Hopes and Dreams (plus realistic goals) for 2025
Last year January was only our second month as a brick and mortar in Virginia. If someone told me back then that in exactly a year I’d be living in Austin and having not one but TWO business locations, I would’ve thought they were crazy. If they told me I would be thinking about opening another one… well, I just wouldn’t have believed anything they were saying.
But it turns out it is possible and most certainly happening. True, we don’t have a “real” brick and mortar anymore, but this year I realized that I prefer it that way. I love having our little book truck (unless it’s raining or goes under 40 degrees). I love the structure that Painted Tree Boutiques offers. And this year I’m hoping to open another Painted Tree location and possibly… maybe… probably not… another book truck. Well, let’s survive the winter season first and then we will see!
My favorite part of having a mobile bookstore is the flexibility. If you know anything about me, you know that to survive, I must travel. I absolutely cannot imagine my life without traveling. I know that compared to others I travel quite extensively. I take probably about ten trips a year. And while at the beginning of owning a bookstore, I thought I was okay with minimizing my travels so I could run a business, I quickly realized I wanted to do the exact opposite. I want to travel more. And when you lose your husband at the age of 26, you don’t wait around for perfect timing - you make the time before it runs out.
So yes, this year I want more mobile locations that can support my travels. I’m having so much fun with this concept. And I feel like I’m finally getting somewhere with my writing. I’m making actual money! It feels amazing - the validation from all around that my writing matters. The writing goal for this year is to publish another memoir, and possibly start a completely new project I’ve never tried before (or maybe two if I have the time… who am I kidding, I have no time!).
If you’re reading this unofficial newsletter, you’ll be the first to know that after a lot of thinking (or more like one impulsive moment) I decided to leave the US for over a month and volunteer in Bolivia. In May 2025, I’ll be helping Onca Wildlife Rescue with their incredibly important work in wildlife conservation. That will be followed by two weeks of hiking in Alaska (also a wildlife conservation trip with SOSA). I honestly am not sure what it means for the store, but it is something that feels right deep down in my soul. I need to do it. This is why I’m so happy we have Painted Tree Boutiques where we can just provide the inventory and not worry about store management.
It is truly amazing what we have achieved so far. Two store locations, writers group, Drew’s Friday Markets, supporting local vendors and authors, another successful book launch, and more. I could try to predict what next January will look like but knowing me, by then we might be as well located in Mexico. Who knows? And personally, I feel like that’s what makes Drew’s Bookstore special. It’s not about one place or one bookstore… it’s our community!
Current store locations and events:
East Austin Book Truck
2505 Webberville Rd
Austin, TX
Winter Hours 9 - 2 PM
Painted Tree Boutiques
Booth F1
2701A Parker Dr Suite 400
Round Rock, TX
Every day 10-8 PM
Writers Group
Tuesdays at Cherrywood Coffeehouse
6:30-8:30 PM
Join our group chat for weekly updates
Drew’s Friday Market
Fridays at our East Austin location
Support local vendors!
9 AM - 2 PM
