Inspiring Conversations with Hillary Holmes of The Gilded Spine

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hillary Holmes.

Hillary, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It started with a simple, quiet observation. In a world that often feels relentlessly loud and complex, we crave a place to escape. My escape was always found between the pages of a great work of fiction. Sinking into a comfy chair, a perfectly poured glass of something wonderful in hand, and opening a book that promised to take me far away from the noise of the day. Those moments are more than a habit—they are a lifeline.

But I noticed that the joy of a good story was often a solitary one, and the enjoyment of a good glass of wine was a social one. Why couldn’t we have both? Isn’t that what a great bookclub does?

Sparked by the desire to bring these two forms of escape and connection together, I decided to launch The Gilded Spine. It was a vision of a space that was both a sanctuary and a celebration. A place where you could lose yourself in a book, then look up to find a friend, a book club, or even a future collaborator, all ready to discuss the worlds you’ve just visited.

Now, I’m combining my 2 decades of hospitality (yes I was serving guests before I could drive) with this passion for literature to create a unique haven for book dragons of every stripe, spot, color, and scale. With our space secure, all we have to do now is BUILD! (and get a few more licensees/permits comleted.)

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think every entrepreneur knows sharing their ideas and generating startup funds are definitely the trickier parts of building a business. I had ideas that sounded great to me, but who else would support this? Where could I build the true community I wanted?

To build the community hub, we would need a space. I started with a dream list of potential sites around town, and watched as they were one-by-one leased by others while we waited to have the funds to make our bold moves- but now – we have our site, we are actively in construction- and KNOW it was the right one waiting for us.

We will continue to build our investment capital, and keep popping up around town with our bookshelves in tow, until the whole community is prepared to take a step into our doors! Ensuring the community is ready for our opening and aware we are building is our next BIG challenge to overcome!

We’ve been impressed with The Gilded Spine, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Gilded Spine is a future bookstore and wine bar, set to become your ultimate haven for all things literary and lovely. Imagine a cozy space where the enticing aroma of books blends with the subtle notes of fine wine, and every corner invites you to settle in with a compelling story and the perfect glass. We’re curating a collection that spans the entire fictional world – from heartwarming romance to thrilling sci-fi, captivating dystopian tales to epic fantasy. And to complement your literary journey, we’ll be serving up simply delectable shareable plates and exceptional beverages.

But The Gilded Spine is more than just books and wine; it’s a place where new friendships are forged over shared literary tastes, where conversations spark late into the evening, and where every visit feels like a new, exciting chapter. We’re building a vibrant community hub dedicated to fostering connections and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a solo reader seeking solace, a book club looking for your perfect meeting spot, or a book dragon searching for your home, you’ll find it here. Expect engaging author events, lively themed trivia nights, and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates readers, authors, and the entire community. Come discover your next favorite book, your new favorite pour, and hopefully your favorite people at The Gilded Spine.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Unbreakable Optimism! I am the forever sunshine and rainbows individual who uses the optimism within me to find creative solutions to challenges and take risks based on the potential I see. I believed in myself and my business idea long before I shared it with the world! I will always find the silver lining – and bring my positivity to every situation- ensuring that even setbacks or losses are a way to learn and build into something better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gildedspinewinebar.com
• Instagram: @the.gilded.spine
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.gilded.spine