McCook Mom Starts New Chapter

McCOOK Neb. -  At the beginning of January, Natalie Gilbert Marks launched her new venture, "Bookmarks Boutique," now located within the Rustic Market on First Street.

What started as a simple Facebook announcement, "Welcome to the Bookmarks Boutique Facebook page where we can build a bookish community," has quickly transformed into a cherished local book haven. 

For Marks, the boutique represents more than just a business; it's a passion project. "My daughter Erin graduated last year, and I was looking for something to do in my spare time," she explained. "And I love books." Marks emphasizes the appeal of physical books over digital ones, noting, "Being able to collect series books is special."

She remains committed to staying current with Book-Tok, Bookstagram, and Book-Tube trends. "I try to keep those popular titles and New York Times bestsellers in stock." Balancing inventory is an ongoing challenge. Marks utilizes pre-orders and special orders to meet customer demand. "I order every Sunday, and they usually arrive by Thursday, so the turnaround isn't too bad," she shared. 

Her selection caters to all ages, from sturdy board books for toddlers to popular adult fiction. Mel Robbins' "Let Them Theory," released in December, is a top seller. "It's been super popular," Marks noted. "It's a good book and timely for people." Additionally, the highly anticipated "Onyx Storm" by Rebecca Yarros, the third installment in the "Fourth Wing" series, is also flying off the shelves. 

Marks balances her new business with her job at Wilcox Financial Services, managing travel arrangements for preventive care clinic teams. "This has been great for the evenings and weekends, and it's a lot of fun," she said. The Rustic Market provides an ideal setting for her boutique. 

"The Rustic Market is great; there's something for everybody," Marks said. "It's nice to be able to test the waters here on a smaller scale." She expressed gratitude to owners Tammy and James for the opportunity. "I really love the opportunity here," she emphasized. With her daughter now in college, Marks was seeking a new hobby. "I've enjoyed putting time and effort into this, creating a little side hustle, some extra income, and doing something with books that I love." 

Local support has played a crucial role in her success. Adam Powers of Adam Powers Images designed her logo, while Acme Printing handles her banners, stickers, and bookmarks. "I try to keep everything as local as I can," she noted. 

Marks aims to read or listen to audiobooks daily as an avid reader. "My favorite all-time book is probably 'Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett," she shared, praising its character development. Despite her initial reservations about fantasy, she recently enjoyed the "Fourth Wing" series.

A McCook native who returned after living in Colorado, Marks appreciates the small-town atmosphere. "I like that everyone's friendly and helps you out," she recalled when strangers quickly assisted her after her car slid into a ditch. 

The community's response to Bookmarks Boutique has been overwhelmingly positive. "The interest has been wonderful," Marks said. She expressed the joy of providing access to trending titles and New York Times bestsellers. "It's been nice having the support of people who are excited to buy what they see on Book-Tok," Marks concluded, looking forward to the future of her literary venture.