Building Community Through Connection
Browsers Bookshop and Ossa Skinworks: Transforming Community Through Connection
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re delving into the inspiring journey of two trailblazers and the ripple effects of their collaboration in entrepreneurship and community building.
In the vibrant landscape of downtown Olympia, you’ll find a thriving entrepreneurial spirit, driven by the innovative collaborations of local businesswomen. In a world where opportunities often arise from unexpected partnerships, this story of two dynamic women entrepreneurs stands out as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. As they join forces to cultivate a supportive ecosystem for local and women-owned businesses, their endeavors not only reshape the downtown landscape but also highlight the unique contributions and perspectives that women entrepreneurs bring to a community.
Browsers Bookshop: An Independent, Woman-Owned Book Store
Browsers Bookshop in downtown Olympia, Washington, is a delightful haven for book lovers. Nestled in the heart of the city, this charming bookstore offers an extensive selection of titles across various genres, ensuring there's something for every reader. The cozy atmosphere invites visitors to leisurely browse the shelves, discovering hidden literary gems and old favorites alike. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to offer recommendations or engage in bookish conversations. With its warm ambiance and diverse collection, Browsers is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking literary inspiration in Olympia.
Browsers Bookshop moved from Aberdeen, Washington to downtown Olympia in 1935, so it’s definitely not the new kid on the block. Since it opened 80 years ago, the independent bookstore has been owned by four different women. Andrea Griffith, a former medical librarian, bought the shop in 2014. “A lot of librarians dream of owning a bookstore, and I wasn’t particularly enjoying my job at the hospital at the time,” recalls Andrea. When the opportunity to purchase Browsers became a possibility, she not only bought the shop but the building as well, which made her feel much more secure as a business owner. She figured if the bookstore failed, she would at least own a building in downtown Olympia she could do something with.
But Browsers hasn’t failed. In fact, in the last 10 years it’s become a beacon of what a successful business in downtown Olympia looks like. Browse the shelves and you’ll discover thoughtful recommendations by their committed and knowledgeable staff.
The books in Browsers reflect the community they’ve been developing over the past ten years. They weathered the pandemic by offering home deliveries and mailing books to customers, which created a pretty loyal customer-base and community goodwill. They may not be able to compete on price with online sellers like Amazon, but Andrea feels the people who come to the bookstore are looking for a physical place to bring their family and friends and enjoy a sense of community through their love of books.
In addition to the carefully-curated selection of current fiction and non-fiction that represents and reflects the Olympia region, visitors to the bookstore will find a variety of gifts, postcards, sticker books, puzzles, and of course – pen and pencil sets for the avid writer.
Ossa Skincare: Science-Based Self-Care
Right next door to Browsers, Ossa Skinworks offers a rejuvenating oasis amid the bustling city streets of downtown. This boutique skincare studio provides a range of pampering treatments tailored to individual needs, from luxurious facials including a Deluxe Massage Facial, as well as advanced services like Microneedling. The serene atmosphere and attentive staff create a tranquil escape, allowing guests to unwind and indulge in self-care. Using high-quality products and personalized techniques, Ossa Skinworks ensures a refreshing experience that leaves visitors feeling renewed and revitalized.
Olympia has been a part of Monique Ossa’s life for a very long time, so when she thought to open up her skincare business in October of 2018, she knew downtown Olympia was the place for her. “I was just looking for a little room somewhere to give me something to do while I was raising my daughter,” recalls Monique. “When I found this space right next to Browsers, I felt like I’d won the life lottery.” Building her shop next to a foundational business like Browsers with a strong relationship to its community just made sense to her.
Originally in the back room of the building they now occupy, Monique gradually expanded the skincare service to encompass the whole space. Her vision involved creating a beautiful space where people could come and have a truly relaxing and elevated self-care experience.
Ossa Skincare is for anyone who wants healthier, more radiant skin. Their approach to skin care is rigorously science-based, using meticulous techniques that provide effective, gratifying treatments and self-care experiences. “When you come to Ossa, you become part of the community,” shares Monique. “We’re creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone to just come as they are.”
Services at Ossa Skinworks include a variety of facials, peels, and hair removal services through sugaring. They also have a shop full of self-care products that make gift-giving a cinch – whether the gift is for yourself or others.
When Monique opened Ossa in 2018, she and her neighbor Andrea at Browsers both sensed an opportunity to bring the women-owned businesses together. They had an aligned vision of what downtown Olympia could be. “The first seven years I was in business, no one seemed interested in connecting,” recalls Andrea. “But then Monique came along and really encouraged a stronger sense of engagement between businesses.”
Initially, Monique leased her space from the former owners. However, upon forging a connection with Andrea, they collectively opted to acquire the building adjacent to Browsers. This strategic move not only enabled Monique to secure ownership of her own premises but also opened doors for like-minded businesses to establish themselves in proximity to Ossa Skinworks.
Monique and Andrea’s shared vision is encouraging connections between businesses and creating spaces where more local people can manifest their dreams of owning a business and building community. Resurrecting historical spaces downtown has kept that sense of community going strong.
You’ll find six women-owned businesses working together in their collaborated space on Capitol Way: Browsers Bookshop, Ossa Skincare which also provides space for Velvet and Shag (a home goods store featuring vintage rugs and hip décor); artist Lucy Gentry (she made the dress made of seashells highlighted in Ossa’s storefront window), and Stardust Salon (a hair salon featuring vintage furniture, rad music, and gender-neutral styles) who also provides space for Knuckle Sandwich (a nail salon creating tiny works of art and offering waterless pedicures). It’s easy to see how you could spend a day (or two!) at just these six establishments, but you’ll only be scratching the surface when it comes to curating a downtown experience.
Create Your Downtown Olympia Itinerary
Ossa SkinworksBoth Andrea and Monique emphasize how unique downtown Olympia is. “It's truly special,” shares Andrea, “It serves as the heart of our county, it’s situated near the water, and there's an abundance of opportunities within walking distance of our shops.” Within just six blocks of any business, there's an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. From local shops and restaurants to galleries and fresh food markets, you can truly urate your own experience very easily no matter the season.
We’ve given your downtown itinerary a place to start. Where will your downtown adventure take you next?
Browsers Bookshop
107 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 357-7462
Ossa Skinworks
109 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 584-9394
Velvet and Shag Vintage Rugs
109 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
Stardust Salon
111 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 920-2444
Knuckle Sandwich Nail Bar
111 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501
