Ink & Ivy Book Boutique opened on February 1 in Madison, Wis., the Wisconsin State Journal reported.
Located in a 950-square-foot space at 2134 Regent St., Ink & Ivy carries general-interest titles for all ages, with an emphasis on inclusivity. The store's front room displays most of the book inventory, while the back room contains children's books and space for events. Alongside books, owners and mother-daughter team Shannon and Eden Anderson sell artwork, baby clothing, locally made jewelry, and an assortment of other nonbook items.
Their event offerings include art shows, author readings, and weekly storytime sessions on Saturday mornings. They also host four book clubs, each with a different focus: adult fiction, romance, cooking, and postpartum.
So far, cookbooks have proven very popular, and banned and challenged titles make up roughly 40% of the book inventory. Eden Anderson told the Wisconsin State Journal, "I was really intentional with all of the titles I chose. I wanted it to feel very inclusive. I wanted someone to come in and find something they're looking for."
The idea to open Ink & Ivy came about last summer, after Shannon Anderson's recovery from surgeries related to a seven-year struggle with breast and thyroid cancer. Initially, Anderson considered finding another job in HR, but felt she needed a change. Her daughter, who previously worked in a hospital trauma center, also wanted to pursue something else.
"Our perspectives have changed quite a bit about what's important," Shannon Anderson remarked. "We're really excited because we get to hang out with nice people. When someone comes in to look for a book or look for a gift, it's usually a joyous occasion. And it's an honor to be a part of that."
Once they decided on opening a bookstore, they figured it would take at least a year to get one up and running. In August, however, Eden Anderson found an ideal space and they signed a lease in September. They spent the next several months doing renovation and design work as well as planning their opening inventory. Eden Anderson also learned some bookselling skills from Rye Kimmett, owner of Kismet Books in Verona, Wis.
"Independent bookstores don't feel like they're competing against each other," Anderson said. "They're on the same team. And they're all great people who make [the local book scene] better."