How old was Melissa when she fell in love with books? Why did she start this business? What will you find in her store?
If you’re having problems finding the perfect book-related item to buy for yourself or the book lover in your life, browse through the items in Literary Book Gifts, Melissa Chan’s online store. Chances are, you will find just what you’re looking for. At the end of this interview, you will find a code for 20% off your purchase.
Wind in the Willows shirt, Literary Book Gifts
How old were you when you fell in love with books? What is your favorite book? Do you maybe have more than one favorite?
I was very young when I fell in love with books, especially the classics. I was reading Jack London books and Wind in the Willows when I was young while most of my peers were reading more contemporary books. My favorite book changes from time to time, but at the moment my favorites are The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Moviegoer by Walker Percy.
Peter Pan tank top, Literary Book Gifts
How do you feel is the perfect way to enjoy a book? Popcorn is popular to enjoy while at the movies. What snack and beverage do you feel would be the perfect complement to reading?
Many years ago I started listening exclusively to audiobooks. Sometime around the Harry Potter years, I believe, since the series had some great narrators to choose from. I really enjoy some good beef jerky while reading or listening as it lasts quite a while and gives you a good chance to get through a few chapters before the snack is over.
Why did you start this business? How excited were you on opening day?
I started this business because for a few reasons. One was that I am never able to find good clothing that I like to wear. And whenever I found something I liked, it was always poor quality or not cotton. I also believe it is important to express oneself to others. Clothing is one of the most natural ways to do just that. These designs give an outlet for myself and others to do just this.
On opening day, I wasn’t very excited because unfortunately, there were no visitors to the site. Maybe I will be excited during its one year anniversary!
Edgar Allan Poe hoodie, Literary Book Gifts
Your website is very user-friendly. Are you the one who created it?
I am not very technology oriented so I elected to use a pre-made website by the great people over at Shopify.
What sort of things do you offer right now? Do you ever plan on expanding what is available in your store?
Right now I offer shirts, tank tops, and hoodies for men and women. I also offer tote bags in 3 sizes. The medium size is what one might think a standard tote bag size is. While the small is something of a purse, and the large is very big, maybe something you would take to the beach with an extra change of clothes.
The Hound of the Baskervilles shirt, Literary Book Gifts
I do hope to offer cups and bookmarks one day but not in the foreseeable future. I love the idea of mugs, but I fear the mail service wouldn’t provide safe transport for them. I would hate for them to arrive broken at the buyer’s house. So, first, I will have to figure out how to safely send them.
Which is your most popular item so far?
The women’s shirts are definitely the most popular type of shirt. Design wise, the Jane Austen related items are the most popular.
Frankenstein tote bag, Literary Book Gifts
How does having an online store compare to having a physical store? Do you ever plan on opening a physical store? Where are your dreams for your business?
I’d love to open a physical store! But I do believe anything of that nature will be a long way off. I honestly have no idea where the store would be, but it would have to be in an area with a high concentration of book lovers. Right now, I’m not sure where that might be.
Are you the one who creates the designs for the t-shirts and tote bags? What is the inspiration for them? How long does it take to finish each one?
Yes, I do all the design work myself. It really varies by design. Sometimes there is an amazing book cover such as the Hound of the Baskervilles and all I need to do is spend a few days making it ready for printing. T-shirts and tote bags may look just like pictures on the internet but they certainly do not print the same, unless one wants the ink as one massive sheet on the shirt, which, of course, nobody wants.
Dracula shirt, Literary Book Gifts
Other designs are made from many of hours treasure hunting, so to speak, through old pictures. Sometimes this results in a design, sometimes I find nothing and move onto a new design. Then the images need to be heavily processed, sometimes titles and authors added, and finally made ready for printing.
Which ones are your favorites? Why? Which designs are most popular with your customers?
Unfortunately, my favorites are not the most popular ones with the customers. Often they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. One of my favorites is the Ulysses design. The composition is so awesome; it surprised me that I was the one who had made it! The customers love the Jane Austen writing desk and the Pride and Prejudice one. I think it is great to have both options. Some prefer a dark print on a lighter shirt in the case of P&P or a light print on a dark shirt for the writing desk.
Literary Book Gifts
Do your customers ever suggest ideas for designs to you?
Yes, I’ve received a few suggestions but I haven’t been open for very long. I haven’t been able to act on any suggestions yet because I am quite busy and design work takes a while. But I’d love to have some way to collect everyone’s suggestions in the future!
Promo Code:
The promo code LISASWRITOPIA20 is good for 20% off anything in the store. No minimum purchase is required. Even better, this code has no expiration date and there is no limit on how many times it can be used. Enjoy browsing through the items in Literary Book Gifts!
Store Link: Literary Book Gifts
