Later this year, Hollow Oak will open at Medley. The bookstore and specialty shop, founded and owned by Johns Creek resident, Katie Bossie, is envisioned as a gathering space, not just for people to shop but to visit, slow down and build community.
The store has been thoughtfully designed around the concept of “offline, analog living,” and will feature a curated mix of books, stationery, art and well-crafted goods for the home. Think timeless, tactile items — paper goods and writing tools, candles and tabletop pieces, lovingly offered alongside a collection of books that spans genres.
Bossie made time to talk with us recently about her background, the idea of analog living and her plans for the future.
Q: Hi, Katie. Thanks for taking time to answer some of our questions. First off, can you share a little about your background and connection to Johns Creek?
I was raised right here in what is now Johns Creek and have lived here for more than 30 years. I love this community! I’m so honored to play a small part in the development of our new Town Center with the launch of Hollow Oak at Medley.
Q. Where did the idea to open a bookstore come from? What was the inspiration for the Hollow Oak name?
I have just always adored bookstores and interesting indie shops. It’s such a thrill to discover a new author or artist that really resonates — every time I do, I feel like a new little corner of the world opens up to me.
Countless shopkeepers have enhanced my life with their recommendations and collections over the years. At a certain point, I started catching myself daydreaming about doing the same for my community. I knew I wanted to combine the things I love about a great bookstore — hyper-curated, cross-genre selections, ample staff picks and exquisite stationery — with art and unique, well-made goods for the home.
The name “Hollow Oak” is a nod to a Nancy Drew book that I loved as a kid, “The Message in the Hollow Oak.” Those books meant so much to me and really crystalized my love of reading at a young age.
Q. I love the Analog Living tag. What does Analog Living mean to you? Where did that idea come from?
We just scroll so much these days! We live incredibly online lives, and while it’s not all bad, it’s certainly not all good. I think we all feel that.
To me, analog living means intentionally carving out space to counterbalance the digital. To ground into a way of being that is more human, tactile and experiential. To make choices that connect us to the really beautiful aspects of life that get crowded out when we are glued to our devices — A gripping story. A dinner party with friends. Game night. The act of creating something with our own minds and hands.
Our inventory, atmosphere and programming at Hollow Oak will all be designed to support a shift away from the algorithm and into the here and now.
Q. What was the process of taking it from idea to reality? And how did you come to partner with Terra Alma?
I bought the Hollow Oak domain in 2021 and didn’t tell a soul lest I scare the idea away or allow someone to talk me out of it. It took five years for the vision (and my courage!) to develop enough that I could share my thinking with friends and family. The moment I did, everything started falling into place. People literally started coming out of the woodwork to support me.
My friend Dana Davidoff, who owns a wonderful shop called Isadora Popper in Clayton, offered to mentor me. She ended up introducing me to the team at Medley. My friend Rachel introduced me to Edie Weintraub, founder of Terra Alma, the brokerage I worked with on my lease. Another friend, Maddy, introduced me to Candice Sinisgalli, owner of Nina + Leigh at Halcyon, who has been an incredible resource.
I could go on! It’s been one cosmic encounter after another. It’s taking a village, and the process is so much richer and more joyful for it.
Q. How does the store’s mission align with what Medley will bring to the city?
Toro is known for developments that go beyond retail. They create destinations where folks want to gather and linger and really enjoy themselves. We all know how magical Avalon is!
They are bringing that same vision, care and expert curation to make Medley a true community space for Johns Creek, and we are doing the same when it comes to the experience within our four walls at Hollow Oak.
Q. There’s a very clear aesthetic to the photos you’re sharing on social media. How involved are you in the styling and messaging there?
My husband, Devin O’Guin, and I are building the visual brand together, and it is honestly the most fun I have ever had. We actually met in design school; I didn’t stick with it, but Devin has built a career as an incredibly talented artist and graphic designer. I am so lucky to have him as my creative partner in this endeavor.
We both love the design aesthetic of the 60s and 70s, which is a perfect fit for Hollow Oak, as that era really represents the pinnacle of hand-crafted design before computers dominated the scene. Artistically, that era embodies so much of what we stand to lose through over-reliance on technology: the detectable human quality of the work. The hard-won fruits of a rich and authentic creative process. It is such a pleasure to celebrate that in our design for Hollow Oak.
Q. It sounds like it will be a great spot for people to gather and not just shop, but also unplug. Will the store be primarily adult-centered? Or will there be space for children as well? What types of classes will you offer?
We can’t wait to welcome folks of all ages to shop and enjoy our programming! I’m so excited about the classes and events we will offer. We’ll do lots of fabulous bookish gatherings like book club, children’s story time, author talks, release parties and book swaps.
We’re also going to layer in offerings that allow folks to create, like workshops in knitting, printmaking, whittling and painting. We are looking forward to hearing what the community wants to learn or try!
Q. How do you choose the items you’ll carry at Hollow Oak? What are some of the favorite things you’ve found so far?
We will stock all of our most favorite things in the shop. The best books we’ve ever read. Ceramics, prints, textiles and other treasures by beloved artists and artisans. Paper goods and writing implements we can’t live without. The best smelling and most luxurious bath and body products. Greeting cards so charming they deserve a frame. Delightful little vintage finds.
We are putting our hearts into the curation process and will continue to source new and interesting things for the community to discover each time they come in. We cannot wait to share!
Q. Is there anything you’re doing now to prepare for the October opening? What’s the status of the project – are you still in the buildout phase?
We are in the thick of the construction and design process. We are working with a wonderful interior designer — Mallori Hamilton, owner of Uncommon Studios, based right here in Johns Creek — who is helping us create a beautiful space that reflects the spirit of the shop.
Q. Do you have a personal favorite book you’ve read recently?
Thank you for adding “recently” to that question because every time someone asks me to share my all-time favorite book, I break out in a cold sweat. I could never pick just one!
I just finished “11/22/63” by Stephen King, and I can’t stop thinking about it. I don’t typically read horror, so I slept on Stephen King and boy do I regret it. He is a master of so many genres.
“11/22/63” is a work of historical fiction that tells the story of a man who travels back in time to stop the assassination of JFK. You get a bit of a thriller, a romance and a vivid, fascinating portrait of 1960s America all wrapped up in an enormous book that you’ll wish was even bigger. Highly recommend!
For more about Hollow Oak, visit shophollowoak.com or follow them on Instagram.
To keep up with the latest news from Medley, visit medleyjohnscreek.com.
