Profile by Candice Huber, SIBA Membership Coordinator

Books turn muggles into wizards!

Portkey Books in Safety Harbor, FL was recently named Safety Harbor Retail Business of the Year by their local Chamber of Commerce! Portkey is run by Crystel Calderon, and it is a micro store of only 180 square feet with a huge heart. Portkey began as a pop-up bookstore, and after a year of operating in that way, they opened a tiny storefront on Main Street. A fun fact about Crystel that's listed on Portkey's website: under her picture in her 8th grade yearbook, it says "Bookworm."

Before beginning her pop-up shop, Crystel worked for 6 years in the book industry for big box stores, small indie stores, and a public library. Owning a bookstore is her true passion, and she's excited to finally be living her dream (many of us can probably relate!). Portkey does community work with their local Kiwanis chapter, PFLAG, and the library foundation, and they have donated books to local children in foster care with Feeding the Fosters. They also organized a Pride Resource Fair in the middle of town to combat the hurtful things going on in Florida with a visible positive and welcoming community event. For a one-person shop, Crystel is able to do a lot!

About SIBA, Crystel said, "I really enjoyed my first time at March Madness this year! It was fun connecting with other local stores to connect, brainstorm, and just enjoy each other's company."

Congratulations to Portkey Books for being Safety Harbor's Retail Business of the Year! You can follow Portkey Books on Instagram @portkeybookstore or on Facebook. Visit their website at the link in our bio!