Nashville’s self-proclaimed Chief Spice Officer, Christina Duran, turned a new love of reading into Sugar and Spice Book Co., a mobile bookstore celebrating all things romance. What began as a mobile book trailer has quickly evolved into a thriving community hub, complete with author events, book clubs, and even a residency at Prickly Pear Coffee Co., proving that Nashville’s book scene has plenty of room for a little extra literary sparkle—and spice. Get to know this spicy FACE of Nashville!
Tell us about your journey leading up to Sugar and Spice.
I’ve always been a creative; I think that’s where my entrepreneurial spirit comes from. I got a BFA in Musical Theater, hoping to move to New York City to pursue a Broadway career. Halfway through college, I rediscovered my passion for songwriting and wound up moving to Nashville.
I had a blast, but as with any creative job, the magic can be lost when you’re trying to make a living doing it. I pursued it for a while and released some music, but when COVID hit, I decided to step back and focus on growing a family.
My husband and I had our sweet girl in 2022, which consumed my world in the best way. Eventually, I craved an outlet for my creative energy. I tried a lot of things: party planning, an Etsy shop, a blog. Nothing stuck the way I’d hoped. That’s when I fell into reading.
As a first-time mom, it was the perfect outlet to do something for myself during nap times. My reading obsession turned into a little Bookstagram, a fun, creative outlet — taking pictures and writing reviews. Eventually, I realized Nashville was missing something I could provide in the book community. That’s how Sugar and Spice Book Co. was born.
What initially drew you to a mobile model instead of a traditional storefront?
Originally, this was meant to be a part-time job; I’m a stay-at-home mom and need flexibility. The trailer was the best of both worlds, with low overhead and a store we could take anywhere. Now that we’ve grown so much and so fast, I love the idea of expanding to a brick-and-mortar. I also see the benefit of continuing to prove the concept and build our community from the ground up.
We’ve been so beautifully supported by the Nashville book community, so our biggest priority is continuing to root ourselves in that. We’ve also had countless people visit us from all over the country and plan Nashville trips around seeing us! It’s been the coolest experience to see my little trailer resonate with so many people; I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s helped me connect with bookish friends in Nashville and beyond.
PinSugar and Spice Book Co. is, without a doubt, Nashville’s cutest bookstore on wheels. You can also catch the book shop at Prickly Pear Coffee. Image: Olivia Dixon Wilkerson
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
You’ve built major momentum in just a few months. What’s next?
It’s been a whirlwind in the best way possible. We’re continuing to build our community by bringing in major author signings and bookish events. In the near term, we’re hosting two romance author events, which is a dream come true!
We’re hosting a Cowboy Casual release party for author Holly Renee on October 7 at Urban Cowboy Bar (a fun bookish girls’ night out), and we’re hosting author Kandi Steiner for her new hockey romance release. This event includes tickets to a Preds game after the signing, where readers can experience a game alongside their favorite author. It’s a unique experience for readers to interact with an author that way!
PinWhen asked what people might be surprised to find out about her, Christina says, “I’ve lived all over the place — one being Athens, Greece, when I was younger!” Image: Olivia Dixon Wilkerson
Is there a particular book that made you fall for romance novels?
A lot of friends told me to read this book or that, but, for some reason, I had “I don’t read books” in my head. I made excuses for not having time or energy to read. But if the book is good enough, you’ll find the time!
My husband and I were going on vacation for the first time without our little one, and the goal was complete relaxation, which is very hard for us. We each decided to buy a book before leaving to give us something to do while “relaxing.” My husband grabbed a business book, and I grabbed Verity by Colleen Hoover. I’d heard from multiple people that I should read it.
By the end of the vacation, my husband had read all of four pages of his book, and we were sitting next to each other finishing Verity together, gasping at the last few pages (we are both team manuscript; if you know, you know).
That feeling of being so enthralled in a book that I couldn’t put it down or think of anything else was addicting. By the end of that month, I’d read six or seven books. I haven’t stopped since.
PinSugar and Spice Book Co. proves there’s always room for more romance in Music City. Image: Olivia Dixon Wilkerson
Romance is often overlooked in literature. How is Sugar and Spice helping shift that perception?
Romance has been judged for a long time, even though it’s historically the best-selling book genre … by far. We’re seeing a boom in romance across the United States, and I think it’s because bookstores are popping up that celebrate and uplift the romance genre. That’s something we haven’t seen before.
I hope Sugar and Spice Book Co. does the same for the Nashville community, which hasn’t historically had a large presence with romance-only bookstores. Our goal is to celebrate romance, be approachable for those dipping their toes in the romance world, and cater to lifelong readers.
We don’t shy away from it; we embrace it. Reading romance deserves to be celebrated, and we’re here to do just that!
We are grateful to all our sponsors:
If you had to describe your life as a romance trope, which one would it be?
I would say the second chance trope, for so many reasons. There have been countless times when I thought I’d found my passion or purpose, and it turned out not to be right for me. All of those experiences led me to where I am today. You always end up where you’re meant to be, even if there are bumps. I’ve definitely had bumps (and will continue to), but I’ll continue to wind up exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Pin“My last favorite book is probably Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn, which was our first book club book!” says Christina. Image: Olivia Dixon Wilkerson
When you’re not immersed in books, what recharges you?
Right now, it seems hard to think of anything else but growing Sugar and Spice Book Co. and this amazing bookish community. But the thing that brings me the most joy outside of that is family — downtime with my little girl, pouring into her. I love spending time with friends and family and shutting off my work brain for a bit.
I miss music and have been craving creating and writing again. When things slow down, if they ever do, I would love to jump back into that in some way. I’ve learned that building and creating bring me the most joy, whether making music, planning events, or starting a business from the ground up. Those are the things that light me up.
I see a lot more of that in my future, alongside striving to be the best wife, mother, daughter, and friend I can be. Being a mama to my little girl will always be number one and my driving force for everything.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve gotten so many wonderful words of advice over the years, but the one I always go back to is my dad telling me to always have compassion for people. It’s easy to get swept up in distractions, whether in business or life. The most important thing is treating people with kindness and approaching every situation with compassion.
What are three things you can’t live without?
My Kindle, my bed, and pizza with ranch.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
**********
For more inspiring stories about incredible Nashville women, visit our Nashville FACES archives!