Tara Hamma is the founder and driving force behind FMC Books, Missoula’s first romance-focused independent bookstore. With a career built on community leadership, small business development, and creative entrepreneurship, Tara has long been passionate about creating spaces that bring people together. FMC Books is the culmination of that vision — a brick-and-mortar bookstore that celebrates the power of romance literature to connect, inspire, and empower readers.

Raised with a deep love of storytelling, Tara has always believed in the transformative potential of books. Her professional background spans community programming, nonprofit support, and business management, giving her the skills to bridge the worlds of literature, local enterprise, and cultural engagement. When she founded FMC Books in 2024, initially as an online shop, her goal was to create more than just a retail space. She envisioned a welcoming, vibrant hub where readers could gather, discover new voices, and see themselves as the “main character” in their own stories.

That vision quickly grew into reality. Within months, FMC Books transitioned from a digital storefront to a downtown Missoula location, where Tara has cultivated a distinctive gothic-romance aesthetic — antique frames, roses, moody lighting, and whimsical nods to the “apothecary of stories” she set out to build. The bookstore has since become known not only for its carefully curated collection of romance titles, but also for its dynamic programming. From monthly book clubs and author events to craft nights, flash mobs, and collaborations with local artists, Tara has positioned FMC Books as a community cornerstone.

Her leadership is rooted in both practicality and passion. Tara brings financial acumen and operational expertise to the business, managing everything from payroll and vendor relationships to marketing and event production. At the same time, she remains deeply involved in the creative and cultural side of FMC Books, curating partnerships with local artists, authors, and artisans. She has emphasized living-wage commitments and ethical business practices, ensuring that FMC Books grows sustainably while enriching Missoula’s downtown.

Beyond the walls of the store, Tara is a vocal advocate for the value of independent bookstores and the importance of local cultural spaces. She views FMC Books not only as a shop, but as part of a larger movement to create “third places” — spaces where people feel at home outside of work and family, where community and creativity flourish. Through her leadership, FMC Books has already become a gathering place for readers, writers, and dreamers, and continues to evolve as a reflection of the community it serves.

Looking ahead, Tara remains committed to growing FMC Books into a lasting institution that champions literature, creativity, and connection. With an eye toward expanding programming, supporting emerging artists, and offering readers new ways to experience romance stories, she continues to build on the mission that started it all: helping every visitor feel like the main character in their own unfolding story.