A New Chapter for Nook & Cranny Books

When Maren Comendant opened Nook & Cranny Books, she wasn’t just launching a business—she was rewriting her own story.

Before becoming a bookseller, Maren explored a world of creative careers: lighting designer, production manager, catering chef, musician, office manager—even bookkeeper. But it wasn’t until the stillness of the pandemic that she truly asked herself: What do I want the next chapter of my life to be?

“I didn’t want to work for someone else anymore,” Maren recalls. “I started dreaming of owning a bookstore and café. Then I stumbled across a listing for a tiny 300-square-foot bibliotherapy bookstore for sale, and it just felt right.”

She drained her savings and received a zero-interest loan from the previous owner to purchase the business. With a deep breath—and a lifelong love of books—Maren became her own boss.

When Dreams Are Tested

But not everything about being a small business owner came easy.  Shortly after opening, Maren found out that she was losing her lease.  “I had planned on evaluating my business after 5 years, but this bumped up my timeline considerably.”  It felt too soon to lean on the community and make the jump to a bigger space, but Comendant had to do both-and quick.  “We started a crowdfunding campaign, which got us part of the way there.”  With no savings and barely paying herself, she had to act fast. “I thought I might have to let it all go,” she says. But her grit and optimism kept her searching commercial listings late at night, hoping for a miracle.

It came in the form of a new space in Seattle’s University Heights neighborhood—a roomier location with storage, event space, and potential for creating more ways to invite the community into the space. But Maren needed financing to make the leap.

That’s when the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development introduced her to Business Impact NW, and loan officer Leticia Lares.

The Right Support at the Right Time

“I’m a problem solver. I help my clients find solutions,” says Leticia. At Business Impact NW, Leticia provides more than just loan processing—she offers hands-on, empathetic guidance for small business owners navigating vulnerable, high-stakes moments.

“There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work in tailoring a loan,” Leticia says. “Even if someone isn’t ready, I’ll help them prepare. I want to see them succeed.”

Leticia’s personal history is deeply tied to entrepreneurship—her grandfather ran his own business for over 20 years, building a home and supporting his family and community with incredible dedication. “He built a home, supported our family, and served his community with resilience and heart,” she says. “When I meet with a client, I see that same strength—and a bit of my family’s story, too.”

Maren was one of those clients. Leticia worked closely with her to secure the funding she needed to relocate and reopen. Listening and establishing trust is an important part of the process the loan officer has with their client.  Oftentimes, clients will have been rejected by other financial institutions or don’t have enough knowledge of what it takes to apply for business financing.  “I spend a lot of time educating and demystifying the loan process for my clients. It can be an incredibly vulnerable time and very scary to hear NO.”  

With Leticia’s guidance and her help overcoming hurdles along the way Maren received financing that got her the right financing package that allowed Nook & Cranny Books to move to the new location.  

Though Leticia’s role in Maren’s story is finished (for now) she does have some parting words for Maren on the next steps of her journey.  “I’ll never forget how amazing you are.  Working with you was inspirational.  I admire your wit and the courage you showed and how much you trusted the process.” 

Books, Community, and a Bright Future

Now settled into her new space, Maren is growing Nook & Cranny into more than a bookstore—it’s becoming a neighborhood hub. She curates titles with care, focusing on inspiring community activism,, translated literature, and underrepresented voices. She’s also launched three book clubs and hosts open mic nights, author readings, and events like the U District Art Walk.

“I finally have space to invite the community in,” she says. “It’s been amazing to see familiar faces from the old shop and connect with new neighbors.”

While you can find books on almost any topic, Maren is excited to help book lovers explore new genres.  “We have 3 book clubs so far: “Be the Revolution”, “Read Around the World” , and “Feel Like a Kid Again” which spotlights YA books and series for adult readers.  

For Maren, Nook & Cranny Books is more than a business—it’s a deeply personal project. She even features a “Life-Changing Books” shelf, filled with the stories that shaped her journey, including Yann Martel’s Life of Pi and They Will Drown in Their Mothers’ Tears by Johannes Anyuru.  She takes recommendations from her customers for this section, acknowledging that there are so many titles that have a deep and meaningful impact on people for different reasons.  She’s also excited to partner with other business owners in her new neighborhood to create fun opportunities for the community, including the upcoming Neighborhood Block Party.  

A Message to Fellow Entrepreneurs

While Maren recognizes her journey to small business ownership isn’t traditional, she does have some advice to pass on to others who are considering becoming entrepreneurs: “Just do it.  If you don’t, you’ll always wonder what could have been.  Trust your instincts!”

If you’re a small business owner ready for your next step, Business Impact NW can help. Whether you're launching, expanding, or pivoting, their team of compassionate, skilled advisors are here to walk with you.

👉 Start your journey today with a lender who believes in your vision.