Hello!
If you like comics, books, games and writing you might want to keep reading…
I’m looking at opening a comics / graphic novels / book store (with some other odds and ends) and writer’s workshop space on 16th, off Valencia St***. I’ve thought a lot about it and decided this is the right place and the right time to get the ball rolling. I have a little cash I can put towards opening, but it’s definitely not going to be enough. So here I am…
Okay so, technically this is the *first* time I am asking for your financial support, but it might not be the last (heh). Well okay, hopefully it is. But you never know what the future holds. I’ll try to be optimistic. (That’s why my funding goal is so high!)
So why support this endeavor, you ask? Well I suppose that really depends on your level of interest. If you’re an LGBT+ creative who’s been looking for a space to work, or an audience to read your lit/poetry/etc or simply a fan of indie comics and books, this might be worth tossing a few bucks at.
Call me crazy, but I think it’s important for us to have spaces for the LGBT+ community that are also run and sponsored BY members of the LGBT+ community. I know there’s a lot of us here in San Francisco, but there is a limited number of businesses (besides nightclubs/bars) that are run exclusively by us. I don’t know the exact statistics, but I know for sure that leadership in comic book stores are primarily dudes, and if you think that should change, perhaps consider donating?
I calculated what I think would be the most helpful for one full year’s worth of operating expenses and got a pretty shocking number. The start-up is probably about $45k alone, and then rent, bills, keeping inventory stocked… Well, it’s daunting to say the least. I’ve edited this particular portion, and gone over these numbers several times and let’s just say my initial confidence has waned slightly, but I won’t let that stop me. I’m just going to extend my timeline a little bit.
More details from my business plan are in the link, so if you’re curious, please have a look there! And please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at all (or suggestions!).
I can be reached by DM on @sourcherrycomics or by email, sourcherrycomics@gmail.com
Thanks for reading!
XOXO, Leah
** Edit: I originally intended to open on the first location I looked at but the owners were unwilling to work with me on a reasonable pricing for rent and demanded all tenants install their own flooring. Very upsetting but it looks like the block of empty commercial spots at 14th and Valencia will stay defunct for another 10 years. If you agree that this is shameful, consider writing to Mayor Breed about the blight of all these empty commercial units in the city.