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Member Spotlight: Caprice Rezendes
Caprice Rezendes is a NASE member from Corpus Christi, Texas and is the Owner of Black Cat Books. Caprice purchased an existing bookstore from the original founder before he had to close the store down. As an avid reader, she always wanted to own a bookstore or thrift store and saw this as a chance to be able to try and realize that dream.
What inspired you to enter the field you are in?
I love books and this was my opportunity
When and why did you start your business?
I purchased this business from the original owner on Oct. 23, 2023. I wanted to keep the only independent bookstore in Corpus Christi from closing when the owner left for Colorado.
How do you market your business?
The primary way I market my business is through social media.
What challenges have you faced in your business? How have you overcome them?
Obtaining a larger space and not being overrun with too many books. I got a slightly larger space with the hope that maybe downline I can expand. Additionally, I got creative with my available
storage space.
Do you have any employees?
No, I do not have any employees and I don’t currently have plans to hire anyone, I like running the business myself and it’s small enough that
I can get away with it being just me.
What’s your schedule like, what’s a typical day for you?
I open late in the morning and work until the evening. I typically open, turn on the lights, the stereo and get the register set up. Then I try to fill any holes on my bookshelves that I can and work on getting t-shirts made up. I also work on the embroidery for either future t-shirts or bookbags. I have a line of Black Cat Merchandise that I have added to the inventory, and I work on improving it as often as I can by crocheting coasters or creating earrings.
What’s the best thing about being self-employed?
I alone am responsible for getting things done
and therefore I can set my own time frame for getting it done.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received from a client?
I hear from customers all the time what a comfortable place I have and that it’s very well organized.
What’s the most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting their own business?
Make sure you get into something that you like as it will make it easier for you to want to go in everyday and get the job done.
Which NASE member benefit is most important to you?
It’s so hard to pick just one benefit as there are so many and I think just the fact that you have so many is wonderful.