A Northwest alum is hoping for community support in starting a bookstore and coffee shop in the Maryville area.
Bailey Harms is a Northwest graduate who spent her time as an independent author while traveling across the country. Later in 2022, she returned to Maryville to finish her degree and go to grad school. While working as a writing tutor on campus, she couldn't help but wish for a bookstore here in Maryville. That's when she decided to open one herself. Harms says other business owners have already shown support.
Harms says, "I did a bunch of market research this spring when I got the idea and I started posting polls and local Facebook groups. Via one of my surveys, the owner to the space that I'm probably going to be moving into reached out to me. She was really inspired by my idea and said she'd like to do it herself if she didn't already run a hair salon."
Harms says the book café will be a cozy community space with a coffee menu sourced by Midwest roasters, as well as herbal teas and lemonades. The bookstore will feature used and new books in a variety of genres while also being a meeting place for community groups. The Plot Twist Café will also partner with local crafts and baking vendors to feature their artisanal goods. Harms says word of mouth is crucial in getting this business started.
"I have a Kickstarter live right now until August 24th. Checking that out would be super helpful, if you can't donate, spread the word about it. Word-of-mouth is how these things happen. Other ways to support is following the Plot Twist Café socials. That's where I am posting all of the updates.", says Harms.
Harms' Kickstarter page is at kickstarter.com/projects/bailswrites/plot-twist-cafe.