“It was completely bonkers!” recalls Michelle Tuplin, owner of Serendipity Books, about how her store’s April move from Middle St. to Main went viral. When a “book brigade” of 300 locals moved Serendipity’s 9,100-book inventory in a human chain to the new location, bookseller Kaci Friss captured it on video and posted it to TikTok. More than 2.5 million views later, the store—and the Chelsea community—have garnered coverage from major news outlets, and Tuplin’s fielded interviews from reporters as close to home as CBS Sunday Morning and as far afield as Japan.
But Tuplin says she felt she’d really hit “the big time” when she was interviewed by BBC radio, and her parents tuned in from their kitchen in England.
The move to Main Street more than doubled the store’s space, and Tuplin says, “we’ve been busy every day since.” But she’ll still make time this fall to be a presenter at a bookseller conference. The topic? “Be Ready for the Spotlight.”
Serendipity’s move made space for Geek Brush Studio, Brenda Fineman’s new shop on Middle St. that features Bob Ross–style painting workshops, art supplies, and a gallery with works for sale by Michigan artists. The former WCC English composition teacher and artist says her goal is to “bring the arts to everyday people.”
Fineman is a certified Bob Ross instructor who was drawn to the teaching style of the late PBS Joy of Painting star because he makes painting “seem so approachable.” Her new space features a broad assortment of art supplies, including paints, brushes, Sketch Wallets, and Bob Ross–licensed products.
Fineman hosts daytime and evening painting classes for adults, kids, and families, as well as private events. She says customers can bring their own snacks and drinks (alcoholic beverages are evenings only) to class. On Saturdays she offers a drop-in “Quick Canvas” activity for $15.
Serendipity Books, 119 S. Main, Chelsea. (734) 475–7148. Mon.–Wed. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Thurs.–Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. serendipity-books.com
Geek Brush Studio, 108 E. Middle, Chelsea. (734) 719–0804. Wed.–Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. noon–6 p.m. Closed Sun.–Tues. Check website for class times. geekbrushstudio.com