BOOKiDO started as both a gift and a dream. With the guidance and mentoring of Khalif Khalifah, (a well-known publisher) Alvin Singh and a college friend were blessed with the ownership of the established and renowned writer/publisher's former Hampton, Virginia store, Books & Things. This gift of ownership spawned a new generation of bookstore owners. Both partners saw the potential of the opportunity presented to them. However, the task of balancing studying, with owning, managing, and securing a regular market for the store, was not easy. Nonetheless, through his determination and a love for reading, Singh used his talent as a disc jockey, and desire to reach out to students and urban youth as an unconventional way to succeed in the book industry. Khalifah helped Singh gain an initial insight into the industry. What he needed was time for reflection and the space to develop a workable business plan.

At this time, Alvin met Shiree Hayden from Philadelphia while working together at a major retail-chain bookstore. As a freelance writer, Hayden had a similar idea of owning/managing a bookstore. Awaiting such an opportunity, she began to formulate her ideas in writing. For her, the dream of entering the book industry would not only require capital but also gaining the right image and market for the store. Singh, determined to learn form his initial experience in the industry, decided to move in incremental steps. He used the books he still owned and his links to Khalifah's publishing house to generate a new business concept. Singh and Hayden agreed to a new business partnership. The catchy and youthful name BOOKiDO meaning the “way of book energy” was formulated. Thereafter, they started on their strategy of becoming book vendors to the students of Hampton University and the city's surrounding areas.

BOOKiDO was developed as a culture of enriching those who came into contact with the book vendors. The partners wanted people to come forward, not only to buy books, but also to be inspired to develop a culture of learning through reading. Various titles included martial arts, mind and body renewal, World history, African American history, spirituality, children's books, poetry, arts and fiction. This diversity reflects a desire for more people to see their mental and physical energies as being interconnected. The idea is that books are both entertaining and enriching. Ultimately, BOOKiDO is striving to bring youthful energy back into the realm of books and reading. With so many distractions, today's youth must be reminded of the positive elements of acquiring knowledge through reading. Also, they need more avenues to gain insights into their heritage, culture, spirituality, and mental and physical capabilities. BOOKiDO is not content with remaining stagnant. It is currently working on a plan to send books to developing nations for educational purposes, while creating a lifestyle brand. We hope to inspire people to, train, read, share music and explore various world cultures with an adventurous curiosity. The “way of book energy”, is taking over so get prepared to “Exercise Your Mind and Body” . Be sure to look out for www.bookido.com .

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