Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Koehler.
Valerie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This bookstore has been here since 1973 when the intersection was a 4 way stop and homes were springing up in the neighborhood. When Musabelle Naut decided to retire in October 1996, Greg and I bought the shop. We renamed it Blue Willow Bookshop.
Our shop has grown over the years to be both a neighborhood shop and a partner to many organizations in Houston. We travel far and wide to celebrate reading.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Retail is never smooth. We’ve weathered big box stores and the mighty Amazon. We’ve had economic downturns in the community and most recently terrible road construction.
Please tell us about Blue Willow Bookshop.
We are a full-service bookshop. We carry lots of fiction, children’s books, games, puzzles and stationery. We are known as the “birthday party store” for all the gifts we wrap and as a place for exciting author visits.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I don’t know that I would do anything different except to make more time for myself.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14532 Memorial Drive, Katy, TX
- Website: www.bluewillowbookshop.com
- Phone: 281-497-8675
- Email: girlboss@bluewillowbookshop.com
- Instagram: bluewillowbooks
- Facebook: facebook.com/bluewillowbooks
- Twitter: @bluewillowbooks
Image Credit:
Twocats Content Group
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
