Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Campbell.
Hi Heather, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always had a deep love for books and writing. Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of owning a bookstore one day. Florence Gail Bookshop began as a small mobile bookstore in 2021, where I traveled to local festivals and markets simply hoping to connect with other creatives and fellow book lovers.
Fast forward to June 2024…after taking my dogs on their morning walk in Trenton, Kentucky I saw a “For Lease” sign in a quaint downtown space. I had a nudge to call and inquire. What could it hurt, right? I called and toured it that same day, and instantly knew it was meant to be my bookshop. I signed the lease and officially opened Florence Gail Bookshop in October 2024 with one goal in mind: to build a peaceful, cozy space where people could slow down, connect, and feel a sense of community.
A year later, I still unlock the door each morning with extreme gratitude for my cozy shop and the community it serves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest challenge for me has been overcoming my own self-doubt. I questioned whether I was capable enough, creative enough, or simply “good enough” to bring this dream to life. I worried if people would come, if they’d connect with what I was trying to create, and if I could truly build a space that felt like community. In the end, the hardest part wasn’t the logistics—it was learning to believe in myself and trust that what I was building mattered.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Florence Gail Bookshop, I focus on creating a truly curated and cozy experience. Every book that makes its way onto the shelves has been personally hand-selected, chosen not just for what’s popular but for how it makes people feel. I want the shop to feel like a place where anyone can slow down, browse, and be at home.
I think what I’m most known for is the inviting atmosphere and the sense of comfort people feel when they walk through the door. I take pride in the small details—the way the shelves are arranged, the candles burning, the music playing softly in the background—all of it designed to bring peace and connection.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the community that has grown around the shop. In just a year, it’s become a space where genuine friendships have formed and people feel safe to be themselves. What sets Florence Gail apart is that everything—from the events to the book selection to the way the space is designed—has been created with intention and love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really believe in luck—good or bad. I believe in hard work, faith, and taking small, steady steps toward your goals, even if it takes years or decades to get there. I’ve found that when something is meant for you, God places it in your path at just the right time. Florence Gail Bookshop is a reflection of that—of trusting the timing, doing the work, and staying faithful through the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://florence-gail-bookshop.b12sites.com/
- Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/florencegailbookshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Florence-Gail-Bookshop/61572866276449/#
