Can you tell us about your journey into publishing and bookselling?
“I have always loved reading. At age 14, I launched a vlog on YouTube and Instagram where I discussed books. I didn’t have a grand ambition for this; I was simply a book nerd who wanted to talk about books they loved. By the time I was 16, I had grown an audience of around 30,000 followers on Instagram and 13,000 on YouTube. This led to paid opportunities to interview bestselling authors and immerse myself in the publishing world. It also confirmed my passion for publishing and the wider book industry.
“I spent four years studying Creative Writing and History at the American University of Paris. A friend who was an alumnus of Edinburgh Napier University recommended the
MSc Publishing programme; I joined ENU in 2022 and graduated in 2023.
“During my masters degree, I worked at the Edinburgh Bookshop in Bruntsfield, located just around the corner from Merchiston campus. It was there that I discovered a love for bookselling and gained the experience that eventually led me to open
Book Lovers Bookshop in 2024.”
What inspired you to open Book Lovers Bookshop?
“I am an avid romance reader. The genre is a billion-pound industry and is popular online, yet it often lacks visibility in physical bookshops, particularly in the UK. However, due to its popularity, I assumed there would still be at least one bookshop in the UK dedicated to romance books. My friend and I researched it, and we were astonished when we discovered nothing existed. I remember thinking, "How can that be?".
“The idea of opening my own bookshop began to take root. Initially, it was part of a ten-year plan, but then my friend signed me up for business classes and that long-term goal quickly became an 18-month plan.
“I faced some scepticism about the idea, with many doubting a specialist romance bookshop could survive, but we've proved them wrong.”
Did you always see yourself as becoming an entrepreneur?
“Not at all. I thought I would become an author because I love writing. I imagined being an anonymous person who wrote books and lived quietly with a cat, not someone speaking at conferences and running a bookshop that has gone viral.
“I am autistic, and I realised early on that a traditional 9-to-5 corporate role probably wasn't for me. I knew I needed to find a creative and meaningful path that aligned with my passions, but becoming a business owner was never the goal. What motivated me was creating a space for a community I cared deeply about. The business side simply became the vehicle that allowed me to make that vision a reality.
“I don’t have a business background so there was a lot of learning on the job. However, I received incredible support from the team at the Edinburgh Bookshop. I told them from day one that I wanted to open my own shop and learn as much as possible. They really took me under their wing.”
What does an average day look like to you?
“I usually arrive early. I find it difficult to turn off my work brain, so if I’m awake, I feel I may as well be at the shop getting something done. When the shop first opened, I ran everything on my own for the first four months. Now we've grown into a team of five.
“Day to day, we welcome customers, help them discover new books, manage online orders, organise stock, and keep on top of administration tasks. We also run a busy in-person and online events programme, hosting four or five events each month, with audiences ranging from 10 to 350 people. These include author talks, book signings, craft workshops and, in October, we will be hosting our first fantasy-themed ceilidh.
“We collaborate with a range of other businesses, so part of my role involves networking, building partnerships and raising awareness of the shop. I also spend time meeting publisher representatives to discuss upcoming releases and keeping an ear to the ground for books and trends readers are excited about.
“I'm incredibly proud of our team and everything we've accomplished together.”
Has the romance book industry changed since you founded Book Lovers Bookshop?
“Romance has historically lacked mainstream visibility and been unfairly stigmatised despite its popularity. Part of my role is creating a space where people can openly talk about romance books and feel welcomed into a community. I can't change perceptions on my own, but I can help start the conversation.
“I love seeing more romance bookshops opening around the country because it means romance authors have more opportunities to connect with readers when they visit the UK. It also creates more dedicated spaces for a community that has deserved recognition for a long time.
“Winning Independent Bookshop of the Year at the 2026 British Book Award was particularly special. That year also marked the introduction of a dedicated romance category.”
What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs or booksellers?
“If you want to open a bookshop, work in a bookshop first. Hands-on experience is invaluable.
“More broadly, be prepared to learn as you go, ask for help when you need it, and accept that you won't have all the answers from day one. Take the time to research the resources available to you and your industry. The Booksellers Association, for example, offers guidance, training and practical resources for anyone looking to open a bookshop in the UK.
“My other piece of advice is to prioritise your wellbeing and build a strong support network around you. Running a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding, and having the right support in place makes all the difference.”
