Joy Rhodes of Clarkdale on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Joy Rhodes. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Joy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently moved into my new house, and it has the perfect yard for gardening. So my most recently love outside of the shop, it getting my yard ready to plant flowers and veggies and have it be a nice, inviting place to be. Living my best Hobbit life!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?

Hello, my name is Joy and I am the owner of Stardust Books which is a Clarkdale, AZ based independent bookshop
that features new and used books. I share a space with my business partner Kylee Bell, who owns
Copper Cactus Coffee and Gifts (which specializes in coffee &
local artist gifts.)
We first started this with the vision of a quiet little bookshop with coffee and a few local artist, but it has quickly grown into something more then we imagined.

I wanted to create a community space for people to
gather, chat, read, drink coffee, and feel connected! A place
free of judgment, with a diverse selection for everyone to
choose from. A home away from home if you will and I do think we are well on our way to achieving that.

Now Stardust Books is more than just a bookstore – it’s a community. We believe in the power of small businesses to support one another, we are big supporters of indie authors and we often have them in for signings and readings. We’re proud to showcase our local artisans and creators. With each purchase, you’re not just acquiring a book or a trinket – you’re supporting a dream, a passion, or a talent.

What we have to offer:
Book Clubs: Book Sniffers Society & Silent Book Club
Storytime for kids
Local and Indie Author Spotlight & Book Signings
A wide array of diverse titles and authors
The Book Vault- With fun Bank History
The Spice Rack
Book Boxes

My new goal is to be a hub for indie authors. We already offer many wonderful, diverse indie titles in the shop, but I am always happy to get more. I feel it goes hand in hand with being a small business that helps support other small businesses. Indie supporting indie!

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My children. They have taught me so much, not only about how I see my self. But how I see the world. They are wise beyond their years and far more understanding then I was at that age. I often say they are raising me!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Do it anyway. It does not matter what anyone else thinks about your goals or dreams. Live for yourself and keep going.
Also, the dreaming part is important, but you have to believe it too.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That I have to have everything figured out and perfect before I can start.
That I can’t do something because I’m not an expert. Like starting a business. I put it off for so long, because I didn’t go to business school, or take classes or even know what I was doing. I have recently learned “done is better then perfect” and my new motto is “I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m doing it anyway”.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was kind, and understanding. That I was a good mom and a good friend
That I cared about conservation and saving wildlife
That I created a space for everyone to be welcome, heard and seen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stardustbookseller.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stardustbookseller/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StardustBookSeller