Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Tresp.
Chelsea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Chelsea Tresp, I have worked in books for over 20 years! Having worked at a big chain for 7 years, in publishing in New York City for 5 years, running a subscription box for 7 years, and doing pop-ups and events since 2019! I had a concept store in Downtown Plano in 2023-2024 that was in sublease but when that ended I moved everything to my home while I looked for the right location. My new space became available in early January and with built in bookshelves right on the main street in downtown Plano it was the perfect fit for the next home of Bibliobar. One day we will live up to the name and have a bar but for now I am happy to have a book bar and serve the community with a local bookstore and community space.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are always challenges to opening a retail business, especially a bookstore! A lot of people assume no one reads anymore, or no one reads physical books. That could not be further from the truth! In addition, bookstores now don’t just sell books, I sell e-books and audio books as well, along with a ton of stickers, hats, tote bags, cards, and other bookish things. There are so many ways you can support your local independent bookstore besides just buying books. We also are a community space where people can feel safe visiting which can be hard to find nowadays!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a new independent bookstore in Downtown Plano offering a curated selection of books and bookish items for our customers to discover. We like to have a selection of titles that you probably have not heard of and we want you to discover something new when you come in. That doesn’t mean we don’t have the ability to get you the latest books, thanks to our partnership with Bookshop.org and Libro.FM we can provide our customers with almost any book available in the US! We also do events at our store including live music, book signings, story time, cross stitch classes, writing classes, book clubs and so much more. We are also working to partner with local schools to do author visits, spirit nights, and even in school book fairs! The options for collaboration are endless.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have done a ton of networking in the past and right now I am doing a lot with the Aggie Network, as a graduate of Texas A&M University. In my other life I am also a Realtor and I mentor new agents to help them navigate the career. As the store grows I am hoping to hire people interested in making the book industry their career whether that is in writing, publishing, or bookselling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bibliobartx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bibliobartx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bibliobarTX
Image Credits
Photo 1 and 6- JENNIFER SHERTZER (she/her)
Additional Photos- Chelsea Tresp (she/her)
Ribbon Cutting Photo- Andrei Aldea
