A new mobile book accessory shop in Albuquerque is giving readers a fresh way to discover their next favorite title.Intentionally Spicy ABQ offers blind dates with books, reading accessories and novelty gifts for book lovers across genres and formats. Owner and operator Steffani Sanchez-Graves said the business began online as a hobby and has since grown into a mobile pop-up shop appearing at vendor markets and community events.”It started as a stress hobby,” Graves said. “And then the mobile shop just kind of came out of a random idea.”The shop focuses on book-themed accessories and gifts rather than selling traditional bookstore inventory. Its blind date with a book experience invites customers to choose a wrapped book based on clues, adding surprise to the reading experience.Sanchez-Grave said she wants the shop to feel welcoming and inclusive for all kinds of readers.“A new experience, generally speaking, just a fun, welcome, open environment where people can feel like they can be themselves and not feel judged and just enjoy the books that they love,” Graves said. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t read at all, if you listen to audiobooks, if you are a Kindle reader, a physical reader, it doesn’t matter. We love all readers of all ages.”While much of the shop is geared toward adult readers, Graves said it also carries some items for children.She said the response from the Albuquerque community has been enthusiastic, with customers curious about the concept and excited to see something different in the local book scene. Local authors have also expressed interest in joining future pop-up events.The next chance to visit Intentionally Spicy ABQ will be at the Napoli Coffee Summer Market on May 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A new mobile book accessory shop in Albuquerque is giving readers a fresh way to discover their next favorite title.
Intentionally Spicy ABQ offers blind dates with books, reading accessories and novelty gifts for book lovers across genres and formats. Owner and operator Steffani Sanchez-Graves said the business began online as a hobby and has since grown into a mobile pop-up shop appearing at vendor markets and community events.
“It started as a stress hobby,” Graves said. “And then the mobile shop just kind of came out of a random idea.”
The shop focuses on book-themed accessories and gifts rather than selling traditional bookstore inventory. Its blind date with a book experience invites customers to choose a wrapped book based on clues, adding surprise to the reading experience.
Sanchez-Grave said she wants the shop to feel welcoming and inclusive for all kinds of readers.
“A new experience, generally speaking, just a fun, welcome, open environment where people can feel like they can be themselves and not feel judged and just enjoy the books that they love,” Graves said. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t read at all, if you listen to audiobooks, if you are a Kindle reader, a physical reader, it doesn’t matter. We love all readers of all ages.”
While much of the shop is geared toward adult readers, Graves said it also carries some items for children.
She said the response from the Albuquerque community has been enthusiastic, with customers curious about the concept and excited to see something different in the local book scene. Local authors have also expressed interest in joining future pop-up events.
The next chance to visit Intentionally Spicy ABQ will be at the Napoli Coffee Summer Market on May 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
