Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandi Cararo.
Hi Sandi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’ve always wanted to open a bookstore and the opportunity came in June 2019, and I opened the doors to The Book Dragon Shop on July 5, 2019. The next 9 months were some of the best. I had so much fun learning about my community and the type of books they enjoyed reading. The community welcomed us with open arms and continued to tell us how happy they were to have a bookshop in town. Then the pandemic came to town, and I learned to pivot. We explored different ways to continue to serve our community during this difficult time. We learned how to do online orders, delivered within the community, and hung on through it all. I learned quite a bit during the time we had to close our doors to customers, and that was the hard part. I was not being able to see our customers. We made it through and will celebrate our 4th anniversary this July 2023. I still love coming in every day, especially seeing my customers and taking care of my community.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our biggest struggle was when the pandemic hit in March 2019, just after we had been open for 9 months. That was tough because I wasn’t sure how it would go.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Book Dragon Shop. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
I own a general interest bookstore that carries new books for readers of all ages. We have gifts for every book lover on your list. I recently increased our graphic novels and manga sections due to increased interest. We host book clubs, author events, and children’s events. In 2022, Virginia Living Magazine selected us as the Best of the Best for Shenandoah Valley. I am proud of our work with the community and the local schools. We partner with other non-profits, such as the Charlottesville Ronald McDonald House.
Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
Right at this moment, it’s when I walk in the house and am greeted by the 8 of the sweetest little puppies and their Mom, Belle. They are so happy when I get home, and the cuddles are great after a long day. I am thankful that my bookstore is here, and I get to do a job I love. It is hard work, but it’s worth it every day. It is so satisfying when a young reader finds just the right book to read or when I find a book that a customer is looking for. I love when the weather is nice, and I sit on my back porch with a book and relax, read, and enjoy the day. Being my boss is great, but it is hard work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebookdragonshop.com
- Instagram: @thebookdragonshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebookdragonshop/
- Linkedin: linktr.ee/thebookdragonshop
- Twitter: @thebookdragons1
