We recently connected with Kate Snyder and have shared our conversation below.
Kate , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I stumbled into my purpose in the midst of COVID-19. I was working for an organization that I liked, with a career I enjoyed, but then came the shutdown. Working from home for a year gives you a lot of time to consider your priorities. I felt very keenly all the things that our community had lost, in terms of social connection. And I wanted to be part of the ‘solution’ of bringing back those community cornerstones that helped us all feel connected to each other.
So…I opened a bookstore!
Through an entrepreneur program, I conducted a ton of interviews with folks in the community to find out what they valued, what they wanted from the community, what they felt was missing. And I heard over and over again from parents and grandparents that they valued reading. That it was a big part of their lives. And that we didn’t have a good source for books here in town, beyond a (great!) library. So I decided to step into that space – and that became my purpose.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Plaid Elephant Books is a children’s bookstore. But its more than that. It’s a dream brought lovingly to life. It’s a place for wonder and delight and discovery.
As I was dreaming Plaid Elephant Books into existence, three words inspired me.
DELIGHT – There is something wonderful about discovering a new book with a child. If we are lucky, our children will read throughout their lives because they love it. Because every new book is an adventure, filled with new friends and incredible discoveries. We have curated a selection of top-quality titles – from board books to young adult – that will delight readers of all ages and stages.
PLAY – Plaid Elephant Books isn’t just about books. We also stock toys, games, puzzles, and art supplies. Children learn through play. They have instinctively creative minds and wonderfully imaginative hearts. As supportive adults, our job is to nurture that inherent spark.
CONNECTION – Children thrive on connection. Not just with their family, friends, and classmates – but with places, too. We carry memories of treasured places with us into adulthood and those connections shape us in powerful ways. From our location in historic downtown Danville, to the whimsical wall art, to the kid-friendly furnishings, Plaid Elephant Books is designed for children to love.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Communication Skills are definitely top of the list in terms of what helped me launch the bookstore successfully. My background was already in communication – specifically fundraising and marketing for nonprofits. Being able to translate those skills over to telling people about the store was essential. It’s not about mastering any particular platform – social media, newsletters, etc – it’s about being able to tell your story with an authentic and compelling voice.
Networking is another key element. I had very little bookselling experience before I opened the store. And I had never owned a business! So I connected myself to people who had “been there, done that” and learned from them. Some of that happened locally, but a lot happened online thanks to Facebook groups and other opportunities to network with bookstore folks around the country.
Flexibility is maybe my third quality that helps. I’m willing to try new things and adapt when I learn from those attempts.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I make a list!! Lists are the best. It helps you to focus your mind in the midst of the whirlwind. It allows you to break down bigger problems into small action items and then prioritize those. When I make a list, i can ask myself – “what is ONE THING I can do today that will move my business forward” – and then do that one thing. Even if it’s a small thing. Then I check that item off the list and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.plaidelephantbooks.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/plaidelephantbooksky
- Facebook: facebook.com/plaidelephantbooks
- Other: tiktok.com/@plaidelephantbooks
Image Credits
Kat’s Eye Photography Scout’s Honor Photography
