Meet Esther the book seller
“When I first set up my stall in 2020, I had no idea that people would be so nice to me and support me. The shoppers in this community are such amazing people with hearts of gold. Sometimes they also buy me lunch,”
SHE had no aspirations to be a writer, author or have anything to do with books, but life’s plot twist has led her to becoming one of Durban North’s most popular booksellers.
Esther Phookoo, who is a beneficiary of the Booksellers of Mzansi programme initiated by Micromega Publications head, Anivesh Singh; sets up shop everyday at Pick n Pay in Durban North.
READ ALSO: Community supports Durban Book Fair
Her small business, called Esther’s Books, is what helps her put food on the table.
Second-hand books are donated to Esther which she resells to earn an income to support her family at home.
Speaking to Northglen News last week, in between assisting book worms, Phookoo said the support from the community has been overwhelming.
Little did she realise that she would etch a place in their hearts, and they in hers.
“When I first set up my stall in 2020, I had no idea that people would be so nice to me and support me. The shoppers in this community are such amazing people with hearts of gold. Sometimes they also buy me lunch,” she said.
Explaining her journey and how she came to love books, Phookoo said she worked as a domestic worker for author Kiru Naidoo and also accompanied him to book fairs where he would sell books.
“Kiru and Anivesh then approached Pick n Pay and asked them if I could have some space to sell books. I am so grateful to them, the store and everyone who supports me,” she said.
Phookoo leaves her home in Clermont in the early hours of the morning and arrives at the store by 6:30 to set up. By 9.00 she is ready to serve her customers and then heads home by 16.00.
“The hours are long but I love what I do so it makes it worthwhile,” she said.
Although she works seven days a week, Phookoo still finds the time to get lost in the pages of her favourtie authors namely, Danielle Steel, Dan Brown and Marian Keyes.
This year, she received an Woman of Inspiration Award at Durban Book fair held at Mitchell Park in March.
“I was honoured to receive the award. I will continue to work hard and promote reading in Durban,” she said.
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