contact Info:
- Website: vahibooks.com
- Instagram: vahibooks
Image Credits
Virginia Highland District Association