Curated Selection of Kids Books

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Anne Uebbing, owner of Kinder Books, located in New Westminster, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Kinder Books is an independent bookstore with a focus on children's books. Kinder Books facilitates learning and growth, building on children's natural curiosity to develop their sense of self through a joyful and fun exploration of books. I am the founder and owner; I connect with the community and support education by offering children's literature that explores nuanced ideas on various topics.

This is not a standard collection of cookie-cutter titles, it is a highly curated selection of unique stories, and I have personally read every one of them at least once. This commitment to curation is why I am much more than a book merchant. I'm a literacy consultant.

Our customers come from many walks of life: kids, of course, and their families, grandparents, teachers, and everyone who likes to disappear in children's books.

Tell us about yourself

Kinder Books was founded in 2011. I was born and raised in Germany, where even little towns have a book store. When I moved to North America in 1999, I missed the little book store feeling where you could sit down and read for hours. I only found the big, sterile-looking stores, and their people with a passion for books were a rare find. When I found them, and I did, they were indeed real book lovers, and I got to learn from them about North American Children's Literature.

I believe that we need to give children the freedom and opportunity to think and feel for themselves. We need books that include everyone on the planet and books that make us aware of the beautiful place we live in.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I started this business with a small amount of birthday money I got from my father many years ago. I have worked hard to build the trust of my audience, all by myself. Last year I fulfilled my biggest dream to open a brick-and-mortar store in one of my favorite communities: New Westminster.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

To not be discouraged by slow days, the competition of Amazon, and people who don't understand the concept of a small and independent business.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

This is one of my husband's sayings when I doubt myself: "You do you, and then you will be fine."
Always look at the big picture (one bad week doesn't equal a bad year).
Remain focused.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kinderbooks.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinderbooks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinderbooks2/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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