BFFs: Book Friends Forever!

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"Book people are the best people" is a common thing you'll hear if you ever come to Tulsa, Oklahoma during the PaperPie National Convention in June. And it couldn't be more true!

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You might also hear that "we do this business FOR our families, not TO our families."

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Being a Literacy Advocate with PaperPie means you get to be your own boss, set your own hours, and run your biz how YOU choose. That is a blessing in so many ways, like having flexible hours, but it can also be a tough thing to navigate when you are a "stay-at-home" mom like me, whose kids expect mom to always be available. Over the last several years, I have found a healthy balance between meeting my own needs and meeting the needs of my family. Afterall, this business is FOR my family... and I love that I can be there for my kids and show up for them in ways I want to.

It's more like a juggling act, really, and I love that I can consider myself a "SAHM" still, and also a part-time to full-time working mom, depending on the season. I enjoy what I do with PaperPie, spreading literacy and love, and putting books into kids hands. And I am SO fulfilled by coaching and helping other women run successful book businesses too. This business has given me a place to be creative, a thing to call my own, and an avenue to use my skills and knowledge in ways that help others and make an impact.

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But it wasn't always sunshine and rainbows! When I began this "book gig" in 2017, I had 2 young kids (ages 2 and 4), and I didn't know how to handle being a mom of two. I was overwhelmed, stretched thin, losing my own identity, and actively searching for something else to be passionate about. As much as I loved my kids, I knew I needed another outlet.

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PaperPie was still called "Usborne Books & More" at the time, and it came into my life at just the right time. It gave me the opportunity to meet new people, converse with other grown-ups, and ALSO bring a ton of books into our home and build a beautiful home library. Now I have 3 kiddos, all of whom love reading, because we connected through books and the time cuddling together with a calm, brain-boosting activity. And I can see other benefits of bringing more books into our home first-hand in the ways my kids carry themselves, behave, and treat others kindly too! (Although we don't quite fit in that same reading chair anymore)!

This book business has been SO good for my family, and also so good for ME personally. In addition to giving me another passion in life, and the confidence and skills to make an impact for others, I have also made the BEST friends... the friends I never knew I needed (as cliche as that sounds). The people I have met have become some of my closest friends, who I can confide in about life and struggles, and who I know will always have my back. That's just one reason why book people ARE the best people!

It seemed only fitting that my "Change Makers" team went old-school and made friendship bracelets at this year's National Convention last month. Yes, making BFF bracelets might be a little cheesy, but it was a great activity while staying up late chatting in the lobby of the Doubletree hotel. (By the way, this is what book people do when we go to convention... we spend every minute we can soaking up the time we have together. Even after spending hours in amazing trainings, hearing from keynote speakers, authors, illustrators, etc, we can't help but gather afterwards to brainstorm, play games, share meals and share stories. There is always SO much laughter)!

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I know that this "book gig" will always be a part of my life, because of the imprint these people have made on me. It will show up differently in different seasons of life, but it is most definitely a "forever" kinda thing for me. Add me to the list of people that have said, "I joined for the books, but I stayed for the people." The books are amazing resources and tools, and PaperPie truly does it better... BUT, the PEOPLE of PaperPie are the thing that you will discover have been the missing puzzle piece in your life.

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The people that you meet within PaperPie, who become your BFFs ("book friends forever") or "PiePals" as we call them, are the kind of people that support each other, collaborate, share ideas, and cheer each other on. It's no wonder why people stay in this business for 5, 10, 20+ years, or enter retirement after decades of loving their work as a "book lady." I think I'm going to be a "lifer" too!

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Personally, I also stay for the people that I meet in the everyday parts of my business, at book gatherings, vendor events, book fairs, and through book drives or community events. So many of my team mates and customers have become good friends too. Some friends I nearly forget that we first met at an online book party! I like to think that I offer a level of compassion, kindness and understanding that makes other moms and women feel comfortable opening up to me. I know I am a Book Lady for the added reason of lifting other people up during hardship... at least that is what I HOPE to offer those around me. Just another way to spread love!

I'll leave you with this final thought: If you ever had a BFF growing up, someone who stood by you, understood you, and had your back... your "Ride or Die" kinda gal pal... (or someone you swapped friendship bracelets with perhaps)... then you know how great that feeling is to have a bestie. I know that isn't the case for all kids... and sometimes, when all you need is a good friend, but one isn't within reach, a book can be that thing that helps you through tough times. It can help be your escape, a friend, offer hope, or be your path out of hardship. And even better, if someone who cares about you, reads to you... that can offer the connection that you needed in that moment, and fill your cup just a little more.

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Imagine a world where all children feel connected and loved. Every child has the right to feel like they belong, to be treated kindly and respectfully, and to be cherished. I truly believe books and reading can be the missing link that is needed, and bringing books into more homes, is my personal mission. I want to reach the dark corners, shine a light, and give YOU the tools too… and empower you to pick up a book and read to a child. That act of reading is an act of love. And it is SO needed. I am just the conduit and YOU are the one to make the difference in the lives of the children around you.

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So please keep reading to the kids in your life... the impact that will have is monumental. And if YOU need a bestie as a grown-up, just know that you will find that friend within PaperPie. At this year's National Convention we were reminded of that fact. There is a place for you here. We love you, we're here for you, and you're not alone... and there is an instant friend and whole community waiting to welcome you and support you in finding the thing that will help you thrive! So let’s make a difference together!

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Could PaperPie be the thing that you're looking for?

Is there a small whisper of "maybe" in your mind?

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I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about what it is YOU are looking for in life! Until then... Happy Summer and Happy Reading!

-Jen

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Jennifer de Guzman, Literacy Advocate

PaperPie Brand Partner and Advanced Leader, PaperPie Learning Educational Services Representative, www.jenslittlebookstore.com​

PaperPie, formerly called Usborne Books & More, offers engaging and educational books and learning products for kids of all ages, newborn through teens. Browse the full selection anytime here: www.jenslittlebookstore.com

Read my previous newsletters including "The ABC's of Reading" and "Do you know a kid that hates reading?" for a few helpful and EASY tips to develop and nurture a love of reading, and what to do when you have a "picky" reader.

To schedule a personal shopping appointment or free discovery call, or to learn more about becoming a brand partner with PaperPie, send an email to: jen@jenslittlebookstore.com or text: 971-220-1678 Or click the link below to schedule with me on Calendly: https://calendly.com/jenslittlebookstore​