Today we’d like to introduce you to Zibby Owens
Hi Zibby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started life again in my 40s after getting divorced with four kids. Every other weekend, when I didn’t have the kids, I got back into my lifelong love of reading and writing. I was trying to sell a book of essays but didn’t have “a platform,” so a friend suggested I start a podcast. Which I did! In 2018, I started Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, a 30-minute author interview podcast in which I had intimate conversations with authors. I’ve now interviewed 1,800+ authors! Getting to know all of the authors led me to start many other things, beginning with an author salon series in my living room. Then I started hosting book fairs at home in which I’d sell 50+ books at a time. All of that led to my launching Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA where books are curated by emotion and interest and where there’s an author salon event almost every day! And yes, I did end up selling that book but it look a while. Since launching the podcast, I’ve actually published two anthologies, a children’s book, a memoir and a novel!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been relatively smooth opening the bookstore. I’d say the biggest issues were in getting it launched, assembling the right team, and instituting operationally efficient processes. Now we’re rocking and rolling!
As you know, we’re big fans of Zibby’s Bookshop. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in creating a community around books. We do that at our bookstore, Zibby’s Bookshop on 11th and Montana, and through the reading retreats we host, our book club, classes, writing group, publishing house, and through my podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books. We’re known for creativity, warmth, inclusivity, and great stories. Our tagline: stories are best when shared. If you’re a reader, you’ll get so much out of what we offer, including new friends (if you want) and great book recs. I just released my Summer Reads list which is downloadable on zibbymedia.com. I built this “empire” which the L.A. Times called “the Zibby-verse” from the ground up. It’s based on authenticity and finding the commonalties among us. Nice people, only, please.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the beauty, the food, the ocean, the mountains, and the communities throughout. I least like driving. I’m not the best driver and feel like I lose so much productivity time driving everywhere!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zibbymedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zibbysbookshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebooks.com/zibbyowenszibbyowens
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zibbyowens
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zibbyverse
Image Credits
Innis Casey
