Meet Kristina Muffoletto

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristina Muffoletto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kristina, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I went through a particularly challenging period over the last couple of years, which gave me a unique opportunity to start fresh in my career. For the first time, I had complete autonomy to decide my next steps, and I knew I wanted to pursue something that truly brought me joy. Books have always been my outlet—I’ve loved reading them, discussing them, and sharing recommendations. I often daydreamed about having my own little bookstore, and I thought, If not now, then when?

So, I decided to take a leap and see if I could make it a reality. Along the way, a series of serendipitous moments led to the creation of Afterglow Books. The moment I opened the doors, it felt right—I knew I had found my purpose. Being able to connect with customers through a shared love of literature, offer a safe and welcoming space, and be a friendly face in their day is incredibly fulfilling. The positive feedback I receive from customers every day reaffirms that this is where I’m meant to be.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My business, Afterglow Books, is a non-profit bookstore located in Buffalo, New York. What makes Afterglow truly unique is that it’s the first and only bookstore in the area dedicated to the romance and fantasy genres. Our mission is twofold: to promote literacy within the community and to advocate for mental health.

We bring this mission to life through various initiatives, including community book clubs, creative crafting events, and collaborations with local organizations. One of our most popular programs is a seasonal reading challenge, which gives participants the chance to earn a personal pan pizza—just like the beloved reading programs of our childhood!

What really sets Afterglow apart is its whimsical and romantic brand identity, which celebrates the magic of fairy tales and embraces unapologetic femininity. It’s more than just a bookstore—it’s a safe, welcoming space where people can connect, explore their love of literature, and feel a sense of belonging.

On the horizon, we’re focused on expanding our reach and impact. We just recently hosted a holiday book drive to benefit the GLYS Youth Center and The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation, ensuring more young readers have access to books. There’s always something exciting happening at Afterglow, and I’m thrilled to keep growing this community of book lovers.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey were passion, creativity, and authenticity.

Passion was the driving force behind everything I did. I was determined to create something meaningful and successful because I believed so deeply in what I was building. That belief kept me motivated through long hours and challenges. My advice for anyone starting out is to make sure you’re pursuing something you genuinely care about. Passion fuels resilience, and it’s what will keep you going when things get tough.

Creativity was also essential, especially since I didn’t have a formal business background. Instead of seeing that as a limitation, I saw it as an opportunity to think outside the box. I approached Afterglow Books as a creative outlet, using my imagination to design a brand, content, and products that stood out. For those just beginning their journey, I’d encourage tapping into all areas of your life for inspiration. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but finding ways to bring your unique perspective to the table can set you apart.

Lastly, authenticity was key. I realized early on that being my true self was far more powerful than pretending to have it all figured out. By staying genuine, I not only eased my own feelings of imposter syndrome but also built stronger connections with my customers. They appreciated the honesty and transparency, and it helped foster trust and community. For those starting out, remember that authenticity resonates. People connect with people, not perfection.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to meet an incredible group of women entrepreneurs who have profoundly impacted my growth and success. These women have been a constant source of support, inspiration, and guidance. I’ve had the privilege of picking their brains for ideas, forming valuable partnerships, collaborating on projects, and sharing in the mutual exchange of encouragement.

There’s a quote that resonates deeply with me: “When you get to where you’re going, turn around and help the woman behind you.” This sentiment perfectly captures the spirit of the network I’ve been part of. These women embody the idea of lifting each other up, and being part of this community has reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and collective success. It’s a reminder that none of us have to go it alone and that together, we can accomplish so much more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://afterglowbooksco.com
• Instagram: @afterglow_books

Image Credits

HolliAnn Schrantz