Rising Stars: Meet Jennifer Lemerand of Grosse Ile

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Lemerand.

Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Books have always been a part of my life – both as a personal passion and as a source of connection with others. For years, I dreamed of creating a space that combined everything I loved: good books, good coffee, and a sense of community. My path took me first to education, where I spent 20 years as an early childhood and elementary educator while raising my own three children. I later pursued my Specialist in Reading degree and became a Literacy Coach. After leaving education and taking a break from working, I decided that my dream of owning my own independent bookstore was still something I wanted to pursue.

I began planning The Literary Hideaway with a simple vision – to build a cozy, welcoming space where people could slow down, connect, and be inspired. From choosing the name to curating every shelf and designing the cafe menu, I wanted it to reflect warmth, creativity, and community.

Opening the doors was both exciting and terrifying. I had never worked in this industry, so there was a steep learning curve. Thankfully, I found incredible people who shared their expertise and believed in my vision. From supportive family and friends to talented local professionals, we worked together to bring The Literary Hideaway to life. I truly couldn’t have done it without their help and collaboration.

The hard work and stress were worth it once I saw the community reaction to the space. People are excited to have a bookstore in this community and appreciate the value it can bring. Families bringing in their little kids to explore the shelves and read stories together, share a treat, and meet up with friends is the best part of owning The Literary Hideaway.

In four months of opening our doors, we have hosted story times, an author book launch, and book clubs. We can’t wait for more!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, this was not a smooth road. There were many challenges. Funding for an independent bookstore did not come easily. This industry is not as well-known as others, and banks were cautious when we approached them. Having a good business plan and industry information from the American Booksellers Association was key to solving this hurdle. Finding and getting the perfect space was another challenge. I knew the exact concept I wanted, and transforming a space to fit my needs was tricky. We looked and tried to solidify several spaces before landing in our home on Macomb Street. I am a believer in what is meant to be, and this was the space meant to become The Literary Hideaway! Inspections and licenses were another challenge along the way, but with perseverance, we were able to achieve our goal and open!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I spoke a little of my past in the first question, but education and literacy have always been my passion. I committed to helping young children build a solid foundation for future learning and success. I am a lifelong learner and believe that sets me apart from others. When I take on a new role or commit to something, I start with research and learning. I like to learn and I enjoy doing things well. I am proud of the fact that after the age of 40, I pursued a degree as a Reading Specialist and opened my own Bookstore Cafe. Both of these things took dedication and time to accomplish.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Advice for others looking to start a small business of their own would be to do your research! Make sure you build a solid foundation before beginning. Know that the road will not be easy, and you will have setbacks. People told me it would take a lot of my time and the first few years would be hard, but you don’t really understand that until you’re in the thick of it. I wasn’t truly prepared for how much time I would be pouring into this venture. The day-to-day running of the store is just a tiny part of what goes into this business. Be prepared to dedicate your life to your venture in the beginning!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theliteraryhideaway.com
• Instagram: theliteraryhideaway.gi
• Facebook: The Literary Hideaway