When a friend suggested that Zibby Owens start a podcast in 2018, she balked at the idea.
I was like, Whats a podcast, and why would I do that?
Zibby Media organizes retreats, classes, and events, and runs anonline magazine.
Shes also achieved her longtime dream of publishing a book of her own, four times over.
Moms dont just have time to read books, it turns out; they have time to write them.
As a publicisttoldNew York, Zibby can move product.
But while the former recentlyshut down its classes and online magazine, Zibby Media is sprinting ahead.
Then it seems so obvious that its what I have to do next.
How would you describe the community that youve built?
Who are the superfans who come to your retreats?
They are book lovers.
Theyre looking for community.
The slightly older women seem to love me.
But [there are] also busy moms and younger single people who just love to read.
For you, what does success look like when you publish a book?
What are you hoping each book will achieve?
But we had an incredibly successful launch, and we had fabulous launch events.
Our author was so happy,Alisha Fernandez Miranda.
We got her onCNNandGood Morning Americaand MSNBC and NPR, and it was aPeoplemagazine pick.
So I feel like this book is totally successful.
I imagine this is your first time being a CEO.
What have you learned about yourself and your management style?
Yeah, its been a slow build.
1 thing is that I dont believe in the corporate mentality.
Everybody spends time together outside of work, and we travel together.
So Im really mindful of that in my hiring.
People are like, Did you clone yourself?
Whats different about your bookstore?
The first is the positioning.
Their core competency is not in inventory availability.
If people want a book, they can get it from thin air in two seconds on their phone.
I want that feeling in the bookstore, too.
And then books by topic: books about identity, books for the foodie, books for the traveler.
Are there risks youre taking that you might otherwise have had to wait on?
I dont feel like Im taking risks.
I have the ability to invest in this company and the infrastructure of it.
I cant keep launching giant new businesses all the time.
Whats the best business advice youve ever received?
Whats one thing you need advice on?
Oh, my gosh, everything.
Im always open for advice, seriously.
I guess advice on how to find more time to sleep.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
