Today we’d like to introduce you to Alana Cooler.
Alana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Founded in 2023, Bookish Bliss Literary Retreats was born out of a love for books and a desire to share that passion with others.
My passion for reading and lively book discussions inspired me to start @Wellred.bookclub, my own online book club. Over the years, our membership grew as more and more readers joined us for thought-provoking discussions. Eventually, I realized I needed to separate my book club (IRL friends) and the community book club to really curate two monthly unforgettable experiences.
I then combined my two greatest enthusiasms—books and connecting with people—into an immersive retreat business.
Leveraging my experience hosting engaging book clubs and forging relationships in LA’s writing community, I founded Bookish Bliss Literary Retreats. We hold intimate weekend getaways dedicated entirely to bookish fun, welcoming guests to our cozy venue. Every retreat includes special appearances by different authors for a candid talk, Q&A session, and book signing.
Between discussion seminars on the literary themes and our informal social hours spent simply chatting about favorite reads, Bookish Bliss Literary Retreats foster lasting bonds among our community of book lovers. I’m delighted to further grow this passion project that evolved from my own devotion to great stories and the insights gained by exploring them together with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Turning my passion into a part-time business was far from easy. Bookish Bliss Retreats required a substantial personal investment to get off the ground. The biggest expense is the venues and running Paid Ads to reach a broader audience—my business partner and I have spent a lot of time visiting/researching venues to find the perfect rustic location we could use exclusively for our retreat weekends.
We are a two-women show, so juggling all aspects of the business can at times can be daunting.
Profitability is a constant concern, especially given all the costs involved per retreat. However, we love what we are doing and are continuing to evolve and give back to the community too!
At the end of the day, working with your best friend and doing what I love has been such a rewarding adventure.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My time in marketing for ad agencies & event companies has sharpened my entrepreneurial skills that empower me to run an event business.
Developing national campaigns under tight deadlines meant continually honing my creative problem-solving and communication abilities, even under pressure. I gained digital marketing techniques critical for amplifying brand reach. At times, having a modest budget prepared me for wins and losses and how to navigate the world of paid media without breaking the bank. This directly helped me fund and understand what is needed to launch a Literary Retreat company.
Perhaps most crucially, my fast-paced agency roles & working as a producer for events in Los Angeles trained the initiative, resilience, and work ethic required for a successful venture.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I am a holiday LOVER! Growing up, the sparkling lights and festive atmospheres of each holiday season left me mesmerized. I have fond memories of going to see How The Grinch Stole Christmas every year at The Old Globe Theater. I also loved helping my mom decorate gingerbread houses, put up wreaths, and decorate trees to display around our home every holiday season.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bookish-bliss.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellred.bookclub/ & https://www.instagram.com/bookish__bliss/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550341331038
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-cooler-60003978/
- Other: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/bookish-bliss-68982993283
Image Credits
Natalie Olsen Photography Ashton Kay Photography Lily & Hawthorn Photography
