Michele Davis opens Emerald’s first independent bookstore

After making her mark in the online world in past months, a self-described bookworm has taken a brave new step to expand her business and make history in her community.

Michele Davis, owner and manager of Highlands Books Emerald, and her family. Image taken from the Highlands Books Facebook page.

After running her own online shop for months, a brave businesswoman has taken a leap of faith to make history and open Emerald’s first independent bookstore.

Michele Davis began operating Highlands Books online in October, shipping orders all over the place from Emerald.

Now the self-proclaimed chief bookworm has realised a dream she’s had for the past decade and opened her bricks and mortar store.

Ms Davis said although the thought of expanding into a physical store was daunting, she was excited to see her hard work pay off.

“The feedback from customers in the shop has been amazing, and all the late nights and hard work have been worth it,” Ms Davis said.

“My husband has been the absolute Energiser bunny getting everything done and my rock throughout the whole process.

“I’ve also had some amazing friends and new friends from the community volunteer and help throughout the process. I’ve been absolutely blown away by the support.

Opening what is to her knowledge the first independent bookstore in Emerald has had a positive impact on the community, offering customers a chance to sit and read and local authors to be placed in the spotlight.

For customers who’ve purchased books or other products from the online store it’s a chance for them to actually touch the books in person, there’s a couch customers to sit and read, it will be placing a spotlight on local authors.

Ms Davis said opening a business in a tight-knit community like Emerald was an experience that couldn’t be replicated in metropolitan cities.

“I feel it’s important to acknowledge that life happens outside the big cities, and (it’s a) really diverse, beautiful life,” she said.

“It’s important to be responsive to the local community that you serve so that the shop evolves with the community.”

Ms Davis said she would never tell her customers what the needed to read, but she saw her role as guiding the reader to find the best literary journey for them.

“I will happily recommend books, if asked, but will also empower people to enjoy their own curiosity and see where it takes them.

“You only get that kind of engagement in the smaller, local, bookstore.”

Highlands Books is located at Shop 3, 10 Ruby Street, Emerald.