Life's Memories & More is the winner of the 2016 Independent Small Business of the Year Award organized by Independent We Stand, the national small business movement. The announcement was made Wednesday, Dec. 14.
The scrapbook store in Palmer, Massachusetts was chosen by a panel of judges from the top 10 semifinalists for the "Indie" award who were named when voting ended on Sunday, Dec. 11. Owner Tanya Bullock will receive prizes having a combined value of $10,000, including a $5,000 grand prize.
From My Shelf Books & Gifts at 7 East Avenue in Wellsboro is one of this year's top 10 semifinalists. "We made the top 25 in 2013,” said Kevin Coolidge, owner of the bookstore. "In 2015 and 2016 we made it to the top 25 and the top 10 and didn’t win," he said.
"My wife, Kasey and I are so appreciative for all of the people who helped us be in the top 10 by voting online. We might not have won the grand prize, but we didn't open From My Shelf to win prizes but because we love books," said Kevin. He opened the bookstore 10½ years ago in July 2006. Kasey has served as manager since then.
"Our customers have helped us get this far and that's a good feeling," Kevin said. "We are continuing to do what we do best…books, from maintaining a wide variety of genres to matching people to the right books and special ordering."
In October, after Huffman’s Office Products closed, Kevin decided to expand From My Shelf Books into the neighboring 450 square feet of space. “Now we have a little over 1500 square feet. We are using the new space to expand our popular genres, such as Christian literature and Bibles and showcase others, such as Star Wars and zombie fiction.” Also on display for the first time is artwork from Kevin’s children’s series, “The Totally Ninja Raccoons.” Readers can see the artwork and get a customized signature for their books.
Also in October, Kevin & Kasey opened a From My Shelf Books & Gifts booth at Red Rose Antiques at 17 North Main Street in Mansfield. “We wanted to show our more collectible and uncommon books and the Red Rose was a great place for that. We also offer a mixture of used books in good condition and some new books with local and regional interest.”
"It was a lot of work and a big risk for us but we want to bring even more books and gifts to Tioga County," Kevin said.
The Wellsboro store is open every day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The bookstore’s booth in Mansfield is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
For more information about From My Shelf Books & Gifts call 570-724-5793 or 570-662-1224.
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