Lifelong bibliophile Jordan Byrd said it has been “quite an adventure” to reach this point, but now she is counting down the days to the grand opening of her very own bookstore in downtown Kernersville.
She recently spoke to Scope News about her motivation for opening Byrdhouse Books.
“Owning a bookstore has always been a dream of mine, and finding the perfect location here felt like the right opportunity to plant roots in a community I love,” Byrd said. “While my background isn’t traditionally in business, my experiences in the corporate world along with customer service and hospitality has given me valuable insights and skills that I believe will help me succeed. Ultimately, my love for books and my desire to create a welcoming space for others who share that passion are what led me to begin this exciting new chapter with Byrdhouse Books.”
Although she grew up in nearby Colfax, her journey back to the Triad has included a number of detours — including through Connecticut, where she worked in the coffee industry, and more recently to Yellowstone National Park.
“This experience allowed me to slow down, reconnect with the activities I loved, and rediscover my passion for reading,” Byrd explained. “Books have always been a cherished part of my life, but a heavy workload previously limited my time for reading. When my contract at Yellowstone ended, I returned home to Kernersville and was amazed by the growth and vibrancy of the community.”
Driven by a renewed aspiration to achieve her goal of opening a bookstore, Byrd set out to develop a plan and put it in motion. That included coming up with a name, which she said was more than a clever play on her surname.
“When I think of my home, I think of a birdhouse — a symbol of warmth, comfort, and a place where one can always return,” she said. “The name intertwined perfectly with my last name, Byrd, capturing the essence of what I want this bookstore to represent: a welcoming, familiar place where people can come together, find solace in books, and feel at home.”
Byrd said she also wants to create a “community hub” atmosphere with her shop, adding: “We aim to spotlight the importance of shopping local by curating a selection that highlights local authors and products made by local artisans. While we will carry a wide range of new books to cater to different reading tastes, prioritizing local talent and locally made products is central to our mission.”
She is also interested in “supporting and showcasing women-owned businesses within our community, creating a space where everyone feels valued and inspired.”
As Byrd noted, the location near Founders Park at the intersection of North Main and Mountain Street is poised to benefit from — and contribute to — the downtown area’s ongoing growth.
“The blend of new and established businesses creates a dynamic environment that is both inspiring and supportive,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be part of a community that values and actively promotes the success of local businesses.”
She is looking forward to partnering with other local entrepreneurs to achieve common goals.
“It’s more important than ever to prioritize small businesses and contribute to the downtown Kernersville we all cherish,” she added.
News of her plans for the space, located next to Hedgecock’s Framing Studio, has already spread throughout the community, and Byrd said she has been overwhelmed by the response.
“I’ve received an outpouring of advice, well wishes, and genuine excitement from so many people — both online and in person,” she said. “This support truly makes my heart swell. The enthusiasm and encouragement from the community make me confident that Kernersville is ready and eager for a new bookstore like Byrdhouse Books. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that our town values and supports new ventures, and I can’t wait to open our doors and be a part of it.”
Byrd anticipates opening the store in late September. Those interested in learning more about Byrdhouse Books can click here for social media updates.
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