Today we’d like to introduce you to Josephine Thomas.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Sunny South Dallas. I’ve always had a love for reading, which I got from my mom. I wasn’t very athletic growing up, so I naturally gravitated toward the arts, especially choir and reading. I loved collecting books, but there wasn’t a bookstore in South Dallas, so we would have to travel to Mesquite whenever I wanted to buy books to keep.
As I’ve gotten older, my love for books has only grown. I love sharing what I’m reading and helping people discover their next read. Initially, I wanted to create an online bookstore, but I realized it would not give me the sense of community I was looking for. A pop up bookstore felt like the perfect fit. I like to say it is “bringing the books to the people,” meeting readers where they already feel comfortable and connected.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The communities have truly welcomed me with open arms, but I imagine starting a business is not easy for anyone. When I first started, some events were a huge hit, while others had little to no turnout. I would say the toughest part has been learning my audience, understanding what events work in certain areas, and handling marketing, design, and setup all as a one woman show.
I am still learning every day, but it does get a little easier with time and experience. I feel like I am finally finding my footing and understanding what works best for both my business and the communities I serve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Venture 44 Pop Up Bookshop?
I feel like my pop up bookshop is super unique because we bring the fun to where you are. Want a drink after work? You might find one of our pop ups at your local bar. Love community events? You can find us at local farmers markets and festivals throughout DFW. We also have a pocket shop inside The Local Exchange where we host our Sip and Swaps and other community centered events.
What I am most proud of is the community we are building. We are helping bring excitement and joy back into reading while creating spaces where people can connect, have conversations, and meet new friends through books. In today’s economy, I think it is important to create affordable experiences that still feel meaningful and fun.
We also offer custom book bars for special events, which allows people to create unique experiences for birthdays, corporate events, community gatherings, and more. I want readers to know that Venture 44 is more than just a bookstore. It is a community focused experience that makes reading feel accessible, social, and exciting.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being social and truly connected to my audience is one of the most important qualities to my success. It allows me to understand what types of events, spaces, and experiences people are naturally drawn to. I pay attention to conversations, feedback, and the energy of different communities so I can tailor what I offer in a way that feels intentional and relevant.
I also love that being social goes beyond events, it shows up in the small moments too. When I listen to someone talk about what they enjoy or what they are looking for in a book, I am able to offer personalized recommendations that feel thoughtful and intentional. That connection helps me not just sell books, but truly match people with reads that feel like “the one” for them.
At the core, my success comes from building relationships, staying engaged with my community, and making every interaction feel personal and meaningful.
Pricing:
- Books typically range depending on title and format, with most falling within an affordable price point. My goal is to keep experiences accessible while still creating meaningful, curated book moments for the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.venture44books.com
- Instagram: @venture44books
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Venture44Books
