Independent Bookstore Feature: Author Apothecary & Bookstore

Independent booksellers are the bloodline of stories, bringing them from warehouses to shelves right in your neighborhood. More than that, they become community centers where like-minded folks gather at bookish events.

All booksellers carry the common theme—literacy is good for the community.

Fresh Water Press caught up with Felicia Clark, owner of Author Apothecary & Bookstore, an independent bookstore in Oshkosh, Wis.

FWP: Why did you decide to open a bookstore? How long have you been in business?

Felicia: I’ve been daydreaming about becoming a published author and opening a bookstore since I was about nine years old, writing and illustrating children’s stories on colored construction paper, messily stapled together. I never thought either of those dreams would come to fruition, especially after I fell into a deep depression and began using alcohol as a coping mechanism for nearly a decade. At rock bottom, I had to make a choice. Luckily that choice was to lean on my support system and attend consistent, intensive therapy to bring me back to life. I did so much work on myself mentally, physically, and emotionally that I found myself enjoying my life again. I began traveling as a nomad in an RV with my partner and our three pets. Along the way, I gained confidence to publish my first book, AWAKE: Poetry for the Healing, a poetic memoir about my healing journey. I’d even created a small publishing company using my writing/reading blog brand Measure Life In Bookmarks. Both of these experiences gave me knowledge about the author and publishing industries, so it only seemed appropriate to complete the trilogy and also dive into the bookselling world.

We opened our doors June 6, 2026, but made our official announcement in January 2026 that it was coming and began offering Reader Remedy Book Bundles each month to help raise funds to open the brick-and-mortar building. From the moment we started looking at the building we’d been interested in, I felt like the doors just kept opening, and I’d learned by now that I should walk through each of them. So, I did, and here we are!

FWP: Do you specialize in anything special or unique?

Felicia: We are part apothecary, mostly bookstore. From our decor to our books, we wanted to create a space that felt healing. We have a lot of greenery throughout the shop and moody lighting to set the stage for comfort and coziness. Our books are of all genres for all ages, and we offer holistic healing products for supporting mental and emotional well‑being, such as essential oils, candles, lotions, soaps, incense, and more.

Our goal is to heal the community one book remedy at a time, which is why we offer Reader Remedy Book Bundles. They are an opportunity for customers to purchase an already curated bundle or build their own to satisfy an emotional need. For example, if someone has experienced loss, we offer the opportunity for people to not only purchase a book focusing on grief, but also to build a bundle with healing items and a ritual card they can share with their loved one. On the celebratory side, the bundles are also an opportunity to celebrate achievements, like weddings, births, and graduations.

We also embrace the acronym of our store, AABookstore, to offer a sober space for people looking to get together with other creatives for workshops, classes, groups, crafts, and other events throughout the year in an inclusive, educational, safe, diverse, and healing space.

FWP: What are the top things you look at when deciding what books to stock, and which to face-display?

Felicia: I have been reading about one hundred books every year for a while now. I felt confident curating many titles based on books I’ve personally read and loved so I can share the written word with others from my perspective. Having said that, there are still many books I haven’t read yet but am excited to sell in store. There’s also an emphasis on topics like self-help and inspiration, health and fitness, and mindfulness to accompany the Reader Remedy Book Bundles for those ready to start nurturing their spirits or are already on their journey back to happiness and health.

Our used books section is diverse and full, thanks to the community members who donated hundreds of books. We welcome customers to sift through some of these wonderfully unique books. One of my favorite donations were some vintage Choose Your Own Adventure books. They are so nostalgic!

As a new bookstore owner who dreamed of this day for the majority of my life, I still can’t believe it’s really happening, but I’ve never been more ready or excited to join the community in this way. I look forward to decades of providing bookish events and meaningful reads to all.

Are you a bookstore owner? Fresh Water Press would love to feature your story. Do you have a favorite bookstore you’d like to learn more about? Let us know at contact@freshwaterpressllc.com, and we’ll reach out to request an interview.