Column: Zibby Owens, New York bookfluencer, launches LA store

In a move that could cause certain members of the East Coast literati to lose their minds, the New York book scene is about to take up residence in Santa Monica. In less than four years, Owens’ wildly successful, award-winning podcast, “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books,” has made her one of New York’s most highly praised bookfluencers. Before Zibby’s Bookshop’s opening, books are shelved with Post-Its marking future sections organized around making you want to “tremble” and “escape.” It sounds laughable — how many people have tried to start a podcast? Having seen what goes into making a book, Owens said, “I realized I’d have to do it myself.. Everyone kept telling me how hard it would be,” she said, “but I’m not afraid of hard work.” When asked about the irony of a woman whose brand is “Moms don’t have time for…” somehow managing to build a media empire, Owens laughs, admitting that the fact that her twins are now in boarding school, and that her custody arrangement leaves her with child-free days, certainly helps. “There has been prelaunch investment across channels and now I’m hoping the books take off,” she said, adding, “If I find some areas aren’t working, I’ll pivot and try new things.” Although the other podcasts in Zibby Audio are hosted by other people, Owens is still very much in charge of “Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books,” which features a disparate mix of guests, from the very famous to emerging voices.