Pursuing Her Dreams: Bookstore Owner Kim Childress Shares Her Story
For some people, books are a mere source of entertainment. For Kim Childress, books offer something deeper: the power to save lives
In 2017, it was this thought that led her to establish Ink-a-Dink Bookstore so they could “get more kids’ books into the hands of children, and instill the love of reading in future generations.” In recognition of these efforts, the independent online bookstore received the James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus Award in 2021 and 2023.
Although Kim’s story may sound idyllic, pursuing her dream was not as simple as following the yellow brick road.
dreaming as a journey
Ink-a-Dink was years in the making. As a child, Kim spent many days at the library, losing herself in stories to cope with her parents’ divorce. Not only did reading provide comfort in a difficult situation, but it also helped her realize she was not alone. So began her love for children’s literature.
Over the next couple decades, Kim wore several hats — bookstore employee, children’s author, reviews editor for Girls’ Life Magazine and mother of four, to name a few. Along the way she attended book sale events and networked with authors. Together these experiences stirred an idea in her mind: Why not open a bookstore?
dreaming in community
In addition to her diverse life experiences, community proved to be a key component of Kim’s journey. Time and again she crossed paths with individuals who influenced her story. For example, if not for her college roommate, Kim may never have attended the children’s literature conference that prompted her to apply for a bookstore job, enabling her to learn the business of children’s publishing. Her love for books was always there, but it took other people to develop and guide that passion.
dreaming with persistence
As with any great adventure, Kim faced her share of difficulties. Being a working mother, she struggled to find time to invest in Ink-a-Dink. Health complications required her to press pause. Potential store locations fell through. Nevertheless, she persisted.
dreaming with flexibility
Rather than letting a roadblock stand in her way, Kim sought alternative routes. When her plans for a brick-and-mortar store crumbled, she leaned into the digital marketplace and became an affiliate of Bookshop.org. This allows her to continue connecting readers with good stories while supporting other independent bookstores. In the meantime, she maintains the hope of one day opening a physical location.
dreaming with encouragement
Given the challenges, what kept Kim going? In a word, encouragement. Sometimes it came as a letter from a child. “It’s just so cool to hear back when you’ve affected a child through a book,” she says. “Not everybody would agree, but I think there’s not much that compares to that.”
Other times she sensed God nudging her onward, whether through a package of books from Scholastic or an unexpected award. Remembering these moments, she presses on and continues to dream of what Ink-a-Dink could become.
Elizabeth Molitor is a recent graduate of Taylor University’s professional writing program. Based in southeastern Michigan, she delights in channeling her skills and passion into stories that convey honesty, beauty and hope.