Meet Amanda. A lifelong reader and storyteller, now founder of Read and Found Books, an online bookstore she launched in June 2024, specializing in books by authors of color. As a Rowan County resident living in Kannapolis, Amanda’s journey to entrepreneurship has been shaped by passion, persistence, and a commitment to representation.
“I’ve always been a reader, but I don’t always see myself in the books I read,” Amanda shared. “I think it’s important to see ourselves in the media we consume. It makes the experience more tangible and allows you to relate to others with experiences I’ve never thought about before.”
Though Amanda initially envisioned opening a physical bookstore someday, maybe even after retirement, she decided to reevaluate her timeline when she turned 30.
“I thought, why am I waiting to do what I want to do with my life?” she recalls.
Rather than waiting for the perfect conditions, Amanda decided to begin the journey by selling used books online and setting the foundation for her larger vision.
Launching a business while working full-time in marketing required determination and resourcefulness. “There was a lot of Googling and asking my dad for advice since he’s a small business owner,” Amanda explained. But it was the support she found through the Rowan-Cabarrus Small Business Center (SBC) that became a game-changer.
Amanda began attending the SBC’s online webinars, including one on how to start a small business in Rowan County. “That opened the door to learn more about their services,” she says. A one-on-one session with an online marketing expert, Chrissy Santos, led to encouragement to apply for the Retail Lab, a boot camp for early and idea-stage retail business owners made possible by a partnership between the SBC, Flywheel Foundation and the Cabarrus Center, funded by Wells Fargo.
The Retail Lab provided Amanda with essential tools, mentorship, and a grant opportunity to grow her business. “I was so excited until five minutes before pitching for the grant,” she admitted with a laugh. “The pitch scrub offered beforehand helped me redo the whole thing, and that made all the difference.” Winning the grant has allowed Amanda to cover vendor fees, enabling her to sign up for future local events and connect directly with potential customers.
Initially planning to rely solely on her online presence, Amanda soon realized the importance of community engagement. “There’s so much competition online. To stand out, I need to meet buyers in person,” she explained.
Through the Retail Lab, Amanda honed her sales skills and gained the confidence to pitch her business. Amanda credits the Retail Lab for not only helping her refine her marketing strategies but also introducing her to a network of fellow entrepreneurs.
“The connections I made were invaluable. We all follow each other on social media and have become friends,” she says. One connection even led to her adding books from a local author to her store’s inventory.
For Amanda, this year is all about building relationships and expanding her collection of works by local authors. “Representation is my mission,” she says. “I want to help authors of color get their books into the hands of readers and create a space where everyone feels seen.”
Reflecting on her experience, Amanda emphasized the value of the SBC’s resources. “The webinars and the Retail Lab are invaluable for small business owners,” she says. “Why wouldn’t you take advantage of something like that in your own community?”
Amanda’s story is a testament to the power of taking the leap, seeking resources, and planting yourself within a supportive community.
To connect with Amanda and discover what Read and Found Books has to offer visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Threads @readandfoundbooks and Facebook here.
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