In 2002, Belinda Bledsoe decided to open a used bookstore in Hendersonville. Little did she know that 10 years later with new trends in recycling and repurposing, her store would be Hendersonville’s buzzword. Situated on Gallatin Road in a cute little cottage right in the middle of town, you can rest assured that you will see a parking lot full of cars as customers hustle and bustle around Ms. B’s Used Bookstore.

Originally from Georgia and with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Bledsoe decided to make a complete change from her educational background and follow her artistic calling. After moving to Tennessee, Bledsoe worked a few years in the book and music industry – in retail and in purchasing. This is when she discovered that she had a great love for the arts, music and people who purchase books.

A few short years later, Bledsoe was opening her own shop – Ms. B’s Used Books & CD’s. For 10 years now, Ms. B’s has been serving not only Hendersonville customers, but a customer base that comes from nearby towns as well. Ms. B’s, however, is the only used bookstore in Hendersonville. Don’t be fooled by the outside of the building. One may think at first glance that the building is a small, Handsel and Gretel styled cottage, but once inside the doors, it is easy to see the hallways meander and wind back through several rooms filled with lots of books and interesting items.

If you enjoy reading, you will certainly find plenty from which to choose at Ms. B’s. In addition, if you like unique and interesting pieces of art or random memorabilia such as movie posters or games, you may just happen upon a rare find at Ms. B’s. Walking around Bledsoe’s shop, one may see a vintage scrabble game board, old movies, vintage vinyl records or even new books that are still in their original wrappers. One never knows what may be hiding behind the door of Ms. B’s little (big) cottage.

Belinda Bledsoe (left) and Employee Amy Rouyer (right)

Bledsoe also supports local artists by selling their work in Ms. B’s. One may find a variety of acrylic paintings or handmade greeting cards.

“Not only do we sell books and CD’s, but we trade, give credit or cash for these items, too,” says Bledsoe. “Most of the time our books and CD’s are ½ to ¼ less than regular retailers. Customers remark to me frequently that we have great prices.”

Ms. B’s Used Books & CD’s also sells a selection of required reading for schools. Bledsoe tries to keep those books in stock and offers them at discounted prices. Along with school books, Bledsoe also carries books that are in high demand, such as teen fiction books including “The Hunger Games” trilogy.

“The high demand books sell out quickly since I have repeat customers who shop with us on a regular basis to find new releases at reasonable prices. Books that pertain to regional history are also very popular. They sell out almost as soon as we get them,” remarks Bledsoe.

In addition to the unique items that Ms. B’s carries, Bledsoe also offers the usual books that one would typically find in a used bookstore including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, cookbooks, art books, spiritual books, history books, craft books and a variety of media such as DVD’s, CD’s, Blue Ray, vinyl record and audio books.

“The first few years I operated the business by myself with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. I currently have three employees who work with me. Carissa, Amy and Josh are a huge part of my success. Every single person who works for me takes ownership – each one is a gift. I don’t deserve to have such nice people work with me. We love each other and get along great,” Bledsoe says with a smile of gratitude.

Not only does Ms. B’s have regular customers who shop one to four times a week, but Bledsoe also has a lot of new customers including folks who even come from outlying towns to shop at Ms. B’s.

“I often hear customers who are in town on a visit say, ‘The first thing I wanted to do when I came to Hendersonville was go to Ms. B’s Used Books,’” states Bledsoe. “One of the biggest compliments was one time a mom told me that the incentive she used for her children to clean their bedrooms was treating them with a trip to Ms. B’s afterwards. It is a big compliment to know that kids want to come here and that they look forward to it.”

Two factors that are very important to Bledsoe in her personal and professional pursuits are recycling and supporting local businesses. “People are more environmentally aware and open minded about used books during this economic time. I am very proud to be a green business. With so many individuals and families recycling and repurposing these days, used books are a large part of that market. Aside from selling and trading used books, when paperback books are falling apart and are no longer readable, we take them to recycle centers. I attribute the green concept to the longevity of my store,” says Bledsoe.

Bledsoe is not only passionate about her own business, but about other local businesses as well. “I really, really care about local businesses, not only mine, but everything local. I think the world is getting so corporate that towns are all staring to look alike. That is one benefit of being a small, independently owned business – it makes us unique. It is so important to support our local businesses.”

Bledsoe and her staff invite you to visit Ms. B’s and see what unique treasures you may find. Ms. B’s Used Books & CD’s is open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and  10 a.m. until  5 p.m. on Saturday at 330 West Main Street in Hendersonville. Look for extended hours in the spring. Check out their Facebook page at Ms. B’s Used Books & CD’s.