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Charity Herndon

Rising Stars: Meet Charity Herndon of New Jersey

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Charity Herndon.

Hi Charity, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I had a breast cancer scare last summer that resulted in having two tumors removed. This was a massive wake up call. I realized how much of life I hadn’t lived, (or was to afraid to) so I purchased a 7×14 landscaping trailer with the intention of turning it into a bookstore on wheels inspired by Jane Austen, my favorite author. Someone whose own battle with illness did not keep her from reaching her dreams of becoming a writer.

Her life and my faith in God inspired me to take chances. Our grand opening was just one month after I received the surgery. We had over 1000 people attend that weekend. The year continued quickly, event after event followed. And on June 6th, we expanded into our brick and mortar, Austen’s Shelf Tiny Bookshop. Many people attended that grand opening as well, sharing their stories of how Austen’s Shelf inspired them to chase their own dreams as well.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth, in the least bit. Our mobile bookstore was really hard at times. With our trailer, we’ve been trapped, stuck in between trees at a nature themed event just moments before an event started. But it’s been very rewarding at the same time!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bookstore owner! We’re Jane Austen inspired so I think it leans heavily into a niche group of women. People who romanticize the regency period. We’ve had the wonderful opportunity to be welcomed into the bookish community with features in publisher’s weekly and other bookish channels.

We’re known for our “Oh to Yearn” mural and our carefully curated selection of books, Jane Austen merchandise etc.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can visit our website to stay updated on our events @ austensshelf.com/events and follow us on IG at instagram.com/austens_shelf

Contact Info:

Young woman with braided hair standing on a balcony holding a book, wearing a navy sweatshirt and jeans, smiling.

Person sitting on a bed with arms outstretched, in a room with framed pictures and red curtains behind the bed.

Two women holding books and smiling indoors, with people and decorations in the background.

Two smiling people holding coffee cups and greeting cards inside a room with shelves and decorations.

Six women in vintage dresses and hats stand on grass in front of a red wooden house with white window frames, trees overhead.

Two women in dresses and hats outdoors, one with a pink flower, facing away from the camera.

Woman in pink and purple traditional dress sitting by window with floral mural background, holding a fan, wearing a face mask.

Person dressed in historical costume with top hat, blue waistcoat, and white gloves, walking outdoors on a sunny day.

Two women talking at a table with books, one sitting and one standing, in a room with plain walls.

Two women browse clothing on a rack in a room with a white cabinet and pink items, one woman reaching for a shirt.

Chandelier hanging from a ceiling with decorative ceiling medallion, viewed upside down.

Woman wearing a hat and glasses, holding a decorative fan, sitting at a table with teapot and cups, smiling.

Woman reading a book to two children sitting on a bench outside, with a gray house in the background.

Woman in white dress smiling outdoors near colorful flower arrangements, holding a pink cloth, in front of a house with beige siding.

Painting of a man and woman facing each other with floral background, and text reading

Group of people outdoors, some dressed in historical costumes, standing near a chalkboard sign, with trees and buildings in background.

Woman in sunglasses and a light blue dress holding a fan and shopping bags on a city sidewalk.

Two women walking on a street, one holding an umbrella and a bag, the other smiling with arms crossed, trees and cars in background.

Two women in vintage dresses smiling and talking outdoors, one holding a parasol and wearing a hat, cars and trees in background.

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