Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Murphy.
Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The inspiration behind creating Wyrd came from a deep desire to connect. After being a lawyer and an at-home parent – as well as relocating several times – I yearned for community. I felt a deep desire to build something aligned with my values and I wanted to create a third place where people could rediscover themselves and each other. This was especially important after the pandemic and the divisive political and cultural landscape we’ve been navigating. I have always loved the shared humanity found within the pages of a book – whether a spicy romance, a great escape, or a memoir of a life, books are vessels of the human experience, but portable. Plus, books have always been my love language, and I’ve always read to my kids and gifted books to friends, so the idea of creating a bookstore came naturally. The café concept followed quickly because, of course, what’s better than a warm cup of comfort to go with your book?
When designing Wyrd, I took great care to create a space that was inviting and cozy. Rather than rushing through the store, I envisioned people lingering among the shelves, sipping out of ceramic mugs, and getting lost in conversation. I wanted our bookstore to invoke a sense of belonging and comfort, and it was important to me that our space highlighted the best of us. From our “tell us something good” board to our carefully curated selection of used and new books, we try to provide inspiration and tranquility. Most of all, everything we do is infused with a reminder that we are better together.
Wyrd is an old English word referring to the idea that destiny is not predetermined, but is shaped and molded by individual choice and unfolds as an interconnected series of events. It was the perfect name because I wanted to chart a new course for me personally and I wanted to be the change I wished to see in the world. To accomplish it, however, everyone would have to come together to make it happen. People often ask how to pronounce it, and I always respond that there’s no wrong way. It can be pronounced “word” because books are filled with words, “wired” because our coffee and tea can keep you wired, or “weird” because it is the root of our modern definition for weird. Plus, I love that it plays a central role with the Wyrd Sisters in Beowulf.
These first couple of years have been incredibly demanding, but rewarding beyond measure. I’ve learned to wear a hundred different hats, adjust and pivot at lightning speed, and push myself beyond perceived and real limitations. While growing into this leadership position, I’ve been able to have a tangible impact on my community in ways I never imagined. From bringing people and groups together, supporting neighbors who are now friends, and being a matchmaker between books and readers – it has been a joyful adventure. While we have much more to do, every day I get to be a part of this amazing bookstore is a gift and I will treasure it always.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m not sure any road to success is smooth, especially for a small, local, independent business – let alone an indie bookstore. The road is an uphill climb in every way. Operating within an economic landscape tailored to large-scale business and built to prioritize low prices and convenience, remaining viable requires constant diligence.
In addition to navigating high rent, taxes, and supply prices, we have had to become savvy stewards of our business. Convincing customers that value means more than sale prices and that their spending habits have a wide impact on overall living is a mission in itself, but one that ultimately will make or break any small business these days. Independent bookstores are not high-profit machines, but they offer far more than meets the eye. As community gathering spaces, promoters of local entrepreneurs and organizations, curators of diverse books, facilitators of information exchange, employers of local citizens, sources of economic choice, and so much more – indie bookstores offer communities the opportunity to do business in a more holistic way that honors stakeholders, not just shareholders.
Of course, there have been personal struggles along the way, including a great deal of upheaval and change in family life. Balancing the needs of all important people and things is difficult for any human at any time, but it has proven especially hard to do with an emerging business. Still, it is a worthy challenge that has made me a better business owner and a better person. I’ve learned that every day will have it’s own set of struggles, but having a clear vision and value system has enabled us to tackle every one. And that’s what we will continue to do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wyrd Bookstore?
Wyrd is an independent, locally-owned bookstore in Edgewater, Maryland. We offer used and new books, specialty coffee and teas, as well as unique gifts. We are known for our broad selection of carefully curated books, our cozy and welcoming space, as well as our community-focused events. We pride ourselves on being a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and comfort.
We offer books in almost every genre and at a variety of price points, and we can specially order books for our customers if they aren’t on the shelves. We have book clubs and writing groups, and we love to recommend books to anyone who asks! We keep a running list of customer recommendations and track all the newest favorites. We offer plentiful seating and in-house mugs, including beautiful ceramic teapots and mugs that can be enjoyed over a lively conversation with friends. We put together custom-made book baskets called “Cratefuls” that are as unique as the person who receives it, and they include books, journals, mugs, and other delightful surprises. We also have greeting cards, journals, and fun treats for booklovers.
What we are most proud of is the way we have brought out the best in our community. Our mission is to bring people together through books, through coffee, and through shared experiences – and we are seeing that come to fruition every day. It is a joy to talk about books with customers, put together bookish gifts for special occasions, and see people’s faces light up when they walk in. Putting a latte into someone’s hands is it’s own sacred exchange sometimes and we are just so grateful to be a part of the magic.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Anyone who wants to collaborate with us can reach out through email at info@wyrdbookstore.com. We are a small operation with limited staff, but we value everyone who takes the time to contact us and try to respond quickly. We are always looking to work with local groups. In the past, we’ve done open mics with various music groups, offered treats from local caterers, hosted authors and leaders in our community, and teamed up for other creative events. We’ve also worked with local organizations to donate books and get the word out about important community issues. Check out our Instagram for an idea of what we’ve been up to these past few years, and let us know if you’d like to pursue a partnership of some kind
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wyrdbookstore.com
- Instagram: @wyrdbookstore
- Facebook: wyrdbookstore
