The Life in Business: Kona Stories

If Brenda Eng was ever asked what her “dream job” would have been, it would have been to own a bookstore. “I just started talking about it like it was real” states Brenda. “I would go to independent bookstores and talk story with the owner and even started taking pictures of things I liked.” After several years of planning and dreaming, the Kona mauka book store, Kona Stories, became a reality, opening Thanksgiving Weekend 2006.

Brenda and her business partner, Joy Vogelgesang, had met in a Book Club in Roseville, California.

Brenda, who is a mother of three children and worked in the medical field before moving to Hawai‘i, decided it was time to open that bookstore she had dreamed of. So, one day she e-mailed Joy in California and said, “How’d you like to move to Hawai‘i and open a book store?” Joy said, “Sure would!”

Joy’s experience working at both Borders and Barnes & Noble, and as an executive at a large corporation, prepared her for this “dream job.”

Since opening, Kona Stories has expanded its book sections based on local interest and customer demand and created a series of author or book events every Saturday afternoon. Just like the big stores, it offers a place to read and enjoy a cup of 100% Kona coffee and a treat.

Tuesday mornings is keiki story time with songs and games. Special orders and gift shipping are extra services they offer. Kona Stories is a welcoming stop at the Mango Court in Kainaliu in mauka Kona. Don’t drive by next time. Stop and say hi. ❖