In the Neighborhood with Mandy Haynes

In the Neighborhood with Mandy Haynes

Story & Song Bookstore Bistro

Donna Paz & Mark Kaufman

Lilly Scheetz

Mark and Donna Paz Kaufman turned a dream into reality. “Owning a bookstore cafe had been a dream of mine since I was sixteen and visited Louie’s Bookstore Cafe in Baltimore,” says Donna. She’s worked in publishing, was the General Manager for Davis-Kidd Booksellers’ flagship store in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the founder of The Bookstore Training Group of Paz & Associates. Since 1992, Mark and Donna have devoted their careers to helping others launch and operate successful independent bookstores, but there was a time when they wondered if they would ever be able to own a bookstore themselves.

“We spent years looking for a suitable spot, but for one reason or another, each space fell short. Just after Donna articulated that it was time to give up the dream of owning a store, a beautiful space at the entry of our neighborhood became available for purchase,” recalls Mark. They wasted no time and got to work with their colleagues at Paz & Associates to launch Story & Song.

In 2018, Story & Song Bookstore Bistro, a community centered independent bookstore, bistro, and event space celebrating the literary, culinary, visual, and performing arts, had a home. It quickly became a favorite spot for locals and visitors on Amelia Island, and this year, they added the Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture to further support and celebrate the arts. Visit Story & Song Bookstore Bistro at 1430 Park Avenue or online at storyandsongbookstore.com or call (904) 601-2118.

Willow Beauty

Kathy Papke and Ginger

Lilly Scheetz

Kathy Papke, the owner of Willow Beauty, is from the Boston area. She moved here with her family in 2007 after falling in love with the island while on vacation. “I’ve always dreamt of owning my own business. After going to school for marketing, I spent years in the corporate world working for large cosmetic companies. Willow Beauty is a combination of my experience, which includes sales, merchandising, marketing, as well as training in hair, makeup, and skincare,” says Kathy. “Losing my mother this year to cancer has given me the motivation to share my knowledge of safer beauty products and the inspiration to make Willow Beauty a success.” Kathy believes in giving back, and she donates a percentage of special items to various charities.

“I’ve partnered with Sara Smith, who owns Skin By Sara, and we provide facial services, including the state-of-the-art hydrafacial. Sara also comes from the corporate world with a dream of owning her own business, so it was a perfect blend,” says Kathy. The store was designed by her husband, Steven Papke, who also designed The Boat House restaurant. Kathy is humbled by customers who thank her for opening a store like this on the island and laughs when people say, “I am so happy I don’t have to go overseas to buy my beauty products!”

When she’s not working, Kathy loves bike rides, walks on the beach with her dog Ginger, and shopping locally. Willow Beauty is located at 1881 South 14th Street. For more information, call (904) 775-5794.