Meet Kelly Allen-Kujawski | Owner & Bookbinder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Allen-Kujawski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I had always wanted to do something with books, growing up as an avid reader. After having my children and deciding to not go back into the teaching world, I started to look into jobs in the book industry. I didn’t want to go into editing or anything like that. I happened to stumble across a video online of someone repairing a 200 year old book using medieval binding techniques and the lightbulb went off… That is what I wanted to do. After 3 years of classes in bookbinding and restoration, I started Rarities Books & Bindery. I began by selling handmade journals at vendor events and would make those and do restoration work in my basement workshop. As more restoration work started coming in, I moved my workshop to a 200 year old mill in North Kingstown, RI. A year after that, I was able to be mentored by a local antiquarian bookseller who was looking to start retiring. After learning from her for a year, her store was needing to move as the building it was in was being sold. I found a new location, and am selling much of her stock from it, as my own store for Rarities.
 
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I selected Other for my professional life/career because I wear so many hats. I am a craftsman, first and foremost. I started as a bookbinder and moved into restoration. I love bringing life back to well loved books for families and their histories. I am also a business owner. I deal with all the ugly and nitty gritty behind the scenes stuff that comes with a small business as well (financials, inventory, etc. etc.). I am also in the process of getting certification to be an Appraiser for Fine & Decorative arts including Rare Books & Manuscripts. I also offer transcribing services for clients who’s old books or bibles may have some family history written in them that they cannot read. Many, many hats here.
  
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the US but we have some of the best things to do. We have incredible beaches and would spend at least a day or two down at Matunuck beach, Narragansett Beach and the Pier, and more. While there, we would have to have some Dels Lemonade, a RI summer staple. My store is located in the historic town of Wakefield, RI, 10 minutes from several beaches, with some amazing boutiques and restaurants. A good half day would be spent in that town before heading over to neighboring Narragansett and Bonnet Shores for beach scenery and more shopping. I would also be sure to take my guest to Block Island for the day. A quick ferry ride over, BI is a full day in of itself with shopping, beaches, historic tours, lighthouses and more. Most of the first few days is just southern RI and not even the city. Once in the city, we have the Superman Building, the Providence Athenaeum (where Poe wrote many of his tales), Brown University, Thayer Street… I could go on. You need more than a week to really find and experience all the hidden gems RI has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, for being my rock and support. My mom and dad for always believing I could do this and for backing me 100%. My mentor, antiquarian bookseller Allison B Goodsell, for taking me on in the beginning of a pandemic and letting me continue her legacy. All of my friends who told me I was nuts but have been my cheerleaders though-out… and many more. Thank you all.

Website: www.raritiesonline.com

Instagram: @raritiesonline

Facebook: @raritiesonline

Image Credits
my mom Virginia Allen, and Soulbury.