Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Cannon.
Hi Tessa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started The Wandering Shelf because I believe books are one of the most impactful resources to evoke positive change in the world on an individual level. I studied policy for my masters and worked for 8 years in humanitarian aid, yet I was drawn to work locally, to inspire my community to read, explore new ideas, and allow books to change their heart as they did for me. This passion, along with identifying the need for more independent bookstores in Arlington County led me to converting my van (previously a campervan I renovated in 2021) into a mobile bookstore. Retail space is incredibly expensive in my area, and as someone who is still drowning in education debt, I knew I could only use what I had to open the store. It drew me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to connect with my community in ways I had only dreamed of.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were many local business owners who provided guidance along the way which helped make the road feel smoother. Arlington County and The American Bookseller Association also provided great resources that helped with the variety of licenses, permits, and accounts needed. The main barrier as a mobile business in Arlington is the weather! Books and humidity are not the best of friends, and with the unpredictable changes in weather, it can feel like a guessing games some morning when I assess if I can open the store.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Wandering Shelf is an Arlington, VA based mobile bookstore with a curation of cozy, fantastical, and impactful reads. We seek to spark conversation and inspire change in our community through our selection of books. We are hyper local and in the business of being in community over making money. We do not buy anything from Amazon for the store, we are aggressively inclusive, and are not afraid to advocate for the rights of others.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
So many people!! We are thankful for the teams at Simona Cafe, Rossana, The Brew Shop, Alexandra Schmeling, and Susan Soroko who helped when we were in our planning stages, they encouraged us and mentored us through a variety of business decision. My dear friends and Clarendon Run Club who have poured into the business and become my #1 hype team! And to black women, indigenous women, all minority and queer women for the gift that is your presence and storytelling. You are the reason I am in this business and the world owes you so much.
Pricing:
- New books are always priced as set by the publisher.
- Used adult books are $7 and $1 from each book is donated to a local charity.
- Used adult books are $5 and $1 from each book is donated to a local charity
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Wanderingshelf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewanderingshelf.va
