ARLINGTON, Texas—Inside Inclusion Coffee, just a mile from the University of Texas at Arlington campus, more than 30 vendors and local authors gathered Feb. 7 for the Bookish Bazaar, a market designed to create a dedicated space for readers, writers and small business owners in Arlington.
The next Bookish Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, also at Inclusion Coffee, located at 101 E. Abram, Suite 110.
Hosted by Pretty Little Things Market
The event is hosted by Pretty Little Things Market, a mother-and-daughter–owned market operation led by Lila Castillo and her mother, Hilda Castillo. The bazaar centers on books, giving local authors the opportunity to sell their work directly to customers while allowing readers to discover new titles in a community-driven setting.
Lila Castillo said the idea stemmed from both personal inspiration and a desire to bring more opportunities to Arlington.
“I decided we needed this in Arlington,” Castillo said. “Growing up in Arlington, all pop-up markets were in Dallas.”
By hosting the market locally, Castillo said she hopes to provide accessible opportunities for vendors and customers who might not travel outside the city. The Book Lovers Bazaar differentiates itself from traditional pop-up markets by focusing specifically on literary culture. In addition to authors selling books, vendors offer book-themed merchandise and other creative goods aimed at readers.
Rooted in family values
Castillo said the foundation of the market is rooted in family values.
“My mother has always instilled in us that reading is such an important part of who you become as an adult, which is why I could not do this market without my mother,” she said.
The partnership between Lila and Hilda Castillo reflects the market’s broader emphasis on community and inclusion. Held at Inclusion Coffee, a community-centered cafe, the event draws a diverse mix of students, families and local residents.
“This market is a safe spot for all genders, races, ethnicities and religions,” Castillo said. “We want to give people a safe spot to shop and sell.”
Beyond fostering a welcoming environment, the market also serves as an economic platform for small businesses. According to Castillo, several vendors who began as small or hobby-based sellers have grown their businesses through consistent participation in the bazaar.
Positive impact on local vendors
“This market has also impacted local vendors,” she said. “Some started small, and now are using this market to pay mortgages or even something small like a bill for school.”
By offering recurring monthly events, Pretty Little Market provides vendors and authors with reliable opportunities to generate income and build customer relationships. For local authors in particular, the bazaar offers direct engagement with readers that can be difficult to achieve through traditional retail channels.
The Feb. 7 market demonstrated continued growth and community interest, with more than 30 vendors filling the café space. As Arlington continues to expand, events like the book-related market reflect an increasing demand for hyperlocal markets that prioritize small businesses and inclusive community spaces.
For Castillo, however, the mission remains straightforward: to create a place where readers feel welcome, authors feel supported and local entrepreneurs have the opportunity to thrive.
