The Story Emporium & Bookshop

Help Open The Story Emporium & Bookshop

At The Story Emporium & Bookshop (SE&B), soon to open in Hutto, TX, our mission is simple but powerful: to foster imagination, connection, and lifelong learning through the magic of storytelling.

But SE&B is more than a bookstore. It’s a natural solution to five real, pressing problems in our community:

💡 What SE&B Will Solve

1. Hutto needs “third spaces.”
Outside of home and work, where can people go to connect, reflect, or create? SE&B will be a cozy, conversation-friendly gathering space designed to nourish community—something that’s deeply needed as loneliness becomes a modern epidemic.

2. There’s nowhere for teens who aren’t athletes.
Middle and high school students—especially those who aren’t into sports—have few safe, enriching places to hang out, be creative, or find mentorship. We’ll offer a space that inspires expression, discovery, and growth.

3. Hutto’s booming, but culture hasn’t caught up.
It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas—but creative infrastructure and non-dining entertainment options haven’t kept pace. SE&B will help fill that gap with events, workshops, and vibrant community programming.

4. Writers and creatives are isolated.
The writing world can feel insular, competitive, and expensive. SE&B will offer accessible, community-first writing resources—without the big price tags or plane tickets.

5. Downtown Hutto needs anchors.
To truly thrive, Hutto's walking district needs businesses that bring steady foot traffic. SE&B will be that anchor—offering events, workshops, and creative experiences beyond brunch.

📍Who We're For

Our physical market includes an estimated 925,200 regular readers in the Austin–Round Rock metro area and 60,000 annual visitors exploring Hutto. We're here for:

• Fiction lovers, fantasy readers, and book club regulars

• Local writers and creatives seeking community

• Young families, educators, and students

• Remote workers craving connection

• Tourists and weekend wanderers

• Adults looking for creative enrichment

   

🌱 What We’ll Offer

At SE&B, everyone is a part of the story—and maybe even a part of someone else’s.

• Themed children’s story hours & literacy programs for all ages

• Free and low-cost tutoring and adult literacy support

• Writing workshops, craft talks, and meetups for all levels

• Events for authors and creatives, including “Mother’s Day Out for Writers”

• Small business skill-building sessions and Main Street collaboration meetups

• Curated books, local goods, and indie merch (with coffee and cozy vibes, of course)

   

💸 Why We’re Raising $40,000

Our total start-up cost is estimated at approximately $80,000. This $40,000 crowdfunding goal helps us take the first big leap:

• Secure our location (deposit + first/last month’s rent)

• Handle essential renovations & setup

• Furnish and decorate the space

• Set up utilities, tech, and POS

• Start curating our opening inventory—with a focus on local and indie authors

We’ve built a smart, adaptable business model with multiple revenue streams—designed for long-term sustainability, not just survival.

👋 Who’s Behind SE&B?

Right now, it’s a team of one (and a village of cheerleaders). I’m Ash L. O’Rourke, a lifelong writer, editor, publishing professional, and community builder. I self-published my first book at 15, and have spent the last two decades helping other writers find their voice.

Career highlights include:

• Editing and coaching authors across genres

• Co-hosting two podcasts: That Pretentious Book Club and The Scripturient Society

• Organizing popular writing retreats through Story Sirens Studio

• Mentoring 60+ writers and freelancers

• Growing a 30,000+ strong online writing community

Now I’m building the literary space I wish I’d had—right here in Hutto.

🎁 Perks & Rewards

To thank you for your support, we’re offering some bookishly awesome rewards:

• ✨ Custom bookmarks and merch

• 🧢 Limited-edition hats

• 📚 A nameplate on a store bookshelf

• 🏆 Your name on our Founding Patrons Wall

   

💛 Every Dollar Tells a Story

Whether you give $5 or $500, you’re helping us open the doors of a space built for curiosity, connection, and creativity. You're helping us plant roots in Hutto’s future—and we couldn't be more grateful.

Thank you for reading, for believing, and for being part of this chapter.

📖 Let’s build something beautiful—together.