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| Ash L. O'Rourke | |
The Story Emporium & Book Shop, which has a mission that "is simple but powerful: to foster imagination, connection, and lifelong learning through the magic of storytelling," will open in November at 202 U.S. 79 in Hutto, Tex.
Owner Ash L. O'Rourke, a writer, editor, publishing professional, and community builder, told Community Impact: "We'll be focused on highlighting local and independent authors whenever we can [and] we're going to carry artwork from local and independent artists as much as we can."
O'Rourke has launched a $30,000 IFundWomen campaign to raise money for bookshelves and cafe furnishings; furniture, seating, and décor; and equipment and technology. The campaign has raised almost $10,000 so far. Noting that the bookstore's total start-up cost is estimated to be $70,000, the crowdfunder "helps us take the first big leap toward.... We've built a smart, adaptable business model with multiple revenue streams--designed for long-term sustainability, not just survival."