It started with women whining and wine-ing.

I was a member of The Zonta Club of Olean, part of Zonta International. The club is committed to building a better world for women and girls and is dedicated to community action and involvement.

At one of our monthly meetings, we were discussing what was missing from our downtown. So much revitalization was happening and we wanted it to continue. Selfishly, we wanted it to meet our needs. Someone mentioned a wine bar (YES!). I mentioned a bookstore. That got everyone’s attention and then the conversation became, “Where are you going to put it?” “Will you sell used books?” “When can you open?”

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I didn't say I wanted to open a bookstore, I just noted that there was a need for a bookstore.

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​At each meeting we hold a 50/50 raffle. I participate and never win. A couple of glasses of wine into the meeting and I announced that if I won that 50/50, it would be my initial investment in the bookstore.

I won.