Bookish Shop Feature: Book Nook Sleeves

Happy Saturday, friends! Today I have the privilege of interviewing Heather Orne, the creator and owner of Book Nook Sleeves (BNS). BNS is a shop I discovered on Instagram, and I am now obsessed with their fabric pin hoops and booksleeves! Read our full interview below to learn more.

Q) What inspired you to create Book Nook Sleeves?

A) Ever since I was little, I have had a strong love for books and artwork. Book Nook Sleeves was created as a way to combine both of those passions and share them with the rest of the world.

Q) How long has Book Nook Sleeves been in operation?

A) BNS celebrated its first birthday on January 1st!

Q) What goals do you have for your small business?

A) My husband and I have a scratch off map to see where our orders go around the world. Our goal is to share our products with as many people around the world as we can.

Q) How did you learn how to sew/make book sleeves?

A) In middle school and high school, I took a few home economics classes where I learned basic sewing skills.

Q) Do you have a personal favorite book sleeve and/or fabric hoop?

A) My favorite sleeve is yet to come! There is an Alice in Wonderland release planned which includes a faux fur sleeve inspired by the Cheshire Cat.

Q) What has been your favorite fandom to design products for?

A) ACOTAR is one of my favorite book series so there have been several products inspired by SJM’s novels.

Q) What are your personal top fandoms?

A) Harry Potter, ACOTAR, and The Selection

Q) What would you say are some of your biggest achievements?

A) When I started BNS it was more of a hobby, so I was hoping to sell 100 sleeves in 2020. Much to my surprise there was an overwhelming support for our small business which allowed me to create over 700 sleeves and 200 fabric hoops for customers in 48/50 of the United States and 12 other countries around the world.

Q) What are your top three favorite reads right now?

A) I haven’t had much time for reading lately, but when time allows, I enjoy a mix of romance and fantasy.

Q) Can you give readers any “sneaks” about prints yet to be released?

A) There are over 50 new prints on the way! There will be several inspired by Harry Potter, Disney characters, classic novels, witches & magic, and other favorite book/movie fandoms.

Q) What is the most rewarding thing about running your own small business?

A) The most rewarding thing about owning a small business is seeing that happiness that your creations bring to others. I absolutely love when customers share photos using items from our shop.

Q) What advice would you give someone who wants to open their own small business?

A) Believe in yourself and your business. There will probably be long hours and some negative experiences that will make you wonder why you chose to have your own business. If you focus on your long-term goals and trust your gut, all of that will be worth it and you will find joy in doing what you love.

Q) Tell us a little about you, the face behind Book Nook Sleeves.

A) BNS actually isn’t my regular full time job! I work as an administrative assistant at an optometry clinic during the week, and fill my evenings and weekends with work from the shop. When I need a little break, I enjoy spending time at our family lake cabin, traveling with my husband, and snuggling with our rescue pup, Lucy.