She Turned Her VW Truck Into a Bookstore: ‘I’ve Never Felt More Fulfilled!’
Her love of books sparked a portable romance bookstore—and an uplifting way for women to make friends
Key Takeaways
- Stephanie Pao traded her unfulfilling marketing job to follow her passion for books.
- She turned a vintage VW pickup into "The Fleuria," a hit mobile romance bookstore.
- Her Audiobook Walking Club helps women exercise, relax, and make new best friends.
When book lover Stephanie Pao’s job left her feeling unfulfilled, she took a leap of faith and started a portable romance book truck and launched an audiobook walking club. Not only is she now living her dream, but she’s helping women to meet, read, walk and make new friendships. Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.
“There’s got to be a better way,” Stephanie Pao sighed, frustrated after another long day at work.
She’d been in the marketing field for many years, but was always dealing in products and services that she never felt passionate about. Maybe one day I can market something that excites me.
Giving it some deep thought, Stephanie zeroed in on what she would love to be doing. I’ve always loved books! What if I opened a bookstore? she pondered.
Then one day, she was walking along the beach and saw a vintage VW truck. It sparked an idea. I could get a truck and have a portable bookstore! her spirit cried.
Expanding the dream
She soon found a vintage VW pickup on Facebook Marketplace that was already restored by the seller. He was so excited about the idea of it being a bookstore that he even helped build and design the bookshelves.
After stocking up on books from distributors, she was ready to open her business, which she named The Fleuria.
She began posting about her journey on social media and her website and sharing dates and locations. Then Stephanie started parking the romance bookstore on wheels all over Los Angeles and Long Beach.
When the first event attracted over 100 people, she knew she was on to something.
As the popularity grew, Stephanie got another idea. An audiobook walking club could help people meet new friends while walking along the beach listening to their favorite books, she brainstormed.
Stephanie used to love audiobooks when she was a kid, borrowing them from the library on cassette tapes. During the pandemic, walking became one of her favorite pastimes, so the thought of combining the two seemed like a win.
She began promoting the Audiobook Walking Club on her website by taking RSVPs. Before she knew it, nearly 100 folks signed up. She was shocked and excited for the new venture. This is so amazing, Stephanie thought to herself.
A whole new chapter
Now, Stephanie hosts as many as three walks per month in the South Bay, Redondo Beach, Long Beach and Hollywood areas.
Those who sign up enjoy the free experience by meeting up for coffee beforehand, then heading out in a line with headphones on to listen to their own audiobook while enjoying the fresh air, exercise and companionship.
“It’s a nice little mental escape,” one woman says with a smile.
“I’ve been into audiobooks for years, so this is great!” another fan exclaims.
“I’ve read over 750 audiobooks now!”
As another perk, Stephanie hosts some of her favorite authors for events, book release parties, panel discussions, book fairs and dinners.
Her plans include opening a stationery bookstore out of an Airstream trailer, which is already in the works, and expanding the Audiobook Walking Club around the country, with other hosts leading walks in other cities.
“It’s never too late to try something new and different,” beams Stephanie. “I’ve never felt more fulfilled, and I’ve met the most amazing readers, walkers and authors along the way. I’ve gained so much confidence and joy, and I’ve learned your job can actually be fun!”
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