If you live a holistic and Ayurvedic lifestyle, or just appreciate good food, good karma and good company, you have been to Breathe Bookstore and Cafe in Hampden. Twice this week I have been spotted sitting on the large wrap around porch among the beautiful trees, enjoying a gentle breeze and a light rain while listening to the song of the wind chimes over a cup of ginger tea. I love this place and the people inside it, and was a little saddened to hear the news that Owner Susan Weis–Bohlen is moving on to the next stage in her journey, and looking to pass the torch to new owners. The following message from Susan went out today in the Breathe Books e-newsletter:
When one door opens, well, another one opens.
Breathe bookstore café’s door is open to new owners…
Larry and I recently moved to a beautiful home in Reisterstown, in part, because the previous owners had a cooking school there and built a beautiful state-of-the-art teaching kitchen — my dream kitchen! My jaw literally dropped when we walked in. Larry knew it had to be our house. And so it is.
And I knew I would be expanding my business to our home, but what I didn’tknow was that I would want to concentrate ALL of my business there. 
It’s become crystal clear to me that to be true to my heart and soul, I want to spend more time teaching and offering consultations and less time running a café. My 
thoughts when opening the café were to add a little boost to the bookstore business. The demand for our amazing food has been great, and my vision of a bookstore with some café items became a café with some books.
(Naively I thought I would be able to cook for the café! But running both bookstore, café, events, etc. has left me little time to be in the kitchen.)
To operate at the creative and efficient level I am used to and to best serve the community I want to be fully present with my Ayurvedic clients, lead workshops, organize events, teach cooking and meditation, and lecture around the region.
So breathe bookstore café is for sale. My lease can be taken over at any time. If you have a dream to run a vegetarian café or want to create your own concept, let me know. We have a brand new kitchen with the top equipment, a fabulous historic house (two floors and a carriage house) and great karma! Everything is negotiable. And my staff would LOVE to continue working here!
I am sad to no longer run this business in Hampden, and I’m sorry about the
disruption to our community, but I know it is the right decision. We’ll make the transition as smooth as possible. Our classes go on as usual until we move. I will keep you up-to-date.
I thank you for your 10 years of support. It’s been an incredible ride! I can’t wait to see new adventures unfold. I hope you can come along with me! I look forward to serving you in another capacity and another place soon.
In the meantime we are currently selling our inventory at a 20% discount (not including food items, Ayurvedic products or used books). Please come in to pick up some special things before they are gone!
With love and deep gratitude,
Susan
