Brave new bookstore opens in Rexburg

by McKay Smith | Nov 13, 2025 | Local Business | 0 comments

Teeples with family and friends at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Image Credit: Seth Egan

Cortney Teeples knew that 2025 was the year she’d open a bookstore. The plan had been in place for almost 20 years for Teeples; she wouldn't wait even another minute. On Wednesday, Brave Seeker Books opened to the public.

The story of a lifetime

Patron browsing at a bookstore. — A patron searches through the store's catalog. Image Credit: Seth Egan

Teeples felt the urge in January to open a bookstore. She didn't know exactly how it would work. Teeples lacked the funds, the know-how and a place. But that didn't stop her dream.

Teeples and her husband scraped together funds and even sold an old car. Taking a leap of faith, Teeples headed down to Winnie and Mo's Bookstore in Idaho Falls, meeting Whitney (Winnie), who graciously agreed to allow Teeples to shadow her.

"[Whitney] knew exactly what I needed to know and let me ask her tons of questions," said Teeples.

Teeples' next challenge was finding a location, so she consulted with City Hall to see if any bookstores were opening in Rexburg.

"I thought for sure somebody would be [opening a bookstore] and they're like 'No, we haven't heard anything about any bookstores.'"
Cortney Teeples

Teeples was nervous she wouldn't be able to afford rent anywhere in town, until she talked to her neighbors.

Enter the Coopers, the owners of Mrs. Powell's Bakery, who worked out a deal with Teeples to create a hybrid bookshop/bakery storefront.

"I think people really like the combination of books and cinnamon rolls," Teeples said.

Now with a location, know-how and books, Teeples was ready to open her store.

The bookstore ribbon cutting

On Nov. 12, Teeples gathered with her friends and family for the grand opening of Brave Seeker Books.

People filled the small space to see the ribbon-cutting with a comically large pair of scissors.

Anna Gardner, a cashier at the newly opened bookstore, was excited to finally start working. Gardner explained that she met Teeples at Experience Rexburg, where Teeples asked if she would like to work for the store.

"That's literally my dream job to work in a bookstore," said Gardner.

Gardner is excited to have first pick of all the new books at the store and to recommend her new reads to customers. Teeples recommends Extra Yarn, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and Aggie and the Ghost.