Episode Details

Feeling inspired by Donna’s story? Follow Her Next Act on Apple Podcasts to join our community of women stepping into their next act. Follow on Apple Podcasts.

What would you do if you were given a second chance? In this heart-centered episode, Joan sits down with Donna Paz Kaufman, co-owner of Story & Song and founder of Paz & Associates, to explore how a lifelong love of books, a near-death experience, and a leap of faith led Donna to create a vibrant community and cultural center on Amelia Island.

Donna shares how her first visit to a bookstore café as a teenager planted a dream that would take decades to come to life and how letting go of that dream eventually brought it back to her. Through personal stories of risk, resilience and patience, we learn how she and her husband built not only a bookstore, but a living legacy for the arts, connection, and service.

Whether you’ve ever dreamed of opening a bookstore, designing a rich and meaningful next chapter, or making a difference in your community, this episode is filled with inspiration and wisdom for women stepping into their power.

Episode Highlights:

➔ Donna experiences her first "spark" inside a magical bookstore café
➔ How a business degree and a job in publishing shaped her early path
➔ A three-day survival story that changed her life’s direction
➔ The path to deeper meaning supporting others to actualize a dream
➔ Story & Song is born: creating a new model
➔ Creative ways to support community

Follow along with Donna Paz Kaufman:

Story and Song ~ Center for Arts & Culture

Website: https://storyandsongarts.org/

Paz & Associates

Website: https://openingabookstore.com/

Learn more and follow along with me - Joan Paul

Website: https://hernextact.com/

instagram: @hernextact

facebook: @joanpaul

The Griswold Inn

Thank you for listening and remember, you're never too old, and it's not too late! That one day is now!

xojoan