Inside The Charleston Bookstore That Hosts Walking Tours, Best-Selling Authors, And Book Lovers

Key Concepts

• Buxton Books & Tour Charleston: A combined bookstore and tour company in Charleston, co-owned by Polly and Julian Buxton.
• Power of Storytelling: A central theme connecting the bookstore, author events, book sales, conversations, and tours.
• Entrepreneurship: The journey of starting and growing a small business, including taking leaps of faith and adapting to change.
• Community Connection: The goal of both the bookstore and tours to spark connection, foster learning, and bring people together.
• American Express Shop Small Resource Hub: A resource for small businesses offering trends, insights, and support for strategic growth.
• "Work Smarter, Not Harder": A strategic approach to business growth, leveraging resources and insights to optimize efforts.

Buxton Books and Tour Charleston: A Story of Connection and Entrepreneurship

This video highlights the journey and philosophy of Buxton Books and Tour Charleston, a business founded on the principle that "books connect us." Co-owners Polly and Julian Buxton share their story, emphasizing the pervasive power of storytelling in all aspects of their enterprise, from author events and book sales to customer conversations and their guided tours.

The Genesis of Buxton Books

Polly Buxton initially dismissed the idea of having a "work dream," but confided in Julian about her lifelong aspiration to own a bookstore. Two years after they met, Julian surprised Polly by calling her from what would become Buxton Books. Despite Polly being a "reluctant entrepreneur," they took a "leap of faith" and opened the bookstore, building it "one book at a time."

Tour Charleston: Expanding the Narrative

Julian Buxton, who started Tour Charleston over 30 years ago, shares that his tour company operates on similar themes: sparking connection, learning about Charleston, and bringing the community together. The bookstore and tour company are intrinsically linked.

The Ghost of Charleston Tour

A key offering is the "Ghost of Charleston Tour," the "Signature tour," which is directly based on a book written by Julian. This tour departs from the bookstore, leading participants through the streets to various historical sites. The tour culminates in the "magical place" of the 1772 Unitarian graveyard, promising "history, mystery, and wonder."

Consistent Growth and Future Strategy

Buxton Books has experienced "consistent growth every year" for the past 10 years. Recognizing the ever-changing business landscape, Polly and Julian are looking towards their "next chapter" with a focus on working "smarter, not harder."

Leveraging American Express Resources

Polly expresses her newfound appreciation for the support American Express offers small businesses, particularly through the "American Express Shop Small Resource hub." She highlights its value in providing "trends and insights" that help businesses like theirs decide where to focus their resources for optimal growth. She notes that small business owners are often so consumed by daily operations that they may not be aware of available support systems. The resource hub is described as an "extraordinary resource" that she strongly encourages other small businesses to utilize.

Conclusion

Buxton Books and Tour Charleston exemplifies how a passion for storytelling and a commitment to community can drive entrepreneurial success. Their journey from a shared dream to a thriving business underscores the importance of connection, learning, and strategic adaptation. By embracing resources like the American Express Shop Small Resource hub, they are positioning themselves for continued growth and impact, aiming to "work smarter, not harder" in their next phase.