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

Hi Sam, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started BookHouse because I wanted to make friends with other book lovers! I was working in an event venue, and my boss and manager of the space, Michelle Carmack, gifted me a section of the venue to set up a pop up version of my shop to get it launched. Because of that opportunity and the community around books, I was able to build my business and audience! My mission and goal is to bring book lovers together and get more people excited about reading. So far, I’ve been able to witness that happen, so I’m grateful for the people that have supported me in starting this venture and those continuing to support me as I transition to new styles of selling and hosting book events.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
BookHouse, right now, is a small thrifted bookshop through online shopping and local pop ups on Oahu. We also regularly host bookish events for the community. The thing that I care about most, and I think sets BookHouse apart, is that I just want to connect and spend time with other book lovers. As an experienced event planner, that’s where the bookish events come into play. Starting the business wasn’t easy, as a general love of books isn’t enough knowledge or experience to start something from scratch. But with the help of my mentor and a supportive community, BookHouse was able to get launched and reach an audience way faster than I imagined. I learned that by asking for help and saying out loud what you need, the people in your life will show up for you and the universe will guide you toward the answers. I wish for everyone to know that BookHouse is in support of all bookstores and bookish communities, and our mission is to connect the community in a greater way — through in person events and online conversation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends visit, I would spend the entire day on the North Shore with them. First we’d eat breakfast at Farm to Barn and grab our coffee from the coffee truck, Balanced Brew. Then we’d drive over to Keikis or Log Cabins to lay out on the beach, and probably read. We’d walk the shoreline awhile, then go to Banzai Bowls for an acai bowl for lunch. Then we’d go find another beach to cruise at and swim. Then we’d go to Surf N Salsa food truck for dinner, the best burritos on the island in my opinion. Then head home to shower and get in some rest to do it all over again the next day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Above anyone else, Michelle Carmack, owner of Savon and Oak + Pine Society, is the reason BookHouse exists today. She gave me a portion of her event space to launch my business and help me grow. Her encouragement, mentorship, and generosity in gifting me the space to host my bookshop was what made it possible to start it all off.

Website: bookhousehawaii.com

Instagram: @bookhousehi

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