Meet Sherrele Goloversic | Bookstore Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sherrele Goloversic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherrele, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was quite a journey, and my initial thoughts were somewhat disconnected. However, one thing was crystal clear from the beginning: my passion for opening a bookstore that specialized in romance and romantic suspense books written by authors of color. I envisioned carving out a unique niche in the industry and aimed to achieve this goal by the time I retired from my corporate America job.

Despite my determination, I faced numerous hurdles and encountered several false starts along the way. It wasn’t until I reached out to S.C.O.R.E. Houston and began working with a mentor that my vision started to take shape. My mentor played a pivotal role in helping me gather and organize my thoughts, transforming my vague ideas into a well-structured plan on paper.

With a solid plan in hand, it became a matter of executing each step with precision and dedication. It was a journey filled with challenges, but I knew I was on the right path to realizing my dream of owning a successful bookstore. Thanks to the guidance and support I received, I was able to turn my disconnected thoughts into a cohesive plan of action, ultimately leading to the establishment of my own thriving business.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m currently straddling two worlds: still a member of the corporate America sector and proudly serving as the owner of The Book Readers Venue, an independent bookstore. My journey to entrepreneurship has been driven by an unwavering commitment to hard work and determination, traits that I’ve carried over from my corporate experience. The lessons I’ve learned in the corporate world have proven invaluable, and I’ve applied them wherever applicable in my entrepreneurial endeavors.

One of my most significant obstacles on this path to entrepreneurship was myself. I would second guess every decision, but once I managed to get out of my own way, my dream of opening the bookstore started to become a reality. Yet, this journey had its share of challenges. Securing affordable property was a major hurdle because I was adamant about having a physical brick-and-mortar store. Once that was achieved, my focus shifted to the task of spreading the word about the store and our events.

On a personal level, one of my ongoing challenges is achieving a work-life balance. It’s been quite a task to carve out downtime and moments to simply breathe, given the demands of running the bookstore.

The Book Readers Venue is more than just a bookstore; it’s a testament to resilience and a symbol of inclusion. As a black-woman, veteran-owned independent bookstore, our niche is firmly planted in romance and romantic suspense independently published books, with a strong emphasis on works by authors of color. We’re proud to provide a platform where underrepresented voices shine, and all our events revolve around celebrating their work. Many of the books on our shelves can’t be found in big box stores. Our goal is to offer a personalized touch to the book-buying experience, inspiring lifelong readers to explore new horizons or enticing newcomers to fall in love with the world of books.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend were visiting, our itinerary in Humble, Texas would be packed with fun and enriching experiences.

On the first day, we would kick things off with a visit to Old Boomtown, and our first stop would be at my pride and joy, The Book Readers Venue. I’d love to show my friend the beautiful literary works of art on display and immerse her in the world of romance novels written by authors of color.

Next door, we’d venture into K Alexandria Boutique, where we could pick out something cute to wear, adding a touch of local fashion to our trip.

After a day of shopping, we’d head to the Boomtown Cigar Bar and Lounge to relax with a cocktail and wind down, enjoying the cozy ambiance.

Day two would start at The Sunrise House, where we’d indulge in a delicious brunch and capture some fun photos amidst the vibrant vibes.

We’d be sure to set aside time for a visit to the Buffalo Soldier Museum, understanding the crucial history it preserves and the lessons it imparts.

For the rest of the week, we’d continue to explore the rich culture of Houston and if time permits and if there happened to be a professional sports event scheduled, we’d seize the opportunity to catch an Astros game at Minute Maid Park, a Texans game at NRG Stadium, or a Rockets game at the Toyota Center, soaking up the local sports excitement.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge and give credit to my wonderful support system, starting with my family and my long-time best friends. While the bookstore may have been my vision, their unwavering support has been instrumental in bringing it to life, especially my mom, who has been a pillar of strength.

Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to all the authors who generously shared their stories about their literary journeys, along with the joys and challenges they’ve encountered. Their stories have not only been a source of inspiration but also the driving force behind my decision to open The Book Readers Venue. It’s a privilege to provide a platform for these voices and stories to be heard and appreciated.

Website: www.thebookreadersvenue.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Thebookreadersvenue

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBookReadersVenue