Today we’d like to introduce you to Finley Walker.
Hi Finley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My wife and I had discussed starting our own business for years, and specifically, we were passionate about books and the written word. So, in the summer of 2019 we learned about an incredible opportunity to take over an existing business: Book Bazaar. Established in 1979, Book Bazaar is Lakeland’s oldest independent bookstore and a staple of the community. The previous owners were looking to retire and hoping to find someone to take over the business–that’s where my wife and I come in! After months of research, discussions, and negotiating, we signed the papers on January 2, 2020 (before anyone here had even heard of Covid). The past year and a half has been difficult to say the least, trying to start a business in the middle of a pandemic and all, but it has also been full of blessings and growth. We rebranded the business to be more modern and expanded our selections. The business now goes by the name Inklings Book Shoppe which is a homage to the University of Oxford literary group founded by some of our favorite authors: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Obviously, being forced to shut down for 4-6 weeks as a new business is rough. We spent over a hundred hours applying for the different funds, grants, and programs, but we had very little to show for it. We were ineligible for most programs because we didn’t have two years of tax returns. But we survived! And we are well on our way to thriving!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Inklings Book Shoppe exists to connect people with the stories that they love. We believe it is a high calling and moral responsibility to be good stewards of the Storyteller. We are, in essence, a broker between customers and good stories. Since the invention of the printing press nearly 600 years ago, the written word has been the cultural epicenter of humanity and still maintains a dominant presence in both private and public society even in the midst of the digital revolution. Humans need to feel connected, and physical books help bridge the imaginations of author and reader in a special, meaningful way. Inklings Book Shoppe, LLC (Inklings) is a retail used bookstore located in beautiful Lakeland, Florida. Inklings primarily sells books, comics/graphic novels, CDs, DVDs, and Vinyl Records. We have around 200,000 books in stock. Most inventory is gently used and priced at a competitive market value. We sell all genres (except items considered overly explicit or inappropriate) to all ages and diverse backgrounds. We especially exist for multi-generational families so that the wisdom, knowledge, and joys of the past can be passed down.
At Inklings, we believe in community, creativity, and providing a safe space for all to wander. People visit our store to find mediums of education, enrichment, and entertainment. We are from, of, and for all the wanderers. Because “Not all who wander are lost…” (JRR Tolkien)
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Haha, I don’t have favorites, but it probably had something to do with ice cream. Or turtles. Maybe both. Turtles and ice cream, but not turtle ice cream.
Pricing:
- Most (80%) items are $1-8
- New books $9-15
- Antiques/collectibles range from $5-300
- Average price is $4
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inklingsbookshoppe.com
- Instagram: @inklingsbookshoppe
- Facebook: @inklingsbookshoppe
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/xmZq_Des8Oo
Image Credits
Lee Anne Roquemore Jessica Porter Finley Walker Samantha Odom Ross Craven
