Teaching to business ownership a natural progression for Young Heart Books & Toys owner

“I grew up in Somerset County and have spent most of my life in this area. I’ve always been passionate about the grassroots efforts to bring Johnstown back to life, even if it looks differently than it did in its hey-day,” said Renee Saylor, owner of Young Heart Books & Toys in the Westmont area of Johnstown. Prior to joining the ranks of Alleghenies-based entrepreneurs, Renee was a teacher for 15 years, most recently teaching English at North Star High School in Boswell.

“The transition from teaching to business ownership was a natural progression for me,” she said. “I’ve always had a passion for books and gifts, and the opportunity to own my own store allowed me to combine that passion with my entrepreneurial spirit. The many responsibilities I had while teaching gave me experience in budgeting, creating engaging materials, working with others, and time management.  Those skills, as well as many others, transfer well to the business world.”

Young Heart Books and Toys was an existing shop when Renee purchased it. A charming independent store located in the heart of Johnstown, the shop offers a curated selection of books, toys, and gifts that inspire creativity, imagination, and learning. Since becoming the owner, Renee has made some enhancements to the store layout and product offerings to better meet the needs and interests of customers. Notably, she’s added books for older readers, including teens and adults and offering more options from local artisans.

“The inspiration to pursue buying the shop came from my desire to create a space where people of all ages could come together to explore and discover new things,” Renee said. “The support of my family and friends, along with my belief in the potential of the store, gave me the confidence to leap into business ownership.”

I’ve always had a passion for books and gifts, and the opportunity to own my own store allowed me to combine that passion with my entrepreneurial spirit.

Renee worked with Blake Fleegle, Cambria County entrepreneur coach, who she called “an invaluable guide through the process of owning and operating a business.”

“He helped me understand how to make the dream a reality,” she said. “His expertise and insights have helped me navigate challenges, set goals, and stay focused on the vision for the store’s success.” Renee also worked with JARI (Johnstown Area Regional Industries) whose team provided help with marketing and website development.

Renee’s plans for the future include continuing to expand her product offerings, hosting community events, and strengthening her online presence to reach a wider audience. “I’m committed to creating a welcoming and engaging environment where customers can discover something new with each visit,” she said.

Young Heart Books is located at 828 Diamond Blvd. Suite 1, Johnstown, PA 15905, 814-408-0858, and online at youngheartbooks.com.

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.