S1:E2 - David v. Goliath: Opening an Independent Bookstore in the Age of Amazon - Paper Pages Bookstore - Karen Payne

S1:E2 - David v. Goliath: Opening an Independent Bookstore in the Age of Amazon - Paper Pages Bookstore - Karen Payne

Author: J.Audra.Lane August 9, 2021 Duration: 49:13

Today’s guest is Karen Payne, the owner of Paper Pages Bookstore. On this day of Amazon and overnight delivery to your doorstep, who would have thought it would be a good idea to open a bookstore in a small town? Karen did, and now her bookstore is thriving and growing every month!

In today’s episode, we’ll find out what made her want to open a bookstore in Crescent, how her store became the heart of the town, and what her plans for the future are.

Podcast episode summary

  • Why Karen opened a bookstore
  • What is driving the growth of this small bookstore in this little bitty town?
  • One of the perks of shopping at Paper Pages is Karen knows what you like to read and can make recommendations for your next book. No more endless scrolling with your eyes glazed over because there are TOO MANY options!
  • How did Karen learn to run a business with NO previous experience?
  • Surviving COVID
  • The best and worst parts of running a bookstore
  • What does the future hold for Paper Pages Bookstore?

Recommended resources

The Wolf in the Whale by Jordanna Max Brodsky

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

Serendipity Pottery - Handmade pottery

D&S Designz - Custom powder-coated tumblers

The Minted Feather

Rural Route Coffee Roasters

Mrs. Jen’s Ice Cream Emporium

Rise & Dine - Breakfast and brunch restaurant

Contact Info

Address:  117 N. Grand, Crescent, OK

Phone: (405) 888-1069

Facebook:  Paper Pages Bookstore


There's a particular kind of person who builds something from nothing right here in the heartland. Rock the Boat Oklahoma is a series of conversations with those very people, hosted by J.Audra.Lane. This isn't about polished corporate success stories, though success is certainly part of the journey. Instead, each episode pulls up a chair with an Oklahoma entrepreneur to understand the real person behind the business-what keeps them up at night, what made them leap into the unknown, and why they chose this often difficult path. You'll hear from the brave, the unconventional, and the quietly determined individuals who aren't afraid to be called a little weird for pursuing their vision. Through these candid interviews, the podcast reveals the drive, the resilience, and the occasional dose of healthy stubbornness it takes to thrive. It’s about the human spirit of enterprise, found in local shops, startups, and family-run operations across the state. Tuning in, you get more than just business tips; you find a source of genuine inspiration, a reminder that building something meaningful often requires rocking the boat just enough to make waves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 23

Rock the Boat Oklahoma
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