Cactus Flower Bookery showcases the benefits of shopping local in the Sun City

Most recently, I began my pilgrimage to shop more sustainably, locally and ethically. Upon jumping onto this conscientious journey, I began to transition from shopping from big corporations to shopping from small businesses. Throughout this transition, I have found the immense benefits of shopping small. Upon this very rewarding personal change, I received rewarding gifts such as finding community, helping strengthen the local economy, personalized shopping experiences and practicing sustainable consumption.

As a lover of books, I recognize that having printed copies of books is very fulfilling; however, millions of books end up in landfills annually according to an article by Nordsense. Therefore, thrifting books became an urgent matter for me. Then I found Cactus Flower Bookery, a family and woman-owned bookshop located on the westside of El Paso, TX. This hidden gem is packed with thousands of books from different genres for all ages. Its shopping selection ranges but is not limited to new and used books. Unique paper made gifts and other handmade crafts, candles, jewelry and more are available for customers.

Owner Stephanie Roberts explained that support from the local community is what helped the business

Cactus Flower Bookery is a family and woman-owned bookshop selling new and used books.

Cactus Flower bookery has sold over 20,000 books.

The bookstore also has a small cooking section where you can find books from different cuisines

Upon speaking with one of the owners, Stephanie Roberts, I was shocked to learn that since opening the bookshop, Cactus Flower Bookery has sold over 20,000 books.  This means thousands of books have been saved from ending up in landfills. Stephanie Roberts and her mother Sheryl Roberts are not only mother and daughter but business partners. With both being book enthusiasts, the pair opened the establishment wanting to create an environment that is welcoming to all and encourages the El Paso community to read more. Keeping accessibility in mind, finding a balance between valuing the worth of a book as well as identifying a fair price for customers has been a priority of theirs which has helped keep the establishment remain successful and attainable.

Photos by Sol Dueñez

A struggle the business has overcome was the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Traffic was slow, and I wasn’t able to do one of my favorite things to do, which is book hunting,” Stephanie Roberts said. “It was a very isolating time. It felt like many had forgotten about us. What helped get us through (the pandemic) was making handmade face masks when there was a huge need for them.” 

After the pandemic had simmered, the shop seemed to slowly rebuild its clientele and had to find a new set of customers. 

“Seeing new and familiar faces was very refreshing but having to jumpstart the business was difficult,” Stephanie Roberts explained. “However, support from the local community helped the business overcome and grow.”

One of the most rewarding experiences Stephanie mentioned throughout her literary business venture has been flourishing community connections. 

“Meeting so many people, getting close to customers, and having those people come to our book clubs and other events has been very special,” Stephanie Roberts said.

 Upon growing friendships with customers, they also have collaborated with local authors, jewelers, candle makers and other local entrepreneurs.

 Cactus Flower Bookery stands as a great example of how shopping small helps build connections, overcome difficulties through mutual support and helps the local populace develop resiliency. We can also observe how prioritizing sustainability and ethical consumption is an attainable goal. So next time you think about buying a book, a gift for yourself or a special someone, keep Cactus Flower Bookery on your radar.

About Me

Sol Dueñez is a member of Women In Media and may be reached at thewomeninmedia@gmail.com