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Beyond Words Books and Things

You can be part of this unique, independent Bookstore and Artisan Outlet! Help us get into action!

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Beyond Words Books and Things

Beyond Words Books and Things

Beyond Words Books and Things

Beyond Words Books and Things

Beyond Words Books and Things

You can be part of this unique, independent Bookstore and Artisan Outlet! Help us get into action!

You can be part of this unique, independent Bookstore and Artisan Outlet! Help us get into action!

You can be part of this unique, independent Bookstore and Artisan Outlet! Help us get into action!

You can be part of this unique, independent Bookstore and Artisan Outlet! Help us get into action!

Jan Schalk
Jan Schalk
Jan Schalk
Jan Schalk
1 Campaign |
Colorado Springs, United States
$1,602 USD 17 backers
4% of $40,000 Fixed Goal Fixed Goal
Choose your Perk

Just to be nice!

$2 USD
0 claimed

A Bookmark Thank You

$5 USD
Est. Shipping
June 2015
1 out of 1000 of claimed

A "Charming" Beaded Bookmark

$12 USD
Est. Shipping
July 2015
2 claimed

A Beyond Words Book Bag

$17 USD
Est. Shipping
July 2015
2 claimed

A Scenic Photo of Pikes Peak

$25 USD
Est. Shipping
June 2015
0 claimed

Store Discount Coupon

$30 USD
Est. Shipping
June 2015
0 claimed

Special Edition Book

$40 USD
Est. Shipping
June 2015
0 out of 1 of claimed

Your Creations at Beyond Words

$100 USD
Est. Shipping
August 2015
1 out of 30 of claimed

Invitation to A Special Event

$100 USD
Est. Shipping
June 2015
0 out of 100 of claimed

Berry Farm Studios Art Classes

$150 USD
0 out of 2 of claimed

Personalized Signed Book

$175 USD
Est. Shipping
June 2015
0 out of 1 of claimed

Personalized Signed Book

$175 USD
Est. Shipping
June 2015
0 out of 1 of claimed

A Spotlight for Your Creations

$250 USD
0 out of 52 of claimed

What's the Story?

I’m so excited about creating a new, totally independent place for people to explore books and artisans' creations in the scenic Pikes Peak Region of Colorado!

Beyond Words Books and Things will carry inspirational books that create good spirits and support strong family values, also specializing in out of print, or off market books.  E-books are great, but there’s a place in most people’s hearts for real books – books that are familiar and beloved.  In today’s world of rough language and tough topics, Beyond Words’ books will be uplifting and energizing! 

Beyond Words Books and Things will also be a place where people can sell their arts and crafts in a family-friendly, faith oriented store.  It will be a bookstore, but just as much, it will be an artisans’ outlet.  I always wanted a place to sell my own creations – jewelry, woodwork, and handmade cards – but finding a supportive, year-round outlet is virtually impossible. Beyond Words Books and Things will be that kind of place! 

For shoppers interested in superior quality art and merchandise as well as faith and family friendly materials, I will carry a myriad of Christian resources  such as books, artwork, gifts, home decor, and clothing. I'm also thrilled to welcome Colorado Wildlife Artist, Ray Shaw, and Laurie and Scott Longberry of Berry Farms Studios in this endeavor.  And this is only a beginning!

What we need:

 It's a startup, so we need almost everything:

  • A space!  I have located several retail spaces for lease and need at least 3 months rent. Your help will determine which location we get in the busy spots or in the quiet spots.  We want busy!
  • Computerized point of sale and security equipment - installed.
  • Shelving and furniture, lighting and cabinets
  • Signs and miscellaneous supplies

And what you get:

Fun Perks!
Bookmarks

                                                                                                         


               

    


Sermons And Writings Of President Ezra Taft Benson - 2003 Gift Edition

The Book Bag

The Photo of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods

But Wait, There's More!

Check out other Great Perks in the list!  

Art Classes, Books and Open House Spotlights all about you!

  • There's something for everyone, even the smallest donations get a piece  of the action.  For $2 you have my grateful heart, and if you come into the store, you can have a hug and a kiss (chocolate, of course).  For higher donations, there are several Perks and Rewards to choose from! 
  • If you're an author, an artist or a crafter, I'm sure there's a place for you in my store! Check out my different levels of Rewards for your support! 
  • Come share the fun! Every week, we will have special events, from weekly children’s storytime with free cookies, to writer’s workshops, crafting demonstrations, book club members’ meetings - complete with yummy baked treats. We will regularly feature time to meet local artists, aspiring authors, and will share new ideas for family-fun! 

The Store Displays and Spotlighting Events

 I truly want Beyond Words to be a place for everyone to shine!  Check out the Perks that can benefit all of us!  I only ask that your works will be in keeping with the uplifting, family oriented theme of Beyond Words Books and Things. 


The Impact

Why this is a great project for everyone!

    Beyond Words Books and Things will work because there is a void in the Pikes Peak Region for personalized outlets like the one I want to build.  There are plenty of big name bookstores, but which offer no place for local artisans.  There are consignment stores, flea markets, and annual crafters shows, but those feature random collections of items that don’t meet the needs of a faith-based clientele who want specific materials. 

    I have researched the numbers and spoken with dozens of people who miss the similar store that closed years ago in our city when its owner retired.  It was a regular destination for many folks who relied on him to keep up with the religious books and articles wanted.  I was one of his regulars!  I have studied his very successful model, and know I can build on that model to open new doors for many people. Beyond Words Books and Things will support artisans and authors to make creating all the more rewarding!

What are the Challenges?

I'm so sure that this is a viable project that I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things happen.  I've done all the preliminary set up that I can do without money.  And now it's down to the money!  But I realize that there are no sure things in business, so I've chosen an all or nothing campaign to start my bookstore - crafters' outlet.  I don't think it's fair to take generous help from anyone if I can't deliver the goods!  
My main challenge is that there are other bookstores in town.  None have the focus I have to share faith-oriented materials and merchandise in a family friendly setting. 
"The next challenge is online ordering and e-books.  There's a great void in Colorado Springs for the materials that I will focus on.  I know that there is no store within 50 miles that offers materials specifically for the more than 16,000 members of my own Church here.  They want a local outlet for the things they love! 
Why I'm so sure this will fly!
There truly will be no other store like Beyond Words Books and Things.
For decades I have held leadership positions in my religious organization and know the Christian culture of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region intimately.  I am comfortably familiar with several religious organizations. 

I have successfully managed many special events including formal and charity dinners, wedding receptions, community service projects, and youth activities.  I know how to work effectively!  It's fun!

I am also a crafter who has been involved for years with different crafts fairs and one of the largest crafters' guilds in the area. I know the ins and outs of consignment and marketing handmade creations.  I have sold jewelry, macramé (I'm dating myself here) and woodwork creations from children's furniture and quilt stands to candle sticks and curios.
As a widow, I know how to beat the odds and make good things happen even when challenges come!  With this in mind, I want to make this a success story not only to become an independent businesswoman, but also to help others with their creative dreams!
Other Ways You Can Help

If money isn't what you can give

  • Will you please share my project with your friends and contacts?
  • Will you please ask them to share my project, too?

And that's all there is to it. 

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