In a county with no new bookstore, the absence was without a doubt, felt by readers of every genre and style. Steph Seibert, owner of Story Hollow, remembers feeling that gap deeply.
“There was a space that begged to be filled with stories, connection, and a little bit of hometown coziness,” she said. That space became Story Hollow, a bookstore with a name inspired by Flo Hollow, a fictional novel location inspired by her grandmother, Florine Ward Jackson. “Her spirit threads through every shelf, every event, every smile that crosses the doorway,” Steph shared. In this small southern town, the name simply fits, like it was waiting for just the right moment.
As the only new bookstore within an hour’s drive, Story Hollow offers more than books. It offers belonging. “When someone comes back and says they absolutely loved the book I recommended, their smile warms my heart in a way that never gets old,” Steph said. And when a child hugs their new book like a treasure, she is reminded why she opens the doors each morning.
Being part of Downtown Madisonville’s Renaissance is something Steph holds close. As a fifth generation Madisonville local, watching her hometown come alive again feels like witnessing a long awaited sunrise after dark winter days. The town is waking up and Story Hollow is here for it.
“Story Hollow is my way of pouring back into the community through books, through connection, through events, and through giving. My neighbors are the reason this place exists,” she said.
Steph is open about her faith and the role it played in building the business. “Every decision has been made with God. He opened every door, nudged every step, and made the impossible possible.”
She also credits the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce for helping her find her footing. Their marketing support, training, and networking opportunities helped build the foundation, but according to Steph, two people made a lasting difference.
“Brandy and Taylor gave me encouragement when I needed it most. Knowing you are not alone and that someone is cheering for you is priceless.”
In Story Hollow’s first year, Steph donated more than five percent of gross profits, a significant amount for a small business. Beneficiaries included Sequoyah High School, MCFA, CASA Monroe, The Boys and Girls Club, and many others. Through book clubs and events, she has watched friendships bloom and created a space where kids and families can simply be. “There is never any pressure to buy. It is just a safe place to breathe.”
Madisonville is home, and Monroe County is welcoming whether you have lived here forever, just arrived, or are passing through. Steph believes deeply in keeping things local. “When you shop local, sixty eight percent of your money stays in the community. When you shop the ‘big A’, only sixteen percent stays. That difference builds jobs, infrastructure, and programs that make our home stronger.”
And yes, she can get just about any book that Amazon or Walmart can, with the same shipping time. “People are always surprised when I tell them that,” she said.
Steph’s apparent business savvy started early in life. She’s been an entrepreneur since her Girl Scout days.
“The biggest lesson I have learned is simple. You get out what you put in. Growing a business is hard work, but the rewards are worth every moment.”
Her hope is that Story Hollow becomes a destination business, drawing more people to Madisonville and helping other downtown businesses grow too.
“Author events and unique offerings can bring people here who have never visited before. I want Story Hollow to help lift the whole community.”
Steph’s life has been full of stories long before she opened a bookstore. She has modeled for Levi Strauss, appeared in commercials, traveled to Australia with her theater troupe, and even spent summers as a six foot English sheepdog at an amusement park. “It has been a fun life,” she laughed. “And Story Hollow is just another chapter.”
The heart of Story Hollow is simple. Steph offered three words that describe her business: Community. Books. Joy.
In the industry, it is called handselling, placing a book in someone’s hands and watching them fall in love. “We welcome everyone, and we never judge what anyone is reading,” Steph said.
Story Hollow is a place of adventure for everyone where stories live and thrive in a small town that is also coming alive lately. A day in Downtown Madisonville offers dining, ice cream treats, coffee, and that brand new book you’ve been looking for is just around the corner. If by chance it isn’t there, Steph is sure to get it in hand quickly. Check out Story Hollow online at StoryHollowTN.com and on social media @StoryHollowTN.
Owner | Story Hollow
Where every chapter feels like home
