This week we share the budding story or record store owner Jen Nolan. A self proclaimed massive music head, Jen has worked in record stores since she was sixteen and in November of last year decided to turn her love of records into a reality, opening her online (for now) store Bloodbuzz Records.

When not planning for her next record show or buying records to sell, she is busy working full time as a pediatric speech language pathologist. "My areas of interest in my career include pediatric feeding and swallowing disorder, neurological disorders, and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices." Outside of that, she is a rock climber, weight lifter, concert junkie, and painter. "Living in Colorado as so many benefits including accessible outdoor areas. I also love to cook and am always trying new recipes!"

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

When I was 16, I walked into the record store in my hometown and asked for an application. A few weeks later, I had my first interview. I ended up working there for about 8 years throughout high school, undergrad, and part of my masters. I've always had a passion for music and use it daily during my main job working with kiddos. While I love what I do professionally, I have always felt most at home in a record store.

What is a day in the life like?

A day in the life is a little different for me as I don't have a brick and mortar store and since this is a passion project for me. I wake up, see patients from about 9-5:30, come home, eat dinner and workout, and spend the last few hours of my night sorting and pricing records or getting special orders in for people.

In your opinion what has been your favorite / the coolest thing you've worked on?

For Bloodbuzz, getting back into buying and pricing records has been the best part. It's like a treasure hunt every time. In the past, I loved working RSD and seeing people lining up all morning. It was always a fun day!

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

So far, not having a brick and mortar has been a bit difficult. I really miss having the space to have an actual store and my tiny apartment is substituting as a working area for the time being.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you’re doing?

Don't let people tell you that you're crazy!

This has been a dream of mine for at least 5 years and every time I brought up running a store, so many people would laugh and tell me I should just stick to health care.

Do your research, talk to people in the industry, look online, read books. Whatever you have to do to get familiar with the process.

Are you a vinyl collector yourself? What drew you to it?

I am! I don't have a large collection and never really did, but I love the feeling of buying a record, sitting down, and having to be mindful of what you're listening to since it isn't on a loop.

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you’re excited or worried about? i.e. innovation, or trends you’re seeing.

I've been enjoying watching friends get into collecting. Helping people buy record players and teaching people what to look for in albums has been really fulfilling.

Who has been influential to you and your growth as a professional in this industry? 

Jim Corso at Phidelity Records in Westmont, New Jersey was my boss for all the years I worked at stores. He taught me so much about the industry and what is needed to run a store!

Anything else you’d like to add; if not tell us what you're listening to: 

I am 1,000% a jam band girl. I've seen Dave Matthews Band about 35 times. People love to hate on the jam scene but there is nothing better than being with a bunch of your friends and sharing a song but having completely different reactions to it.