Skip to main content

Swoon Books and Wine

A Place to Shamelessly Indulge in What Brings You Joy.

$11,960
pledged of$60,000 goal
77
0Days Left

Project Description

THE PLACE

Swoon is a place to indulge. For too long people, particularly women, have been shamed for finding joy in what has been perceived as too feminine, too smutty, or too bold. Whether it is a queer romance novel, an erotic suspense, or a frothy rom-com, these are the books that we have been hiding under our beds or quietly slipping into a friend’s bag since we were teens. It is time to tear the cover off and shamelessly indulge in what we love- with a glass of good wine in hand. 

 

In the past two years, the United States went from having two dedicated romance brick-and-mortar bookstores to more than 20. Though this trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down, romance lovers from Dayton, Ohio have to drive to Chicago, Illinois or Louisville, Kentucky to find a store just for them. What’s worse, none of these stores include what every woman needs with a good book: a wine bar. Curated by our Certified Sommelier, our bar will feature wine, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages hand-picked to compliment our romantic vibes. 

 

Swoon is more than a bookstore- it’s a place for relaxing, gathering, or just enjoying a drink after a long day. Every neighborhood needs a cozy place to pass the time with someone or something you love, and Swoon is the place for our Oakwood community to come spend some time with a book, a drink, and each other. 

 

By combining every woman’s two great loves, wine and romance books, Swoon will become the Midwest’s go-to destination for shamelessly indulging in what brings you joy. 

 

THE PEOPLE

Swoon is the lovechild of Co-Owners Lauren Gay and Lindsay Woodruff. 

 

CMS Certified Sommelier and mega wine nerd Lauren is the top name in the game for a good time and a good drink in the Dayton area; as the owner and operator of Joui Wine and the wine director for Tender Mercy, Sueño, and Dōzo, Lauren has perfected the art of a beverage menu. 

 

Lindsay is the founder and owner of Maraluna and holds nine years of independent retail management and small business ownership experience. As a professional Shopgirl, Lindsay has dedicated her career to curating a memorable in-store experience and still believes in the magic of brick-and-mortar. 

 

THE PITCH

Lauren and Lindsay have a game plan to create a Swoon-worthy experience, but need a little help to get there. Building a bar from scratch takes some, well, scratch. Two of the biggest expenses include plumbing in a second bathroom (a requirement to obtain our liquor permit) and the bar itself, including all the necessary equipment to keep your champagne ice cold and your glassware squeaky clean. 

 

But we believe in the power of community, and in addition to some small business loans and good old-fashioned elbow grease (painting party, anyone?), we would love to have our community’s support to help us create our dream space with as little debt as possible so we can pour our love and energy into making you Swoon. 

 

Our fundraising goal is $60,000, roughly 18% of the total estimated cost for construction, equipment, point of sale systems, inventory, and other start-up costs. Anything we raise above and beyond our goal will go directly to creating a more beautiful, immersive experience for our community! 

 

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • When will I get my reward? At this time, we are planning on fulfilling all rewards by our anticipated opening date on February 14, 2025. Of course, sometimes small businesses move at the speed of government, or the contractor, or liquor control, or any one of the moving pieces that aren't in our control. If our opening or your reward are delayed for any reason, we will contact you as soon as possible. 
  • I can't financially support you at this time. Is there another way to help? Of course! For small businesses, word of mouth is EVERYTHING! Please tell your friends and neighbors, share our campaign and social media links, and come join us when we open! 
  • Will you have nonalcoholic drinks? Yes! Co-owner Lauren is a Certified Sommelier and expert in all things boozy, but we love and support our friends who don't drink and want to make sure everyone feels welcome so we will have a tasty selection of NA beverages for all to enjoy! 
  • Can my bookclub, knitting circle, etc. meet at your space? Absolutely! Swoon is a place to shamelessly indulge in what brings you joy, whether that is a good book, a fine glass of wine, a great knitting pattern, or any other activity. Once we open our doors, we would love to host you- just get a hold of us with the date you have in mind so we can be sure we are able to accomodate you! 
  • So you're a bar- is Swoon 21+? While we will have a wine bar, we are first and foremost a bookstore. We love our spicy content but understand it's not for everyone, so we will also have a great selection of YA and New Adult books for teens, young adults, and those who prefer their romance closed-door. 
  • Will there be snacks? Ooh, we can tell you're our people. Of course there will be snacks! While we do not have a kitchen at Swoon, we will have a fabulous rotating selection of grab-and-go snackies and treats from some of our favorite local makers and bakers. 
  • I don't live in Ohio. It's okay, no one is perfect. :) While Swoon will be focused on creating an incredible in-house experience for our guests, if you aren't local and still want to support our campaign we are happy to ship any of our tangible rewards. You are also welcome to gift your experiential reward to a local friend or family member, or choose the "Monetary Donation" tier to bypass a reward. 
  • What sizes will apparel be available in? We currently plan on stocking sizes XS through 4XL for tees and sweatshirts, but we will personally reach out to all of our supporters who are receiving apparel items as a reward. If you need a different size, we've got you covered! 

