SECONDHAND BOOKS, FIRST-RATE BUSINESS

How Rachel Ang went from selling a handful of books to building her literary empire that is Books n Bobs

-  STUART DANKER

BEING IN THE BOOK RETAIL INDUSTRY is already a challenge on its own, but for Rachel Ang, founder of Books n Bobs, it’s a passion that started from her own interest in reading. The written word is what’s gotten her through tough times, and it’s also what’s become her main source of income.

To think that this multi-branch bookstore started with just an initial inventory of 50 books is inspiring, to say the least. But Ang’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing, especially in the beginning. In this interview with Augustman Malaysia, she shares how she got into the business, as well as the important takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs today.

Let’s have a quick timeline check for your business.

Sure! I started Books n Bobs in 2016. I moved from a Facebook page to my own website in 2019. Then in 2020, I opened my office in Taman Desa. The next year, we took over the second floor of the same shop lot. In 2022, we opened a physical bookstore in GMBB, and most recently in 2023, we opened another bookstore below our office in Taman Desa.

That’s an interesting path you’ve taken so far. What was the beginning like for you?

It was during a time in my life when finding a job was difficult. Opportunities weren’t easy to come by, and my circumstances weren’t the best they could be. Funnily enough, I started this business from a self-serving point of view. I liked reading but wanted to do so at cheaper prices. And that’s how Books n Bobs was born.