Leechburg native returns home to open bookstore/gift shop
Lindsey Smith has a way with words.
The Leechburg native embraced writing and English from a young age, and now she’s using her decades of experience in the publishing industry with her latest venture: a bookstore and gift shop opening soon in downtown Leechburg.
One Idea Books & Gifts will host a “Tiny but Grand Opening” from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at 244 Market St.
Smith, 34, lives in Lancaster and has penned eight books, including “Eat Your Feelings” and “Junk Foods & Junk Moods: Stop Craving and Start Living.”
A nationally recognized health coach, author, speaker, publisher and blogger, Smith said opening a bookshop in her hometown was an easy decision.
“I love books. I thought, ‘It would be cool to own a bookshop.’ This is the only place it could happen,” said Smith of choosing Leechburg over Lancaster.
She visits Leechburg often. Her parents, the late Chuck Smith and her mother, Debbie Smith, opened Chuck Smith Flooring on Market Street. It’s in its 36th year of business.
Smith has worked in virtually every facet of the publishing industry.
“I’ve helped over 1,000 others write and publish books as well,” Smith said.
A 2006 graduate of Leechburg Area High School, Smith earned a marketing and public relations degree from Duquesne University in 2009.
“English was my favorite subject, and I loved Student Council. Both of those things shaped what I do now,” Smith said.
She co-owns One Idea Press and Get It Done Productions with Alexandra Franzen, who lives in Hawaii.
One Idea Press is a female-owned, independent press.
Her company is social media- free, a rarity in today’s digital business world.
Smith spent countless hours in her parents’ business, which is next door to her new bookshop.
“I feel like I learned my entrepreneurial spirit from him because I would go on sales appointments with my dad,” Smith said. “This has really brought our family together.”
Her father died in 2012. Her mother is happy to have her daughter a bit closer and visiting more often.
“It’s always great to see another business open up in Leechburg, but this one is special to me,” Debbie Smith said. “It’s great to see her carry on the entrepreneurial spirit, but in her own way.”
The soft opening will include Lilly Belle the dog, who will be doing pup “readings” for customers by pulling an inspirational card for each attending guest from the store’s signature “Pup Talks Oracle Deck.”
Smith plans to have a whimsical mural installed this week on one of the store walls, depicting the idea of beginning with one idea that sparks another idea.
Other design plans include oversized book benches in the building that features the original wide-plank floors dating to 1910.
For Smith, opening the business fulfills a lifelong dream of owning an independent bookstore.
“I want it to be fun, and we’re focusing a lot on women authors,” Smith said.
Gifts for sale will include candles, pencils, stationery, books and Leechburg nostalgia items.
“I really want this to be a destination,” Smith said. “I want people to be so excited about coming to visit.”
After the soft opening, Smith plans to offer pop-up hours during the holidays. Beginning in January, it will be open three days a week.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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