Get ‘Cozy and Content’ at new book and record store
Franklin’s newest book and vinyl store offers a unique selection of reads, records and novelty gifts.
Jennifer Kelley had always wanted to start her own business. She spent the last 20 years working at Whistle Stop Furniture and late last year decided she was ready for a change. Combining her retail experience with her love for books and music, she began dreaming up what is now Cozy and Content, a boutique-style book and vinyl store.
“I always kept the idea of owning my own business in the back of my mind,” said Kelley. “But it wasn’t until recently that I had a lot of different factors pushing me towards taking this leap.”
She owes much of her success to the encouragement of two close friends. “I simply could not have done it without the encouragement from my personal trainer Caitlyn Hina at Homegrown Fitness, who helped me change my outlook on life, and made me realize that I can accomplish things that I didn’t think I could before. And to Samantha Hopkins, who has been so supportive in this journey, and has helped make so many decisions.”
Cozy and Content offers a selection of books with genres like romance, true crime, manga and more. Kelley says her goal is for people to see something different that they may not see anywhere else in Franklin. “Everything in the store is hand-picked,” she said. “I think that’s something that sets us apart. What we’re doing is very thoughtful, and that’s the message we want to send to our customers.”
If music is more your thing, the record selection ranges from classic rock to indie pop and every chart-topping hit in between. “There aren’t many places like it this side of Asheville,” she said. “Most record stores sell a lot of under- ground music, but something different about us is we aren’t afraid to be mainstream. Our selection ranges from R&B, to country to pop. We have everything, and we just want you to pick out a good record, no matter what it is.”
Kelley’s vision for the store was to create an environment where everyone can feel comfortable, welcome and have fun with their visit. With themed rooms according to genre, shoppers can cater their visit to their interests. “I don’t want anyone to be ashamed of what they like,” she said.
Engaging with her customers and their interests is a cornerstone of her business. She offers in-store activities like “speed date with a book” and book clubs to foster relationships with members of the community. To her, success isn’t just about sales.
Each month, the store has a new theme for books and music. August was dubbed the month of “classics,” which featured classic novels and classic rock albums. September will be all about self-care and treating yourself. Kelley encourages shoppers to pick up their favorite easy read or a soft indie album to help them relax. A complimentary coffee station and spacious sitting area, complete with a (digital) fireplace helps the business live up to its name, offering a space to cuddle up with your book of choice, or the store cat, Buddy.
Grand opening and writing contest
The store’s grand opening is Oct. 1, and to celebrate Kelley has announced a short story writing contest. She wants to give people the opportunity to be involved in the grand opening in a way that applies to the store and is something people enjoy. The top three finalists can read aloud an excerpt of their story, and the winner, chosen by the audience, will have their story professionally printed and bound to keep. All entries must be submitted by Sept. 20.
Cozy and Content is located at 33 Edgewood Avenue and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Drop by the store or shop online at cozy- andcontentnc.com to add something to your collection. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, Kelley does special orders every week and will have your selections shipped to the store for pickup. Find them on Facebook at Cozy and Content for more information about the writing contest and other upcoming events.
