Today we’d like to introduce you to Andie Ayers.
Hi Andie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
After meeting multiple families who had children with pediatric cancer, I started an organization in the Fredericksburg area called Fairy Godmother Project. During my time building the organization, I was taught so much by the parents the organization served. They shared their highs and lows, the reality of survivorship and the complexities of grief. When I left the organization in 2022, most people assumed it was because the subject matter I was dealing with was so difficult but the reality was I had moved to a role that required more oversight, fundraising and managing people when all I really wanted to do was help families and build community. Two weeks before last day as the Executive Director, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through my experience with cancer, I found so much comfort in what I had learned from families but also frustration with the things people would say that felt trite and rote. After treatment, when I was trying to figure out what might be next for me professionally, I realized putting to use what the FGP families taught me about grief, support and connection would be fulfilling. I decided to start an online store that sold grief cards and books plus items of support and empathy. The online store didn’t have the success i had hoped. I knew I needed to post more and do more socials but I kept thinking I didn’t have the credentials to be considered an authority on grief. Because of that, I decided to look at my business model and see if there was a way to do it a bit differently which led to opening my brick and mortar, Novel.
Novel has allowed me to check all the boxes. I am able to give to nonprofits through our Cause Clubs, have a section with grief books and journals, carry cards and books specific to hard things like cancer, loss, infertility, divorde and empty nesting. All while creating community through book clubs and events.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Trying to start a store online was not easy for me. I struggled with the idea that people would ever lean into my concept and material and want to purchase items for the people they loved going through hard things.
Recently, I had another breast cancer scare that led to re-evaluating many things including my business, my health and my life. This has shifted some things at Novel and likely will continue to as I figure out what my priorities will be moving forward.
We’ve been impressed with Novel, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of the community we have created, the way the space feels to people and our careful curation of books, brands and more. I think we are most known for our LIterary Libations which are events that are focused on books and introduce attendees to businesses in our town. It allows me to focus on books, be creative, build community and support other small businesses. I LOVE doing them! We are doing book retreats (first one sold out in 4 hours and will be held in October). I love bringing people together through books and gifts and helping them find ways to love themselves better, make new friends and create meaningful gifts for those in their lives!
How do you define success?
This is a question my husband and I discuss regularly because from a dollar standpoint, I am not very successful!! He reminds me that I need to look at what my goals were from the start. For novel, my goals are to bring people together around books, raise awareness about nonprofits in the community, support other small businesses and build community. So therefore, I am successful!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.novel-gifts.com
- Instagram: Novelfxbg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557134834816
