In Business: 'Books & Botanicals' in Brainerd Wants Visitors To Grow | Lakeland News

Duration: 3:13 551 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

Books & Botanicals has officially opened its doors in the Brainerd Lakes area, establishing itself as a unique destination that combines a bookstore with a plant shop based on the philosophy that meaningful discoveries occur when life slows down. Despite being in business for only two weeks, the store has already faced significant demand, nearly selling out of stock due to the overwhelming positive response from the local community. The establishment aims to provide a sanctuary where visitors can take a deep breath and rediscover simple joys that are often overlooked in today's fast-paced world, offering a space to sit, read, and connect with nature. The store is owned by Erica Bordewells, whose lifelong passion for literature began in childhood and was nurtured through two decades of work in education. Although she faced initial discouragement from her husband thirty years ago when she proposed opening a bookstore, she persisted until the time felt right to bring this dream to life. Her collection is curated not just to sell books, but to spark curiosity, inspire conversation, tell meaningful stories, and help people learn something new. Similarly, the plant section focuses on varieties that bring beauty and confidence to gardeners of all skill levels, reflecting Erica's personal love for houseplants even though she admits she is not an expert in their care. At its core, the mission of Books & Botanicals is simple yet profound: to encourage people to read more and grow more, whether that growth is intellectual, emotional, or as a member of the community. Erica believes that reading fosters a deeper understanding of others, allowing people to appreciate one another for who they are without needing to be exactly the same. This focus on connection and community extends to the plant catalog, which she hopes will ultimately benefit the Brainerd Lakes area by bringing more greenery and joy to residents. The store represents a blend of these two passions, creating an environment where intellectual expansion and botanical appreciation go hand in hand. To celebrate this new addition to the town, Books & Botanicals is hosting a grand opening celebration on September 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., inviting everyone to join in the festivities. The segment reporting on this exciting development was brought to viewers by Lakeland News, a non-profit news organization that relies on community support to continue delivering local stories. As the store prepares for its official celebration, it stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring appeal of books and plants in bringing people together.

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Well, there is a new book and plant store in the Brainerd Lakes area built on the belief that the best discoveries often happen when we slow down. Books and Botanicals officially opened its doors on August 8th this month and the community responded so well that the store is nearly out of stock after only 2 weeks. Reporter Miles Walker has the story for this week's in business. >> Books and Botanicals is aiming to be a place where guests can take a deep breath and rediscover simple joys that are often lost in our busy lives. >> When I was just a little girl, I I've always loved books and I've always wanted to have a bookstore, but 30 years ago I asked my husband if we could open a book stop a bookstore and he said, "It's not time yet. Get a real job." So, I did and decades later, it's time now. >> Books and Botanicals owner Erica Bordewells love for literature began at a young age and has stayed with her to this day. Working in education for over two decades. >> It's actually helps support it because I see what children love to read. I know that when I was a child it helped me to kind of escape realities and support me in ways that I needed to be supported as a child. Also, just seeing that we need to have connection. >> Erica's book collection at Books and Botanicals is intended to spark curiosity, inspire conversation, tell meaningful stories, or help people learn something new. >> I was very happy for her cuz I knew that she really liked the idea of having a bookstore and she really missed the idea of a bookstore here in Brainerd. It's kind of a really good add-on cuz you can just come here, sit down, and read books. >> The plant catalog focuses on varieties that bring beauty, joy, and confidence to plant lovers of all experience levels. >> I decided to add houseplants because I love them. I am not a person who is very knowledgeable with house plants. I just love them. >> The mission at Books and Botanicals is simple at its core. To read more and to grow more. For Erica, that means growing intellectually, growing emotionally, growing as a member of the community, and sometimes just growing a really beautiful plant, which she believes the Brainerd Lakes area could ultimately benefit from. >> It's connection and community. When you read, you understand people better. Understanding each other a little bit better, loving each other for who you are. You don't have to all match. You don't all have to be the same. And you learn that through books, I believe, through story. >> Reporting in Brainerd with this week's in business, Miles Walker, Lakeland News. >> And Books & Botanicals will be hosting a celebration for its grand opening. That will take place September 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. >> This in business segment of Lakeland News was brought to you in part by Fix Contracting, specializing in residential and commercial roofing, offering solutions for construction, remodels, and storm damage repair. Lakeland News is a non-profit news organization. Donate to Lakeland PBS today to support your local news team.