High Five Books | Florence, MA
Lexi Wright is the owner of High Five Books, an independent bookstore in Florence that joyfully connects kids, families, and educators with inclusive books that represent the world around them. Since working with Valley, Lexi has gained instrumental support—through weekly mentorship, bookkeeping guidance, and financial planning—that has helped her realize the “Big Picture” of running a small business with confidence.
Learn more about Lexi, the joys of running High Five Books, and how Valley supports the work they do in our interview below!
Lexi Wright, Owner of High Five Books
Q: The team at Valley is already familiar with the great work you do, but this may be some folks’ first time hearing of you. Please give us a brief overview of your business: What do you do, and who do you serve?
A: “I’m the owner of High Five Books, a bookstore for all families in awesome Florence, MA. We joyfully connect kids, families, and educators with awesome and inclusive books that represent the world around them—and the world that just might be.”
Q: What do you love most about the work you do?
A: “Connecting readers with their next favorite book—and often getting to introduce them to the authors and illustrators who create that work—fuels me and my team. I love most talking with caretakers and their incredible kiddos about their rich reading lives. And I especially love creating experiences in which families can celebrate books and art together.”
Q: What do you hope people feel or experience when they interact with your business?
A: “We strive for all our family experiences to feel joyful, affirming, and inclusive. We want kids AND their grownups to feel wanted in our space!”
Q: What part of Valley’s support has been the most helpful in how you manage and operate a small business (planning, finances, marketing, mentorship, etc.)?
A: “Without question, working weekly with Eyad Salha has enriched my relationship with running High Five Books. With his bookkeeping advice and fiscal projection help, I feel more confident understanding the financial Big Picture of our business. Using the systems and strategies we’ve devised together, I am more comfortable taking next steps that felt daunting before. I know he is my trusted partner in this work, and I am immeasurably grateful for his ongoing support.”
Q: Has there been a moment where Valley’s support made a real difference for you or your business?
A: “With Valley’s help, I applied for and received a line of credit that has helped solved some of the cashflow issues that plague so many small businesses like mine.”
Q: What does growth look like for your business right now? What are you looking forward to next?
A: “Our team is excited to continue placing even more life-changing books in the hands of young readers. And we’re thrilled to grow the number of inclusive book and art experiences we hold, both in the store and throughout the Pioneer Valley.”
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
A: “Every conversation with Eyad makes me feel more capable and more supported in this work I love. I am so grateful for his and Valley’s unwavering small business support.”
Click on the images below to view larger.
