My Eyes Y Corazon boutique is relocating from Visalia, Calif., to 300 N. Irwin St. in downtown Hanford and adding a full service bookstore. The Sentinel reported that the move marks "a new chapter for book lovers in Kings County as downtown Hanford will get its first bookstore in nearly a decade."
"We need a bookstore. We don't have anything like that in the area," said My Corazon owner and author Janie Isidoro, who added that the shop was doing well in Visalia for nearly a year, when the building was sold and she was informed the business would have to change locations. She saw the change in ownership as an opportunity not only to move to Hanford, but to expand.
A resident of Hanford, Isidoro had always wanted to open a dedicated bookstore in the area and when it was time to move her clothing, craft and housewares boutique, she considered the idea of integrating a large inventory of books into the shop.
"I really felt that if I don't plunge headfirst into what I really want to do, I might not get another chance to do it," said Isidoro, who will stock books by independent and local authors, including her own work, as well as bestsellers. She also plans to host book signings, readings and other events.
"My family is very kiddie. We're kids at heart, so I really want to host events for children," she added.
To raise funds for new inventory and other costs associated with moving the business, My Corazon is offering sponsorship packages that run from $1-$500. The shop will open in February and host a grand opening sometime after.