BRIGHTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — Once upon a time in the magical Mitten land of Brighton, there lived two best friends: Jeri Kay Thomas and Jeanne Blazo.
They opened an independent book shop called 2 Dandelions Bookshop in October of 2019, making a dream they’d dreamt since first meeting many moons ago as kindergarten teachers, finally come true.
“People are buying books! People come to us and say thank you! Thank you for opening a book shop,” Jeanne and Jeri say excitedly, speaking almost as one.
Then five months later, the pandemic hit. As the coronavirus spread, events were canceled, businesses closed, people were ordered to stay at home and they needed an escape.
“I think the pandemic has helped in that way. Who knew right?”
Jeanne and Jeri got busier and busier and busier! Offering video tours, curbside pickup, taking orders by phone and online.
“Believe it or not, we’ve got a lot of bird watchers out there. We’ve sold more bird books than we would have ever dreamed we needed to order,” says Jeanne.
And their business, 2 Dandelions Bookshop, grew faster than they ever dreamed. So Jeanne and Jeri decided to expand. They found a space on Main Street in Brighton with a front door, a back door, a patio and three big display windows.
As the pandemic rages on and more people rediscover their love for reading, 2 Dandelions Bookshop continues to grow.
“It’s what Dandelions do. They just keep thriving in harsh conditions, and they spread their wish at the end of the flower life. And we just are spreading books and joy,” says Jeanne.
They plan to move into the new space in 2021 and live happily ever after.
The end.
