Hey there, book lovers!
We had the coolest chat with Hayley, the woman behind A House with Books in Old Town Keller, Texas. Pull up a screen and join me for a conversation with Hayley, the proud owner of this gold mine for local bookworms in our area.
Can you tell us how many years you've been running A House with Books?
"We just opened in February 2023."
Why did you choose to open in this location and with this particular business?
"I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child and bookstores have always been my happy place. Opening one of my own has been my dream for a long time. After moving to Keller in 2021 from the Alliance area, I felt strongly that our community needed a local bookstore. It was like the stars aligned, bringing me right here to the heart of Keller."
Could you share the story behind the name of your business?
"In 2016, I started a home design focused Instagram account and later a blog, named A House With Books because my favorite design element is books. That blog later grew into an interior decorating business and brand, which I wanted to continue into the bookshop."
Share an interesting or fun fact about A House with Books with us.
"We have a wonderful, active book club that meets at the shop! Two different groups that read the same book every month, and it’s my favorite part of the shop because we’re building a community within the bookshop and enriching the Keller community."
Is there something about your business that you wish more people knew?
"Customers can order online from us through Bookshop.org. All of the profits directly benefit our shop as long as they choose us as their bookstore on Bookshop’s website. The books are shipped directly to the customer’s home."
Tell us about the place where you grew up…
"I was born in Fort Worth, lived in Keller until I was three, and then grew up on a ranch in Bridgeport, TX."
Can you describe your younger self and the things that influenced who you are today?
"Most of the things I loved or was exposed to as a child have carried over into my adult life. Like I mentioned, I was a huge reader. For as long as I can remember, books have been a magical part of my life. The other main tenants of my businesses (home design and plants/gardening) were things I didn’t necessarily have a passion for as a kid, but my mom was a huge influence on me in that regard."
What were you up to before you became a successful business owner?
"Before starting A House With Books, I was a stay at home mom, aspiring novelist, headhunter for a staffing agency, and a congressional aide on Capitol Hill. Someone once told me booksellers always have interesting career paths."
How do you manage being a mom and a successful business owner? I’m always looking for pointers…
"My husband and family are my support system. Thankfully, our business is a family endeavor, and we all love books and reading, so it fits in perfectly. It’s also a place where they can spend time, so that's a huge help. I’m still learning, but I think the biggest things I’ve learned are to make space for rest, give my schedule to God every day and let certain things go - no one can do it all."
What do you like most about the Keller area?
"The focus on family, getting outdoors, small town feel with city benefits and access, great schools, physical activity, and supporting small businesses."
Can you describe a typical day in your work life? What's it like?
"I’m at the shop most days chatting with customers and recommending books (my favorite part of the job!), restocking/placing orders for new books and gifts, sharing on our Instagram page, and planning our events."
Where's the best spot for a quick and tasty meal near you?
"FnG Eats, Juice Junkies, Cold Wave Creations, JR’s BBQ, and Little Lilly Sushi Too."
Could you share a favorite quote and tell us why it means so much to you?
"A place isn’t a place until it has a bookstore."
- Gabrielle Zevin
So there you have it, a peek into the world of Hayley and A House with Books. If you're in Keller, Texas, or just passing through, don’t miss the chance to visit her shop!
You can drop by at 📍 1101 Bear Creek Parkway Suite 3123, Keller, TX 76248, or connect with Hayley and A House with Books on social media:
A House with Books on Facebook
A House with Books on Instagram
📲 (817) 697-2246
Remember, reading takes you on adventures without ever leaving your chair. So, support local businesses and dive into the world of stories at A House with Books. Happy reading, everyone! Don't forget! We love highlighting businesses in our community! If you know of an awesome local Mom ran business in the North Fort Worth area, nominate them HERE!
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