Rachel Zemanek always envisioned owning a bookstore, but it was a “retirement goal.” Life, however, had other plans. After a family tragedy and a career-ending injury as a paramedic in North Carolina, Rachel found herself drawn back to her Northern Michigan roots and the comforting presence of water. Less than two months after returning home, she opened The Folded Leaf, a new and used bookstore in Cedar.

“I wanted to create a space that is warm and welcoming and accepting, and somewhere where there’s no pressure to purchase anything and folks can just hang out. It’s a third space,” said Rachel.

The Folded Leaf is more than just a place to buy books. It’s a vibrant community hub, offering local art, live music, and a welcoming space for people to connect. Rachel’s vision was to combine her love of nature and books, an inspiration evident in the store’s name and logo, and create a welcoming environment for all.

Despite her extensive background in project management and journalism, Rachel embarked on this entrepreneurial journey with no retail or bookstore experience. She knew she needed guidance to bring her dream to fruition, especially with a tight six-week timeline from signing the lease to her goal to open the doors on Independent Bookstore Day.

Rachel connected with the Michigan SBDC’s Northwest Region office in Traverse City. She was paired with Business Consultant Joni Krolczyk, who provided confidential consulting with business plan development and market research. Joni helped Rachel develop a comprehensive business plan that proved instrumental in securing a substantial private equity loan. The investors were so impressed with the thoroughness of the plan that they told Rachel she “raised the bar on their expectations for business plans.”

“It’s been a great experience with tremendous support, guidance and encouragement. I could not have curated the depth of the business plan and thought process without Joni’s help.” “I really credit so much to my relationship with her and the Michigan SBDC,” Rachel shared.

With the loan and her own funds, Rachel has successfully launched The Folded Leaf, creating three jobs and significantly enhancing the local economy of Cedar, a small rural community. She’s added live music to the mix, and what started with one live music event per week has quickly grown to two due to popular demand. The business also has exciting plans to enhance its outdoor patio area, working with a landscape architect to create a common area that benefits both the business and the town.

When asked what advice she would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, Rachel offered: “Do it scared. It is terrifying to open a business and to take that leap… Make sure no matter what business you’re trying to open or an opportunity you’re trying to give to your community, that you connect with people who not only support your vision, but will help you enhance it.”

The Folded Leaf’s story is a testament to the power of passion, community and strategic support. Rachel’s dedication to creating a beloved “third space” in her hometown, combined with expert guidance from the Michigan SBDC, has turned a personal dream into a thriving community asset.