A Showcase of Local Authors – Karen’s Hallmark Shop
A Moonlight Bike Ride: A Daddy and Me Story by local author Melody Barrett, honors the love between father and daughter. By Melody Ann Barrett
Nestled in the corner of the Danville Mall is a retail treasure trove known as Karen’s Hallmark. It has many traditional Hallmark items for sale such as greeting cards, apparel. and ornaments, but it stands out for its locally-made products and, especially, its curated collection of books written by local authors. Though her store bears the well-loved and trusted name of Hallmark, Karen Johnston is an entrepreneur and her store is independently owned. She personally hand picks items that she feels will benefit her shoppers and the community and that, ultimately, will spread joy and hope.
Karen’s journey with Hallmark began in 1978, when she worked at Dee’s Hallmark in Eden, NC. This was her first retail job. Three years later, in 1981, she opened her own Hallmark in the Nordan Shopping Center in Danville and has been in business ever since. She explained that from its inception, her store has carried items from local authors and artists. When asked why carrying local books is so important to her, she stated that she has always greatly enjoyed reading and learning, and that she wants to positively influence her customers and employees alike. She also knows the difficulty involved with starting her own business and, as such, finds joy and fulfillment in helping local creatives, particularly authors, get their start in hopes that they become successful. She credits her store’s longevity and success to her faith in God and considers her store to be His store. She has worked tirelessly for decades to influence her community for the better and to give back to others.
Karen’s Hallmark carries an impressive amount of local authors’ work. She chooses books to sell that will be optimistic and uplifting to the reader and is thrilled when a customer returns to tell her how much they enjoyed a book written by a local author. There are books containing histories of the area, books on personal growth and faith, fictional novels, and adorable children’s books. In passing, she proudly highlighted several authors. There is Donnie Stevens who wrote novels titled, You First Loved Me and The Lost Letter, which are both clean romance novels. William Guerrant wrote Let a Pillar Arise and Bertie and Charlie. Both of his books are historical fiction based on bygone times in the Danville area. There is also Work Positive in a Negative World by Dr. Joey Faucette, which would be an inspiration to those in the business arena. Patrika S. Threat wrote an autobiographical book, God Whispers in the Wind, about her walk with God and how to hear his voice in everyday life. In addition, there are many books Karen carries that showcase Virginia and, especially Danville, with titles such as, Lucky to Live in Virginia, Echoes of Sandy Creek, Grove Street Cemetery, If Streets Could Talk, and Dan River Twins.
The children’s books are particularly eye-catching with their bright color palettes and cute graphics. Lori Wilson is a local children’s author who has become quite popular for her Tooth Fairy books. Pam Cobbler celebrates the unique characteristics of every child through the character of Cuddle Kitty in Definitely Different. There is a book titled The Beauty in Me that encourages a positive self-image in little girls from all cultures. My own children’s book, A Moonlight Bike Ride: A Daddy and Me Story, celebrates the precious bond between fathers and daughters and is also for sale at Karen’s store. There are many, many more books that Karen carries, and she urges everyone to “Come seek and find.” Reading books by local authors brings Karen joy and she wants it to do the same for her customers. When asked if she had a favorite local author, she said it would be impossible for her to select just one since they all bring something unique but integral to the store’s collection.
In addition, Karen’s store also partners with many local charities such as God’s Storehouse and Bridge2Bridge Danville, which benefits local cancer patients with items like wigs and medication. Her altruistic and humanitarian spirit goes beyond just helping authors and artists in her store to aiding multiple organizations that help others in the community. She says, “It’s all about helping others” and that, “Making a positive impact is the most rewarding.” She also hosts multiple fun events throughout the year at her store, such as the Christmas Ornament Debut in October and the Holiday Open House in November. These events highlight local authors with book signings that she hopes will garner further interest in their books. As a bonus, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus also attend the Holiday Open House. These are truly events for the whole family.
Her store fosters an inviting atmosphere at every turn. She keeps a treasure chest filled with trinkets for children as a reward for good behavior while in the store. Karen periodically sells fresh treats from local bakeries like Halls Pastry Shop and she always has local food items like honey and jams for sale. She carries art from local artist Katherine Stoyer and tobacco art from local artist Mary Ann Terry. There is a Little Free Library outside of Karen’s Hallmark and she urges anyone to take a book to enjoy. She also requests that used and unwanted books in our homes be donated to the Little Free Library to provide reading pleasure for the next person. She loves being able to provide this service to the public.
There is a common theme of enrichment in everything Karen does with and through her store. Her pay-it-forward attitude, her mission to spread light and joy, and her support of local causes and creatives—it is all done with the ultimate goal of changing people’s lives for the better. Her store is not just her livelihood. It is her mission field. Karen’s Hallmark is a store that we should all remember and patronize as often as possible. When we do so, our patronage is far-reaching in our community and the surrounding areas. She wants customers to know that she loves what she does, she loves the people, and that she is blessed to learn something new every day.
Karen’s Hallmark is truly your one-stop gift shop for all of your upcoming Christmas shopping needs. There is genuinely something for everyone including jewelry, apparel – like Lilly Pulitzer and Simply Southern – and art from local artists. Once you find your favorite gifts you can then have them expertly wrapped as the store offers gift-wrapping daily. Karen extends a kind welcome to everyone and wants to remind shoppers to “please shop local, specifically local authors’ books.” Books are timeless treasures and there are bountiful treasures to be found at Karen’s Hallmark. Follow the store on Facebook at Karen’s Hallmark Shop Danville, Virginia to stay up-to-date on all events, merchandise, and new author releases. It is located on the upper level of the Danville Mall near Belk.
325 Piedmont Dr
Danville, Va.
(434) 791-3737
KarensHallmark.com
Inside the Danville Mall, 2nd level, Near Belk
