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Authentic Books Bookstore

Help us open the only BIPOC, woman-owned bookstore in our hometown of Orlando, FL.

$3,168
pledged of$15,000 goal
26
0Days Left

Project Description

Reading is self-care.

 

box animating in and opening to show items inside 

Our Mission: To help women pause the daily chaos, be intentional about time for themselves, and have a one-of-a-kind reading experience.
“As a mother of three, I know how important making time for yourself is. Reading allows you to do that. It brings me such joy to be able to share that gift with others.” – Natisha Asbell, Founder
A monthly book + self-care subscription that you experience with all five senses. Sight, Touch, Taste, Smell and Sound
How it Works: Pick from 3 of the best new release titles each month, paired with goods that immerse you in the sights, smells, tastes and sounds of your book pick. It’s a whole new way to read.
Social Impact: Education changes lives, that's why 5% of profits support children's education and literacy projects.
By the Numbers: 600+ monthly subscribers $0 in funding $78 Avg. Order Value 13 Mo. Avg. Subscription Length and As Seen In logos from publications

 

an authentic books scene with book, candle and other items 

Next Steps: Growth Stage
Help us open Orlando’s only black, woman-owned bookstore.
Our bookstore will include...The best books, self-care marketplace, build a gift box concept and workshops + local events

 

It’s about reading yes, but it’s also about empowering us all to make time for ourselves and reclaim our peace and calm. Let’s make a positive difference in peoples lives. Thank you!

 

Let's Partner Up

We love working and partnering with other brands. Get in touch: authenticbooks.com/pages/contact

Let's Connect

Come hang out with us on Instagram (@authenticbooks)

Buy a Box!

Join us: authenticbooks.com

 

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

 
How will the I Fund Women funds be used?

We've found a great location for our new bookstore that has a lot of great qualities. A ton of foot traffic, allows us to expand into retail and actually saves us on our monthly rent!

However, the location needs a lot of work: It was previously a salon and needs almost a full retail build out to turn it into a bookstore (unsafe flooring, ceiling damage, new wall construction, etc.) and retail furnishings (bookshelves, signage, counters, etc.):

  • Unsafe flooring replacement 
  • Damaged ceiling replacement 
  • Shelving + workshop furnishing 
  • Retail counter 
  • Updating broken lights and electrical

 

Where is Authentic Books located?

Orlando, FL.  Our new bookstore will be located at 1815 N Orange Avenue. The location has a lot of foot traffic and is surrounded by other small businesses like cafes and boutiques. 

 

Who owns Authentic Books?

Authentic Books is proudly owned and operated by Natisha Asbell (she/her).

Natisha is a BIPOC who's love of books started at a very young age. Natisha is not only the owner and operator, but the ONLY full-time employee. She wears many many hats and is driven by her passion and love for her customers. As a mother of three, Authentic Books is her 4th child 😉

 
When is the grand opening of the Authentic Books bookstore?

The grand opening is currently scheduled for the beginning of September, 2023! Grab a ticket to our grand opening party in the campaign rewards section and come join us if you can.

 

How do I get my book or product inside the Authentic Books Box or inside the store?

Please click HERE

 

How can I partner with Authentic Books?

Please click HERE

 

Heather
02/12/2024
Monetary Contribution
$20
Shelby
08/15/2023
1 Year Supporter Membership
$250
Gbobbya
08/15/2023
Exclusive Grand Opening Box
$100
Samantha Bureau
08/15/2023
Sponsor a Bookshelf
$500
Alex
08/12/2023
Monetary Contribution
$25
08/10/2023
Ticket to Grand Opening Party
$75
Mary Nink
08/10/2023
Social Shoutout
$25
08/09/2023
Exclusive Grand Opening Box
$100
Beth Moore
08/07/2023
Monetary Contribution
$25
Jemillie
08/04/2023
Monetary Contribution
$20
Monetary Contribution

Want to help us fund the opening of the Authentic Books Bookstore and don't need anything in return? Thank you so much for believing in us! Your support and belief means the world to us.

12 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Social Shoutout

You are so kind! Please let us thank you by tagging you in an IG post to our almost 10k followers. Perfect for those Bookstagrammers or other Influencer accounts.

