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

Hi Josh, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In the very beginning, it was just “how do I make more money, because I’m always broke and I hate it.” Then that morphed into “Oh, I can do X and make money, and the more I hustle the more money I make.” But my business didn’t really take off and become something significant until I asked myself “What do I want to see in my world that isn’t currently there, and how do I create that for myself and others?”

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Los Angeles, for all its creative chaos, can also be a bit of a desert for artistic culture. I’m proud to have created an oasis for book-lovers that has fed not only locals but also travelers from all over the world. In hindsight it feels easy, but it took a lot of time, hustling, and wrangling of resources (including people) that I don’t think I’d have the energy for now! Thank God I did it when younger. I did learn that I have the capacity to build great things, and hope to continue doing so. I just want the world to come and see them, and get what they need from the experiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t get out, unfortunately. I just work and hang out with my wife and kids at home, so I’m the wrong person to answer this question! I envy those who are young and single and able to explore!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my dad! I am who I am only because of his example of a work ethic and his help building out my businesses.

Website: lastbookstorela.com

Instagram: @lastbookstorela

Twitter: @lastbookstorela

Facebook: @lastbookstorela

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-last-bookstore-los-angeles

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.