Meet Lisa Holenko

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Holenko.

Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before moving to Colorado, I lived in New Jersey. I worked in retail for 12 years and became a high school English teacher. When I moved to Frisco, Next Page became my favorite place, and the then-owner, Karen, became a good friend.

Soon after moving there, I began working at the bookstore, and my love for Next Page grew deeper. After about three years, Karen approached me about buying the store from her. Of course, this was a dream come true. Frisco has continued to grow over the years, and Next Page has grown right along with it, expanding physically and in the merchandise it distributes.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The struggles that Next Page has experienced have to do with staffing, which, of course, is related to affordable housing, and the same challenges that all businesses had during COVID in 2020. None of these challenges have been insurmountable, however.

The Town of Frisco was incredibly generous and helpful during COVID, even winning a national award for how well they did, and they have also been working diligently to build workforce housing to help those who keep our community running to remain part of our town. COVID had us working harder than ever, learning new ways to do business, but our community supported us to a degree that I never expected and will be forever grateful for.

That support came from locals and second homeowners. We were shipping books, puzzles (so many puzzles!), and crafts all over the country and even Canada and Germany. The dedication of our staff and our customers got us through the most difficult time I hope to ever experience.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner of Next Page, but I am also the buyer of our books and our gifts. I discovered that I am a good buyer while doing this job. I know what our customers like, and I can constantly change what we offer so that visitors and locals don’t get bored with what we offer.

What I am most proud of at Next Page is the safe environment we have created for all who come in. We are welcoming and accepting and want everyone to feel safe and comfortable in our space. I believe we are a microcosm of the amazing community of Frisco.

What does success mean to you?
When I hear people say how much they love being in our store, how warm and comfortable it is, and how they feel better just walking in the door, I know we’ve done something right.

Community is most important to me, and I believe we have been successful in creating a great community here at Next Page.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nextpagebooks.indielite.org
• Instagram: @nextpagebookstore
• Facebook: next page books