Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?
Most of the social media is still me! I have an intern helping with the more time-consuming reels, but I set the strategy for each post (is it a single photo, a carousel, or a reel?) and I write the captions. People keep telling me I should delegate this—and someday I might. But for now, it’s one of the best ways for me to stay connected to our customers.
What’s something you do that seems small but makes a huge difference?
Purchase York Peppermint Patties and dog treats—we always have them at the counter, and customers smile when they see them… and their dogs practically drag them through the door!
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
Before I owned a bookstore, I built my life around nonfiction — writing it, speaking about it, and helping others launch their own. So if I weren’t doing this, I’d still be deep in the world of ideas and books, just without a cash register.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Hold your ideas lightly. You can love them without clinging to them — and you can always let them go if they stop serving you.
When did you open (month & year)?
December 2024
Describe your business in three words.
Books, warmth, community.
What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?
I run my bookstore a little like a media company — probably because I spent so many years in media. In our first year, we’ve hosted over 80 events, and we love sharing book content that excites us. When our “Most Anticipated Books of 2026” post hit 1.5 million views on Instagram, it was such a nice reminder that people don’t just come to buy books — they come because they trust our taste and enjoy being part of our community. (Be sure to follow us on Instagram and visit our website for the latest events!)
What’s one thing people often say when they first walk in?
People often say how much they love the scent in the store and ask if we have a candle burning… when it’s just the books!
What is your most popular item?
The most popular book we’ve sold in our first year is You Must Be New Here by my dear friend Katie Sise. It’s especially meaningful because Katie and I have been friends for a long time and have shared this author journey together.
What is something you wish more people knew about you?
I have different parts of my professional life, and each serves a different purpose. The bookstore isn’t about making money for me — breaking even feels like a win! What drives me is my love of books, authors, and this community.
Address: 13 Court Rd, Bedford, NY 10506
Phone number: (914) 688-5857
Website: bedfordbooks.shop
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
