Growing up, libraries and bookstores were my refuge—a safe place amid the chaos of life where I could lose myself in stories, find inspiration, and feel a sense of belonging. Those spaces didn’t just shelter me; they shaped my identity and set me on a path I knew I was destined to follow.

Working at a library and later at a bookstore confirmed what I’d always felt: I wanted to be surrounded by books and share that love with others. For years, I dreamed of creating a space where books and creativity could thrive—a haven for the community like the ones that had been there for me.

In early 2024, I decided it was time to ante up. In the game of life, you either bet on what you’ve got, or you don’t—and I bet everything I had. With funds scraped together from a yard sale and Mariah Carey’s “Make It Happen” as my personal anthem, I found a small plaza that felt like a sign. After months of hard work—painting, building shelves, and with the unwavering support of friends and family—Ante Books opened its doors on June 3, 2024.

The name “Ante” reflects that choice: to bet on myself and my dream, even when the odds felt uncertain. This shop is more than a bookstore; it’s a love letter to the places and people who helped me along the way and a reminder that every story starts with a leap of faith.

The journey was a long time in the making, but the best chapters are still ahead.

The rest is still unwritten…