Likely Story, "a vibrant new bookstore located right in the heart of downtown," celebrated its grand opening last month at 309 W. Main St. in Leesburg, Fla., the Daily Commercial reported, adding that owner Petra Nimmons-Smith "has brought a lifelong passion for reading and fantasy fiction to her new bookstore."
"We are a fiction-only bookstore, which may sound limiting, but that couldn't be farther from the truth," she said. "We have hundreds of books that span seven different genres." The bookstore also features a dedicated children's section, as well as book-related merchandise.
Nimmons-Smith wants her shop to be a destination, and is already partnering with local businesses. "Our events will be book-themed always, but in a way that makes the community want to be involved," she said. "Through trivia, release parties, crafting nights, book clubs, we want to attract every type of reader: from the ones who may be a part of that specific fandom all the way to the ones who don't read a lot but love to attend fun events. Who knows... we may even help them get into reading."
She also sees immense potential in Leesburg's downtown district: "The businesses are all so kind and welcoming. When working together, I've seen just how well downtown can do! Leesburg has so much potential. It's outside of [the] Orlando area, which can sometimes make it difficult for people to have activities to do. I am seeing it amongst the businesses and even trying myself to make that change.... Leesburg deserves to have a community full of activities and involvement, and we can't wait to be a part of it."
The Daily Commercial wrote that Nimmons-Smith views her age, 29, "as a strategic advantage rather than a hurdle. Her first career is nursing, and she still works as a case management nurse for Medicaid, helping members find providers and get necessary resources to manage their health."
"I am a young bookstore owner, but I love that that means I have more time to help my store grow and learn along the way," she said. "Owning a business is about adapting, and I believe that my age actually really helps with that!"