Gather Books & Lovely Things

Gather Books & Lovely Things is more than a small business — we are an artfully curated literary hub rooted in connection, creativity, and positive change. We are values-centric and truly live our mission of “Fostering self-love and acceptance via meaningful experiences in community-minded spaces.”

Gather is proud to be nominated for the Squamish Chamber Small Business award 3.5 years into our Squamish journey. We are proof that small businesses can have a big impact.

Winning this award would mean the world to our hardworking team and would prove that that inclusive spaces are invaluable to Squamish's business community.

Thank you for this opportunity to brag about our achievements!

Over the past year alone, we have celebrated many wins across areas of main criteria for the Small Business Award:

GROWTH & LEADERSHIP

Gather Books & Lovely Things is consistently growing in an industry that is considered endangered.

In 2025 alone:

• We started a non-profit called the Gather Literary Society to increase access to diverse books
  • In year one, we've funded projects with donations and merch sales, and donated hundreds of diverse books
• We launched an innovative Read & Return program to widen our customer base and actively participate in the circular economy
  • In our first months of the program almost 200 nearly new books have resold
• We've made our products more accessible with the implementation of audiobook sales via Libro FM
• We launched a corporate gifting program – creating meaningful connections with larger companies
• We adapted our leadership model to business and key talent needs – splitting core roles across part-time Managers
  • This model allows for an array of perspectives on all projects, leverages our managers' skillsets and increases collective joy
  • It means we've stacked our team with highly talented professionals who aren't keen to work full-time
  • It allows for work/life balance and makes space for (owner) Julie to consistently reflect and plan
• Owner Julie Wilkins has been invited to speak on building community in the literary sector around the province, and to tour with the BC Yukon Book Prizes as an award-nominated Author
  • These experiences have yielded insights for business betterment and showcase Julie as an up-and-coming leader in her field

“It starts at the top, and I believe in the law of attraction. It's lovely to contribute and be in the excellent company of a mindful business like Gather—a beautiful testimonial, Julie, that speaks volumes to what you and the team have created over the years.” – Gather team member

“Such a beautiful space, intentionally created and held by welcoming humans. Best book selection for kids and adults alike. It's a gem.” – 5 star Google Review

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