Interview with Tara Orfani | Author and Online Book Store Owner
Oct 15, 2026Give us your no-fluff bio (aka who you are, who you help, and why you do it):
My name is Tara Orfani, I'm 30 years old and I live in Victoria, bc, Canada. I'm also a disabled asexual filipino/afghanistan dark lgbt fantasy author and I run an online bookstore both because I love books and because I am unable to work a regular job due to my disability.
Tell us about your business—what do you do and who do you do it for?
I help readers who want to find books that echo their own journeys or help them support people in their lives without breaking the bank
What inspired you to ditch the 9–5 or traditional path and go all in as an entrepreneur?
Because I couldn't work a normal schedule due to my disability and various chronic illnesses I wanted to run my own business. And I chose bookstore because I know more about books than any thing else I was selling working retail for other people
What was the hardest BS you had to overcome to get real momentum in your online biz?
I'm still overcoming it but getting visibility to the right people seems to be impossible without paying money or going somewhere in person
Was there a moment where you almost gave up? What pulled you through?
no I refuse to give up because this is the only thing I want to do with my life
How do you stay focused when things get noisy, messy, or uncertain in your business?
it's not hard for me because books are such a big part of my life. I am an author and a bookseller and a huge reader.
What’s the most game-changing lesson you've learned since starting?
i'm not sure i'd call it game-changing but how to email market. I didn't want to do this at the beginning but i'm doing it now and it helps actually.
What’s the best piece of “real talk” advice you’ve ever gotten (or would give)?
if you take a course or something, do it before you start your business
What are you most proud of achieving in your business so far?
Getting a spot at a local book fair that's actually coming up soon
What’s one book you recommend for anyone serious about growth, business, or mindset?
I don't really read business books so I don't have one
Do you have any daily habits, rituals, or routines that help you stay grounded + effective?
I do all my business stuff usually in the morning or while i'm having tea because it's when I have the most time
What role has social media played in your business success—and how do you use it strategically?i haven't really had success but I use facebook marketplace for sales a lot
What’s a common mistake entrepreneurs make on social that drives you nuts?
only using social for their events and things instead of their website
What business tool, platform, or system could you not live without—and why?
well my website obviously because that's where I list all my sales and everything
What’s one truth you wish every entrepreneur knew from day one?
no matter how good you think you are, running your own business is still a huge challenge
What’s coming up next for you and your business? Anything we should watch for?
planning on expanding into selling bookmarks and maybe a collab with a local tea shop
What has real success taught you about yourself or the online space?
haven't had real success yet but when I do i'll let you know
Drop some fun facts—we want to know the real you beyond the brand!
1.i hate typing 2. i've probably read over 5k books in my lifetime 3. I had cancer when I was 6 months old
Where can readers connect with you, follow your work, or hire you? My website:https://tarastomes.myshopify.com/
facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551099273724
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarastomes/
and if you want to follow MY books that I write: https://substack.com/@tarastomes
