Today we’d like to introduce you to Betsy Gist.
Betsy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Turn the Page’s story began before Craig and I met, when he started the business primarily as an eBay store to teach his sons about business and responsibility. I had spent nearly 25 years working as a hospital social worker, but as an avid reader, I had always dreamed of doing something centered around books.
When Craig and I met, we had both been divorced for many years and were each raising three children while building our careers. After we became engaged, I moved from my hometown of Norwalk, Ohio, to Davison, Michigan. Together, we have six adult children across five states and are now blessed with three grandchildren.
As our relationship grew, so did Turn the Page. I eventually left my healthcare career to focus on expanding the business. With the help of our family and friends, we opened our standalone bookstore at 9009 Davison Road in Davison on June 1, 2024.
Our goal was to create a cozy, welcoming space where people could find affordable books, feel comfortable, and look forward to returning. Since then, we have expanded our inventory, introduced bookish merchandise and apparel, created community programs and events, and built relationships with customers who have truly become friends.
In March 2026, we brought Turn the Page back to my Ohio roots by opening a micro-store inside The Chic Market, located inside Second Chic Boutique & Co. in Norwalk. We have also continued expanding through hospital gift shops, community markets, local business collaborations, and special book fairs.
Kindness, gratitude, positivity, and mental health are at the heart of everything we do. We believe everyone is fighting a battle we may know nothing about, and sometimes a book, a smile, or a simple conversation can change the course of someone’s day.
When we married, I had Craig’s wedding band inscribed with the words “our best chapter.” Those words have become a beautiful reminder of the life and business we are building together. Turn the Page has grown from a small eBay store into something bigger than we ever imagined.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. As a small independent bookstore, it can be difficult to compete with big-box bookstores, Kindle, and audiobooks. There are slow days when we worry about whether enough customers will walk through the door, and times when we wonder if people will show up for an event we have worked hard to plan. Running a small business comes with long hours, financial uncertainty, and plenty of trial and error, but the continued support of our family, employees, and loyal customers keeps us moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Turn the Page Books is a female-owned indie bookstore with locations in Davison, Michigan, and Norwalk, Ohio. We offer new and gently used books, bookish apparel, gifts, rentals, and our specially curated Blind Date with a Book packages. We’re also known for our Adult Book Fairs, bookish events, and especially our four-legged mascot, Indie, who has become the heart of our business. Some customers stop in just for a little Indie love!
Giving back is very important to us. Every child can choose one free book each month with no purchase required. We also partnered with our friends and neighbors at John’s Pizzeria for a Summer Reading Challenge. More than 150 children signed up, and those who completed the challenge earned a free personal pizza.
We recently hosted a special book fair for healthcare employees focused on self-care, giving those who spend their days caring for others an opportunity to do something for themselves.
We want Turn the Page to be more than a bookstore—a welcoming place built around kindness, community, and a shared love of reading.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would tell anyone starting out to trust yourself and take the chance, even if you’re scared. Craig and I have learned most things as we’ve gone along, and we’ve made plenty of mistakes. Some ideas worked, some didn’t, and some simply needed more time.
I wish I had known not to take the slow days so personally. One quiet day doesn’t mean people have stopped supporting you or that your business is failing. Ask for help, listen to your customers, and be willing to adjust—but don’t lose sight of why you started.
Most of all, appreciate those who believe in you and celebrate every small win. Those are your people
Pricing:
- Blind Date with a Book-$25-$35
- Bookish crewneck sweatshirt -$40, hoodie- $45
- Bookish totes -$15
- Hard cover $5-$15
- Paperback $4-12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.turnthepagemi.com
- Instagram: @Turnthepagemi
- Facebook: Turn the Page Used Books
- LinkedIn: Betsy Gist
- Twitter: @turn_page21
- Other: Snapchat @turnpagemi
