The Cottage Chapter brings books, holistic wellness and a welcoming gathering space to the community.

Business Spotlight

For Christy Parks, opening a bookstore has been a dream since she read Charlotte’s Web at age nine. For her longtime friend Amanda Anselman, the dream was a holistic shop.

On Saturday, October 3, those two ideas came together as The Cottage Chapter celebrated its grand opening at 5642 Gravois Road in House Springs.

The bookstore and holistic wellness space grew out of a decision the two friends made in July: rather than open separate businesses, they would combine their interests under one roof.

After 49 years of friendship, they were ready to begin a new chapter together.

For Parks, the goal goes beyond helping customers find a book. She hopes visitors discover a comfortable place to spend time, meet neighbors and reconnect with reading.

She wants readers to find their next favorite story, while people who have fallen out of the habit might find a reason to pick up a book again.

Alongside its books, The Cottage Chapter carries herbs and sage bundles. Parks said plans include yoga, basket weaving, belly dancing and craft classes, including bookmark making.

The House Springs location was a practical choice: Anselman owns the building. Turning that space into the store they envisioned, however, took considerable work.

Parks described 14- and 16-hour days spent organizing, cleaning, painting and finding enough books to fill the shelves. Selecting those books was one of the biggest challenges, particularly because she wanted the collection to reflect the surrounding community.

That local focus also extends to the authors whose work customers can find in the shop. Parks said the store already carries books by several independent authors who live nearby, some of whom stopped in during the grand opening.

The opening celebration advertised an author signing, on-site tarot readings by Rachel and complimentary sodas and water provided by Savannah’s.

For Parks, one of the most rewarding parts of opening the business has been meeting neighbors she had not known before. People who discovered the store through Facebook and TikTok have come through the doors, introducing her to more of the community she calls home.

Asked what she hopes people will say about The Cottage Chapter a year from now, her answer was simple: she wants it to be their favorite place to visit.

Making that happen starts with creating a space where visitors feel welcome.

Her invitation is straightforward: grab a cup of tea, choose a book and relax in the back corner.

For two friends bringing their longtime dreams together, that sense of belonging is at the heart of the business.