Who better to profile on world book day than someone who owns a book shop?!
As part of International Women’s Day on Saturday, we are profiling inspiring local mothers working to change the world where they are. You can follow along with the series via the blog on our website
Welcome to Jenny from Bear Bookshop: a welcoming, engaging and children’s bookshop in the heart of Bearwood.
You can find all their community events and buy books online via their website: https://bearbookshop.co.uk/
✨1. Please tell us a little about Bear Bookshop and why you started it
I started Bear Bookshop because I am really passionate about reading being one of the best things children can do for their development! There is so much research available that shows the positive effects reading for pleasure has on academic achievement, well-being, empathy, general knowledge…the benefits really are endless. I also live in the community-literally just 2 minutes walk from the shop.
✨ 2. What was the biggest challenge to making this happen?
My lack of business knowledge! I had no retail experience, let alone business experience and suddenly had to do everything! It’s been the steepest learning curve and the passion for what I do has been the thing that keeps me going. That’s why all the support we have had from our customers and community partners (including new baby network) has been so valuable!
✨3. What tip do you have for moms coming out of the newborn stage ?
Well of course it’s read to your children 😂 but do as much as you can with them in general really-walks, puzzles, games, crafts-and take photos of everything, even if it’s just them playing in your messy living room because it really is so true what they say-the days are long but the years are short! This phase will pass by so quickly and you will want evidence of all those memories 5 years from now!
✨4. What is your favourite local service supporting moms other than the one you are involved in?
When my eldest two were little we used Cape Hill children’s centre a lot (but this is a while ago now so their services may have changed) we used to got to an amazing stay and play there, often there would be other agencies or professionals there you could chat to about things like feeding or sleeping, and you used to be able to book out their sensory room for free. My littlest was a baby through covid so there wasn’t so much available for him, so my information may not be up to date!
✨ 5. Give us 1 non-parent fact about yourself
I lived in China for a year after University, teaching English and travelling.
✨ 6. What 1 thing would you most want to be known for by your great granddaughters?
That I was brave enough to follow my dream!
[ID: a photo of Jenny in front of her bookshelves and the Bear Bookshop logo]