Meet Shannon Konyndyk | Bookstore Owner and Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Konyndyk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It really was my husband that pushed me to look into leasing options for a bookstore. I have always wanted to own a bookstore since I was very small, and never thought it would really happen. One day in April I was contemplating life and my, then, current job and wistfully wishing I could open a shop and that is when my husband encouraged me to look into this business idea seriously. I knew that as much as I loved books I would need more than just books to bring people into the shop and that is how we came up with the four-pronged approach: used books, local authors and artisans, coffee bar, and events.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have worked since I was 15. I have had a variety of jobs to included: night manager at a prestigious hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. I was a network administrator for a law firm during Y2K. I joined the Alaska National Guard (AANG) to work on airplanes because the local mechanics’ shops would not take on a female apprentice. After five years in the AANG, I was medically discharged and moved to Michigan to begin my Master’s work in Psychology. There I was able to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and complete most of my Master’s work while helping run a local organic co-op. In 2009 we made the move to Colorado and I left my degree program and became a stay-at-home parent. This was probably the most fun and challenging career I have ever had. As my kids aged, I was able to volunteer at the library at West Jefferson Elementary and eventually work there for a few years. It was at the end of this tenure, in 2022, that I made the decision to open a bookshop. Not only that but a used bookshop that would cater to providing books, coffee, local art and books, and much-needed events in Conifer. The switch from full-time parent to full-time work has been a rough transition. Luckily I have an amazing partner that is supportive and wants nothing more than for my business and our family to succeed. I could not have even attempted this venture without the unwavering support of my husband.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hypothetically, I would try to take them to a show at Red Rocks, go to the Garden of the Gods, hike Maxwell Falls, and go camping near Leadville. We would spend as much time as we could taking in the sights of this beautiful state and spend much of the time visiting the various landmarks. I am not a food person, but I would make sure to take them to Rocky Mountain Wraps for lunch, Kate and her team do an amazing job and I love their wraps. Also, I would bring them into the local shops and stores in the mountains. Luna’s Mandala has been incredibly supportive, as well as Keith and Patty at Aspen Vape. I would do my best to show how wonderful and supportive this community truly is to each other.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Truly it has been my friends, family, and the community that have supported me the most. I have been floored by the outpouring of support from the local community. Folks in our area want and need the services and space we offer. From a place to come and work to hosting a class or event. A coffee bar where you can get your drink and pick up a book and just read for a bit. As well as a place for local artists and authors to display their work. We believe that this community will keep us going! We are excited to see what else we can offer the community in the future.

Website: www.sojournbookstore.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sojournbookstore/?next=%2F

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sojournbooks

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sojournbooks

Image Credits
Photographer: Sarah Marie Photographer: Shannon Konyndyk