2 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Handwritten Thank You Note

We truly appreciate your support! We'd love to send you a handwritten thank you note express our gratitude.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Ticket to Grand Opening Party

We want YOU to come and celebrate with us when we open our bookstore. If you're in the Orlando area (or want to travel) we'd love to get together IRL! 

*Grand Opening will include drinks, food, + mini workshop

2 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Exclusive Grand Opening Box

Get the limited-edition box! You'll receive an Authentic Books Grand Opening tote bag, wooden tasseled bookmark and Special Edition soy wax candle. 

5 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
1 Year Supporter Membership

Reap this reward for an entire year! We appreciate your support so much and as a token of our gratitude you'll receive:

  • 10% off all online purchases for 1 year
  • 10% off all in-store events for 1 year
  • 10% off monthly subscription for 3 months
  • Guaranteed availability to Special Edition boxes and In-store events for 1 year

*Plus – Exclusive Grand Opening box

2 Supporters
Select this reward
350.00 USD
Candle Making Workshop

Join us for a private candle making workshop! You and 5 of your guests (6 ppl total) can chat books while getting to pick your candle vessels, craft your own custom scents and create one-of-a-kind candles. It's a lot of fun... wine is also provided 😉🍷

0 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Sponsor a Bookshelf

Be a part of our bookstore forever! With this reward, you are helping us purchase a bookshelf for our new bookstore, including a plaque with your name on it so you'll forever be remembered as supporting our mission. Thank you! 

*Plus – All rewards up to the $100 level

9 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Sponsor a Bookcase

Be a part of our bookstore forever! With this reward, you are helping us purchase an entire bookcase for our new bookstore, including a sign with your name on it so you'll forever be remembered as supporting our mission. Thank you! 

*Plus – Pick 3 new titles to feature on your bookcase and collaborate on the accompanied candles with Founder, Natisha Asbell

*Plus – All rewards up to the $250 level

6 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Orlando, FL
Created 1 Campaign
Business Services
Lifestyle
Social Good

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Want to help us fund the opening of the Authentic Books Bookstore and don't need anything in return? Thank you so much for believing in us! Your support and belief means the world to us.

12 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Social Shoutout

You are so kind! Please let us thank you by tagging you in an IG post to our almost 10k followers. Perfect for those Bookstagrammers or other Influencer accounts.

2 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Handwritten Thank You Note

We truly appreciate your support! We'd love to send you a handwritten thank you note express our gratitude.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Ticket to Grand Opening Party

We want YOU to come and celebrate with us when we open our bookstore. If you're in the Orlando area (or want to travel) we'd love to get together IRL! 

*Grand Opening will include drinks, food, + mini workshop

2 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Exclusive Grand Opening Box

Get the limited-edition box! You'll receive an Authentic Books Grand Opening tote bag, wooden tasseled bookmark and Special Edition soy wax candle. 

5 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
1 Year Supporter Membership

Reap this reward for an entire year! We appreciate your support so much and as a token of our gratitude you'll receive:

  • 10% off all online purchases for 1 year
  • 10% off all in-store events for 1 year
  • 10% off monthly subscription for 3 months
  • Guaranteed availability to Special Edition boxes and In-store events for 1 year

*Plus – Exclusive Grand Opening box

2 Supporters
Select this reward
350.00 USD
Candle Making Workshop

Join us for a private candle making workshop! You and 5 of your guests (6 ppl total) can chat books while getting to pick your candle vessels, craft your own custom scents and create one-of-a-kind candles. It's a lot of fun... wine is also provided 😉🍷

0 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Sponsor a Bookshelf

Be a part of our bookstore forever! With this reward, you are helping us purchase a bookshelf for our new bookstore, including a plaque with your name on it so you'll forever be remembered as supporting our mission. Thank you! 

*Plus – All rewards up to the $100 level

9 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Sponsor a Bookcase

Be a part of our bookstore forever! With this reward, you are helping us purchase an entire bookcase for our new bookstore, including a sign with your name on it so you'll forever be remembered as supporting our mission. Thank you! 

*Plus – Pick 3 new titles to feature on your bookcase and collaborate on the accompanied candles with Founder, Natisha Asbell

*Plus – All rewards up to the $250 level

6 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward