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

Hi Ana, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m Mexican-American and I learned English through reading. For most of my life, I’ve known all the big words and pronounced them incorrectly. My gateway, the book that started the lifelong love of reading, was The Lord of the Rings. I found it in my aunt’s library and every time we came for a visit, I’d pick up where I left off. Books became an escape, comfort, excitement, adventure, knowledge, everything and anything a kid in an unfamiliar world could want. I got my first bookstore job at Borders in Hollywood when I was in my 20s and never looked back. About a year ago, I was managing a bookstore when the owners asked if I was interested in buying the store. I didn’t want to take over that space but it was the first time it occurred to me that I could do the thing, that I could own my own bookstore, and here we are. It took a lot of work and hope and luck but we made it happen. I think that 12 year-old Ana would be just as in love with it as I am.

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?
The bookstore serves as a gathering place. We host book clubs, weddings, volunteers, events, and show work by local artists, People of all ages come in and hang out. I’m really proud of the community that’s formed around us. Plus we have a tree and that’s fun.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite breakfast spot is Millie’s in Pasadena, followed by a visit to Octavia’s Bookshelf just around the corner. Nikki High, the owner there, was so generous and helpful when I was starting my own business. She’s also a personal hero – the way she helped the community in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire is so inspiring.
The Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge is one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon. Wandering around the grounds, touching grass, lunch at the cafe, it’s just perfect.
One Cup Studio, here in Sierra Madre, is another great spot. Yao, the artist, and Shino, his puppy, are the best neighbors and his ceramics are sublime.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Tim, has been the most supportive person in the world. When I told him I wanted to build a tree inside my store, he didn’t even blink. He just started trying to help me figure out how to get it done. I’ve always had a lot of big ideas and he’s never made me feel silly or small.

Website: https://www.fablesandfanciesbooks.com

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Fables & Fancies

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