I’m Woman of the Year??? What???

I’m Still a Little Speechless!

I’ve spent a lot of time finding the right words for other people’s stories. This week, I’ve had a hard time finding them for my own.

I was named Woman of the Year by the Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce. Even writing that sentence feels a little unreal.

When I started From the Ground Up Books & Resources, I wanted to build more than a place to buy books. I wanted a place where people could find a story they needed, meet someone new, share their own work, or simply feel welcome. That idea has grown into bookstores in La Grange and Shepherdsville, Pinkies Out Tea Parlor, workshops, events, publishing projects, and a whole lot of conversations that begin with, “What if we tried this?”

Some days, running a small business is wonderful. Some days, it’s hard. Most days, it’s both.

This award means so much because it recognizes the work behind what our community sees when it walks through the door.

And it has never been just my work.

Eric Calvert, Velena Zurschmeide, Lora Tincher, Jeff Lemarr, Kit Acree, Becca Zadorozhnyy, Jesse Tincher, Kim Borders, Devin Flener, Missy Steier, Emily Lawson, and Jennifer Vance have each helped bring this place to life. Jennifer Edwards and Rolling Scone Bakery have been part of the experience we’re building, too. I’m grateful for their talent, their ideas, and all the ways they show up.

I’m also grateful to the people of Bullitt County and Oldham County who have welcomed us. You’ve come to events, told friends about us, brought your families in, and supported local writers and makers. Earlier this year, From the Ground Up was named Best Bookstore in Best of Kentucky. Now this. I’m trying to take a moment to let it all sink in.

To the Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce, thank you for this honor. To everyone who has supported me, my team, and these bookstores, thank you for believing there’s room for places like ours.

I’m still a little stunned, but I’m not finished. There are more stories to tell and more ways for our communities to be part of what comes next.

I’m just getting started.

Thank you all so much! - Lynn