Meet the Team

Mel:

I’m the proud owner of Griffin Books! Since my teenage years when I had a Saturday job in my local bookshop, it had always been my dream to one day own my own. After nearly 30 years working in IT for a global corporation, I was finally able to realise my dream in September 2014 when I bought the established bookshop in Penarth on the retirement of the previous owners.

It has been a steep learning curve but I’m pleased to say that the shop is flourishing, and I still genuinely look forward to coming to work each day! Outside of work I have a very supportive husband and three twenty-something children, am an active member of All Saints Church, and enjoy keeping fit, reading (of course!) and spending time with family and friends.


Rachel:

I have been working in the bookshop since 2005, with the previous owners for 9 years and with Mel since she took over in 2014. I love the fact that the shop is at the centre of the community in Penarth and working here has given me the chance to meet and get to know so many different local people.

My favourite bits of the job are helping customers with their book choices, recommending books I have loved and reading the advance proof copies! When I'm not in the bookshop I love reading, singing in two choirs, running and walking, especially on the Welsh Coast Path.


Dawn:

I joined Griffin Books in April 2015, having been a customer for many years. Prior to this I worked as a solicitor in local government specialising in planning, before leaving to concentrate on my children. Over the next few years, in between part-time jobs, I volunteered (and still do) for various charities.

My favourite part of this job is finding elusive books for customers, either tracking down half-remembered titles, locating out of print books or researching potential sources on a particular topic. Within the shop itself, I love searching out non-fiction and maps. Outside of work I enjoy cycling, exploring new places and trying out new activities.


Hollie:

I've worked in the Welsh literature sector for almost 17 years, having joined Literature Wales back in 2006 following the completion of my post-grad in Arts Management. In my previous role as Head of Communications at Literature Wales, I worked on a wide variety of literary events, projects and campaigns.

I joined Griffin Books as the shop's Events and Communications Manager in autumn 2019 and have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the wonderful world of bookselling. My favourite parts of the job are organising our busy events programme, chatting to customers and taking pictures of the many beautiful books that arrive in the shop. Outside of work I can mostly be found chasing my young children around Penarth and binge-watching the latest TV series (when they finally go to sleep that is!). 

Elin: 

I have worked in Griffin Books on and off since 2017, and even did my work experience here when I was 16! I was really happy to join the Events and Communications Team full time at the beginning of 2022, after three years working as a bookseller in Waterstones.

I love organising our year-round events programme, and get a thrill being able to bring so many authors to Penarth. You will always find me hanging around the fiction section, taking pictures of new books (yes, those are my hands you see every day on Instagram stories!). When I’m not in the bookshop, I most often can be found reading, attempting to teach myself to crochet or visiting other bookshops around the UK.

 

Lucy:

I have recently joined Griffin Books, having previously worked as a Primary school teacher and in a local coffee shop. I am passionate about promoting a love for reading in children (and adults!) and one of my favourite parts of my job is to help customers choose their perfect book. I also love meeting lots of fellow book lovers and authors at our events. 

When I’m not in the shop, I can mostly be found in a coffee shop with a good book, out for a walk in the lovely Welsh landscape or enjoying a nice Sunday Roast with my family. 

Lauren:

Griffin Books is my first job and I have been working here as a Saturday Sales Assistant since May 2021. In school I am studying chemistry, biology, maths and French, and in the future I hope to study medicine.

My favourite part of the job is helping customers to find a book they'll love and attending our author events. In my spare time I enjoy playing netball and I also play the flute. 

Jess: 

I joined the Griffin Books team in Spring 2021. I love spending my Saturdays working in the shop, it's such a great atmosphere. I have learnt lots of new skills and enjoy using my love of art to contribute to shop window displays and our in-store treasure hunts for children. 

I'm currently studying for my AS Levels in psychology, sociology and art. I love to travel and my favourite family holiday destination is Canada.