 

 

PSE
12/31/2024
Alisha Rai Club
$50
Camille
12/25/2024
Lisa Kleypas Club
$30
12/17/2024
Callie Hart Club
$10
Dani Galliaro
12/04/2024
Lisa Kleypas Club
$30
Sarah B
11/30/2024
Courtney Milan Club
$150
Meg
11/28/2024
Lisa Kleypas Club
$30
Megan G.
11/26/2024
Callie Hart Club
$10
Kayla and Kat Petty
11/25/2024
Julia Quinn Club
$1,000
11/22/2024
Julia Quinn Club
$1,000
Kenedie Oshel
11/22/2024
Callie Hart Club
$10
10.00 USD
Callie Hart Club

A thank you, a high five, and a Swoon sticker! 

10 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Lisa Kleypas Club

A thank you, a high five, and a Swoon tote bag! 

24 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Alisha Rai Club

A thank you, a high five, and a Swoon wine key! 

10 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Tessa Dare Club

A thank you, a high five, and a Swoon tee shirt! 

13 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
Courtney Milan Club

A thank you, a high five, a Swoon tee shirt, a Swoon tote bag, and a sticker! 

7 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
Laura London Club

A thank you, a high five, a Swoon sweatshirt, and a Swoon tote bag! 

1 Supporter
Select this reward
400.00 USD
Alyssa Cole Club

A Swoon tee shirt, Swoon tote bag, and an invitate to our VIP sneak preview party! 

2 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Jackie Lau Club

An invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, plus a handwoven scarf made by Lindsay! 

0 Supporters
Select this reward
750.00 USD
Tessa Bailey Club

A private wine tasting party with Lauren, plus an invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party! 

2 Supporters
Select this reward
900.00 USD
Alexis Daria Club

An inviation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, plus custom artwork of YOU on a vintage romance novel cover hanging on the walls at Swoon! 

0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Julia Quinn Club

An invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, custom artwork of YOU on a vintage romance novel cover hanging on the walls at Swoon, and an invtation to our exclusive thank you dinner! 

3 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
Beverly Jenkins Club

Sponsor our bathroom! One of our biggest expenses will be installing a second bathroom, as required to obtain our liquor permit. We will decorate the bathroom themed to YOUR favorite romance novel and let you name it! Plus, get an invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, custom artwork of YOU on a vintage romance novel cover hanging on the walls of Swoon, and an invitation to our exclusive thank you dinner! 

1 Supporter
Select this reward
5,000.00 USD
Sarah J. Maas Club

Host your next private event in our store- we will provide the food and drinks, you just show up! Plus, get an invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, custom artwork of YOU on a vintage romance novel cover hanging on the walls at Swoon, and an invtation to our exclusive thank you dinner! 

0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Oakwood, OH
Created 1 Campaign
Lifestyle

Rewards

10.00 USD
Callie Hart Club

A thank you, a high five, and a Swoon sticker! 

10 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Lisa Kleypas Club

A thank you, a high five, and a Swoon tote bag! 

24 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Alisha Rai Club

A thank you, a high five, and a Swoon wine key! 

10 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Tessa Dare Club

A thank you, a high five, and a Swoon tee shirt! 

13 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
Courtney Milan Club

A thank you, a high five, a Swoon tee shirt, a Swoon tote bag, and a sticker! 

7 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
Laura London Club

A thank you, a high five, a Swoon sweatshirt, and a Swoon tote bag! 

1 Supporter
Select this reward
400.00 USD
Alyssa Cole Club

A Swoon tee shirt, Swoon tote bag, and an invitate to our VIP sneak preview party! 

2 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Jackie Lau Club

An invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, plus a handwoven scarf made by Lindsay! 

0 Supporters
Select this reward
750.00 USD
Tessa Bailey Club

A private wine tasting party with Lauren, plus an invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party! 

2 Supporters
Select this reward
900.00 USD
Alexis Daria Club

An inviation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, plus custom artwork of YOU on a vintage romance novel cover hanging on the walls at Swoon! 

0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Julia Quinn Club

An invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, custom artwork of YOU on a vintage romance novel cover hanging on the walls at Swoon, and an invtation to our exclusive thank you dinner! 

3 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
Beverly Jenkins Club

Sponsor our bathroom! One of our biggest expenses will be installing a second bathroom, as required to obtain our liquor permit. We will decorate the bathroom themed to YOUR favorite romance novel and let you name it! Plus, get an invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, custom artwork of YOU on a vintage romance novel cover hanging on the walls of Swoon, and an invitation to our exclusive thank you dinner! 

1 Supporter
Select this reward
5,000.00 USD
Sarah J. Maas Club

Host your next private event in our store- we will provide the food and drinks, you just show up! Plus, get an invitation to our VIP Sneak Preview Party, custom artwork of YOU on a vintage romance novel cover hanging on the walls at Swoon, and an invtation to our exclusive thank you dinner! 

0 Supporters
Select this reward