Check Out Taleah Greve’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taleah Greve.

Hi Taleah, 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?
I grew up as a passionate reader – although I didn’t physically travel, I explored the world. I knew and understood how books can change your life. 10 years ago, we launched our nonprofit, Embrace Books – a free bookstore connecting people with the books they wanted, without the price tags.

We collected around 1,000 books in donations and opened our doors! Since then, we’ve served tens of thousands of people who believe in books just as much as we do. Hundreds of thousands of books have been shared with families, seniors, teachers, literacy coaches, daycares, senior centers, and individuals across West Michigan.

While I was the catalyst to launch Embrace Books, we now rely on a strong team of more than 50 volunteers to receive, organize, shelve, and give away thousands of books every time we’re open.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No story is interesting without a struggle or two along the way! We’ve faced roof leaks, collapsed bookshelves, and gross things in donated boxes (which we now screen before they even come into our space). During COVID when we couldn’t be open, we had mystery book bag giveaways in business parking lots, where we tossed them from a distance into the back seats of people’s cars.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to refer to myself and my career as a big dreamer and idea launcher. I get fired up looking at the big picture and coming up with new ideas.

In addition to my volunteer work with Embrace Books, I serve as the VP of Program Development for Flamingo Consulting in Grand Rapids. I am home educating my children, hosting a read aloud podcast (The Enchanted Library), and sharing my story with groups around West Michigan. I also consult on a number of projects for my friends – encouraging them to run with their dream ideas!

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
To dream big, you have to be able to tolerate failure. It’s never comfortable, but you have to be willing to try new ideas to see if they’ll work. Sometimes, you’ll fail. Sometimes spectacularly! But for each failed idea, business that fizzled out, and project that didn’t quite work – you’re learning something new. Call it grit or perseverance – but don’t let those ideas just collect dust on a shelf. Go out and try!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.embracebooks.org and www.taleah.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freebooksmkg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embracebooks