Today we’d like to introduce you to Christin Young.
Hi Christin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path wasn’t a straight line. When I reached a point in my life when my children were in middle and high school, I knew it was time to figure out what going back to work would look like. I wanted to do something that was meaningful, but I also needed the flexibility to be available for my family. I’ve always been more entrepreneurial than suited to a traditional 9-to-5 job, so I started thinking about what I could create.
I grew up in New England and love all of the charming, eclectic gift shops tucked into little towns. They always felt like magical places where you could wander, discover something unexpected, and leave feeling inspired. It should go without saying that books and reading have always been an integral part of my life, so one day it occurred to me: why not combine the two? Why not create a place that celebrates stories while capturing that same sense of wonder?
That idea became Monarch Books & Gifts.
From the beginning, I wanted it to be more than a bookstore. I wanted it to be a place where people could slow down, browse without feeling rushed, discover something they didn’t know they needed, and feel genuinely welcome. And have a good laugh – did I mention I have a wicked sense of humor? – many of our gifts reflect that. Over the years, it has grown into a true community space – one where people gather for events, share recommendations, and connect over a love of books. We also happen to solve all the world’s problems here lol.
I’m very grateful that I get to spend my days surrounded by books, beautiful things, curious people, and meaningful conversations. I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, we’ve definitely had our challenges along the way, but my nature is to find the silver lining in tough situations.
I believe challenges are lessons that are stepping stones that help us become more resilient and lead us to success.
Without giving too much detail (I don’t like giving energy to what we’ve already put behind us), we have dealt with zoning issues not disclosed by the landlord of our first location, covid after finding our second location, fraud, and a corporate chain opening literally up the street from us.
In each situation, we just put our heads down and pushed through. When we had to move, we found a bigger space in a busy shopping center. When covid shut us down, we used those months to build more shelving and thoughtfully expand our collection of curated books and unique gifts. When a significant amount of money was stolen out of our business account, we learned the importance of frequently changing our passwords, logging out of accounts, and never to set up auto pay. When a corporate chain moved up the street, we pivoted to expand our book inventory to include used books.
But the biggest factor that got us through in all of these situations, is the overwhelming support from our community!
During the shutdown, our community shopped through our website. When we experienced fraud, they rallied around us through a GoFundMe. Even with a corporate chain just up the street, they continue to choose us by shopping in-store and online, attending our events and book clubs, donating used books, and voting us Best of KC’s Best Bookstore and Best Place to Buy a Gift for the third year in a row.
Along with a supportive community, I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible staff whose loyalty and dedication mean the world to me, and my family has stood beside me every step of the way. Their belief in Monarch has made all the difference. Because of them, we’ve not only survived, but we’ve continued to grow and thrive!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve never been someone who had a five-year plan or a dream job picked out from childhood. My greatest aspiration was always to be a mom, and I genuinely loved being home with my children while they were growing up. I’m incredibly grateful I had that time with them because those years shaped who I am just as much as a professional career would have.
What I did always have was an entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve always loved creating things, whether it was arts and crafts, dreaming up business ideas, or imagining how to make something ordinary feel a little more special. I’ve always been curious, and I love learning. Looking back, I realize those interests were quietly preparing me for owning a business long before I knew it.
When the time came to start the next chapter of my life, opening Monarch felt like a natural fit. It combined everything I love – books, creativity, lifelong learning, and creating beautiful, welcoming spaces where people feel inspired to explore. I didn’t set out to build the biggest bookstore. I simply wanted to build a place that people would love to visit while at the same time earn a decent income where I can pay bills, save for retirement, help my kids out, and take a vacation once in a while. The fact that it’s grown into such a meaningful part of the community is something I’ll always be grateful for.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I absolutely have a village and Monarch wouldn’t exist without it!
It’s easy to look at a small business and assume there’s one person behind it, but that’s rarely the case. My support system has been made up of family, friends, incredible employees, fellow women business owners, and, of course, our customers and community.
My children have always been my biggest inspiration. They’ve encouraged me, believed in me, and reminded me why I wanted to build something meaningful in the first place – I want to leave a legacy that they will be proud of. My mom and my aunt have been constant sources of wisdom and encouragement. Friends who have let me cry to them when I didn’t think I could go on and helped me get back up. My husband has supported every crazy idea I’ve ever dreamed up and was essential in bringing all of them to life from the very first minute I shared this dream with him, Even my ex-husband has been someone that has been in my corner.
They staff with their loyalty, creativity, and genuine care for our customers have helped make Monarch what it is. They don’t just work here – all of the employees, past and present, are a part of the heart of the store.
I’ve also been fortunate to meet some remarkable women in business who have shared advice, celebrated successes, and taught me some hard lessons. All of which have contributed to the growth of my business acumen.
And then there’s our community. They’ve shown up for us through every challenge and every celebration. They’ve become more than customers – they’ve become friends, neighbors, and part of the Monarch family.
If this journey has taught me anything, it’s that none of us succeeds alone. Behind every small business is a village of people who believe in it long before everyone else does, and I will never stop being grateful for mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://monarchbooksandgifts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarchinkc/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/monarchinkc
