Small Talk With The Green Ray

Book shop owner Rebecca Moon shares her small biz thoughts.

Welcome to Small Talk, a new series where I share a brief chat with some of my favorite shop owners, artists, makers and designers. This one has been a long time coming — born out of my own humbling experience of being a small business (and former shop) owner myself. While I don’t operate my business at the same scale or pace that I used to, I know firsthand how grim and hard it can be, and also the reward and connection it can bring. These days, a supportive comment, a small purchase, email signup, or regular visit can go such a long way.

Think of this as a short, more informal version of Still Life. I plan to rotate in and out of these features on a consistent basis, but am excited to do something a bit more quick and digestible. I hope if you discover something that you like, you’ll follow/share/post/purchase and help support these heroic small businesses!

Today we meet the coolest Rebecca Moon of THE GREEN RAY in my hometown of Nashville. I’ve long admired Rebecca and her taste, and am over the moon to have them as our first stockist for the Disarray Puzzle Book. Go sell them out!! 😉

Without further ado… Meet THE GREEN RAY!

Love,
Elise

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Photo of Rebecca Moon by Emily Moses

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THE GREEN RAY
3237 B Gallatin Pike
Nashville, TN 37216
@thegreenraybooks

Art Books, Magazines, Cookbooks, Skincare, Fragrance, Pantry & Homeware

Open Wednesday-Saturday 11-6 | Sundays 12-4

Q&A

1. Describe THE GREEN RAY in three words.

   Romantic
   Inclusive
   Wild
   

2. How has the shop evolved over time, and is where you are now anything like what you imagined when starting out?
   The shop has been in a constant state of evolution since we first opened, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I opened TGR with little to no retail experience, a credit card, and a dream, so it’s truly wild to see the growth since that first day. Slow-growing into the sweetest little business and community. I HOPE IT LASTS.
   

3. What role does reading play in your personal life?
   Reading is such a gift. Giving myself time to turn off my phone/laptop/TV and sit in a cozy corner with some tea, a pup, and a book improves my mood so greatly you’d think I’d never do anything else. I just read Miranda July’s new one, All Fours, and it knocked me right out. Highly recommend.
   

4. SAME! Within your business, what’s one thing that’s going really well, and one thing you are finding challenging?
   Running a business is a challenge in itself, for sure. You see everyday now an amazing, special shop having to close their doors, and it can get a little daunting thinking, “can I keep this up?” I try hard to fight those thoughts, but the pressure is on for anyone in small biz right now. With every event we have, or literal person who walks through the door, I feel hopeful that we can keep this thing going. We’ve been adding to our clothing and jewelry section this summer and that has been a new fun thing. I’ve been living in my purple basketball shorts from Le Bon Shoppe — the comfiest ever — with pockets big enough for your phone/keys/puppy/whatev. Those, and my gold charm necklace from Nashville local Iyana Gray (@itsgrayvybaby), have been my summer staples. Customers have been loving them, too! Each necklace is totally unique and she finds the coolest charms.
   

5. How does the city and community of Nashville influence your approach to the store?
   The community here in Nashville is as supportive as they come, it’s EXTREMELY HOT! We just had Lagniappe Market (@lagniappe.market) pop-up with us this weekend, and it was pretty dang dreamy. I know we’d never be where we are today if it wasn’t for the sweeties showing up and hosting cool events, shopping our new goodies and spreading the word about our teeny-tiny shop. A lot of the new products we get in are from regulars who find something lovely and share it with us, “This would be great at TGR,” and that’s my favorite thing. They want us to succeed! Oof. Beyond special.
   

6. What’s your favorite piece in the shop right now?
   We just got in a brand from your neck of the woods called RAT BOI that I’m obsessed with. Ethically-made, high quality, comfortable basics that are size-inclusive. I can’t keep their low back camis in stock. I’ve been wearing their tube top for too many days in a row now. The perfect wear for a Tennessee summer. Tube-Top Flip-Flop Summer.
   

7. How do you hope that customers feel when perusing/wearing/buying/experiencing THE GREEN RAY?
   I hope people feel seen, supported and a little bit silly when they leave the shop. It helps when Little Boots — our shop dog — is here. She makes everyone turn tender almost immediately. It’s a great party trick! Something about those ears…

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