Starting a new chapter
BEHIND THE BUSINESS
Talk about a ringing endorsement.
A couple’s plans to open a new bookstore in downtown Antigonish has received the seal of approval from an Academy Award-winning actress.
Reese Witherspoon, who won an Oscar in 2006 for Walk The Line, gave her wholehearted support to the idea of an independent bookstore in the northeastern Nova Scotia town during a December 2020 episode of a podcast called Don’t Ask Tig – hosted by American stand-up comedian Tig Notaro.
“Like, Reese Witherspoon, that’s pretty cool,” said Donovan Purcell, who plans to open The Curious Cat Tea and Books with partner Robin Macdougall on Main Street this summer.
The bookstore conversation between Notaro and Witherspoon stemmed from a question sent to the podcast by Purcell’s friend, Justin Gregg of Antigonish. At the time, Gregg was considering opening an independent bookstore in his hometown, and asked: “… is an indie bookstore an unnecessary indulgence that only book nerds like me feel is important?”
Witherspoon’s reply: “No, independent bookstores are so important. Justin, you’re singin’ my tune.”
Witherspoon, a book lover herself, went on to say she has fond memories of going to bookstores as a little girl with her grandmother. She said bookstores are a place to share ideas, and that it’s important to support independent sellers.
Both Witherspoon and Notaro said they would sign copies of their own books and send them to the new Antigonish bookstore.
“What I’m hoping is to follow up with them and see if we can get anything, literally anything, from them talking about the bookstore in Antigonish,” Purcell said excitedly.
Purcell and Macdougall, who currently live in Dartmouth, are thrilled with their new business venture. The idea was passed on to the couple by Gregg, who couldn’t pursue it because of other commitments. The bookstore will be located in a new building at 195 Main St., between CIBC and the St. James Church. It won’t have seating but will be fully accessible and will include audiobooks. Tea is being sourced from local company Sense and Sensibilitea.
Purcell, 34, and Macdougall, 28, have partnered with HARP Publishing The People’s Press – an Antigonish multi-media publisher focusing on the healing arts and the arts for health equity.
“They promote healing through literature,” said Purcell. “They have some of the same goals as us, as well.”
Purcell, from Windsor, has a financial background and previously worked in Antigonish, while Macdougall is from Port Hawkesbury and has expertise in digital art and graphic design. They, along with their two cats – Ginger and Nyx – and dog Jackson, will move back to Antigonish in June as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
“It just doesn’t feel real yet, but I am very excited to contribute something to the community that’s currently missing and being able to fill that position just doesn’t feel real,” said Macdougall. “The packing is probably the least fun, but I can’t wait to unpack and get to the fun stuff and set up a bookstore.”
Purcell said there is a buzz surrounding the new business, and he also looks forward to the opportunity of providing an important service to area residents.
“People are very, very excited. I kind of feel like I wish we had a bigger budget so we could open a bigger space and do everything everybody wants and have seating and everything, but foot in the door first.”
As for opening a business together, both said they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“It’s really, really cool,” said Purcell. “Honestly, I don’t think I could do this without her. Numbers, I’m stubborn and organized, but she has all the artistic sense, she has all the design sense and knows how it should look.”
Said Macdougall: “I’m big into details,” to which Purcell added: “I wouldn’t be able to sell a damn thing without her.”
To hear the Don’t Ask Tig podcast with Reese Witherspoon, visit: www.dontasktig. org/episode/2020/12/16/ reese-witherspoon.