Dauma transforms South & Pine to include Blue Apple Books

MADISON – Robin Dauma has fulfilled her dream that has remained persistent for decades. She now owns a bookstore that includes retail buys at Blue Apple Books and South & Pine.

In July, Dauma bought South & Pine/Tiny Pines at 14 Main St., Suite C from Meghann Delashaw. “We still feature favorite South & Pine and Tiny Pines products. . . baby ‘faves,’ locally-made candles, room sprays, diffusers, soaps, lotions, vases, picture frames and seasonal/holiday decor (instead of furniture),” Dauma said.

Her business will be a benefit corporation, dedicated to serving customers with gift items, home decor, local artwork and books while also giving back in various ways to the community.

An educator for almost 30 years, Dauma taught preschool in Washington state when she and Anthony first married. She then taught in both Madison County and Madison City school systems for 25-plus years, 14 years with gifted students in middle school and 11.5 years in English at Bob Jones High School.

After retiring from teaching in 2020, Dauma eventually worked for Kids to Love/KTECH from 2021 to 2024.

“I’ve had a dream to buy an independent bookstore for many years, fueled by interesting independent bookstores like Square Books in Oxford, Miss.,” Dauma said. She researched the best way to formulate her entrepreneurial plan to include retail space and an investment in the community.

Following a friend’s suggestion, Dauma met with Lee Marshall with Kids to Love about mentorship for youth aging out of foster care. “We talked and cried for over two hours, commiserating shared goals. Two weeks later, Lee offered me a part-time job at Kids to Love/KTECH (‘while you figure out your bookstore plan’). I worked as Recruitment Specialist for KTECH for three years,” Dauma said.

Her quest about independent booksellers continued with an online course, bookstore visits and classes with The Catalyst Center. She learned a new Alabama law allows formation of benefit corporations. “Within six weeks, I had formalized my articles of incorporation as a Benefit LLC (I believe the first in Madison County),” Dauma said.

Dauma wanted her bookstore’s location in a quaint, historic area, like downtown Madison. A friend who work as a business broker called when South & Pine was on the market. Dauma had found her location.

Dauma is sole owner of Blue Apple Books and South & Pine. The book inventory will feature new books of all genres, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, along with stationery items and book-related merchandise.

The store “has a wonderful, small-event space available for rent for small classes, tutoring sessions, hands-on workshops and more. By mid-October, we also plan to host large events, like author meet-and-greets, book signings, poetry readings and children’s story times,” Dauma said.

“I’m thrilled that we will have the work of local artists in the store, including paintings, pottery and wood/epoxy pieces made by the same person who makes South & Pine signature candles,” Dauma said. “Private and public workshops, such as candle- and wreath-making, charcuterie and calligraphy, will resume in October.”

“I can’t wait to feature talents of community members who will lead and teach even more creative endeavors,” she said.

The business encompasses two storefronts: Suites B and C at 14 Main St. By mid-September, Dauma will transform Tiny Pines’ space into the bookstore.

Madison Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 18. Grand Opening Week runs during Sept. 19-25.

“A locally owned, independent bookstore can meet a need in the community that no other entity can. Like many forms of art, reading good books brings a universal sense of awe, unity and empathy that can transcend differences,” Dauma said.

“I’ve never felt led to preach or run for office, but I’ve always wanted to make a difference in whatever sphere I find myself. The draw toward that sphere being a bookstore has just been too strong to resist,” Dauma said.

Explaining the store name, Dauma has taught the metaphor of “biting blue apples” with all her students . . . as inspiration to try new, even difficult, ideas in life. A ‘blue apple’ for one person may be different for a friend. ‘Blue apples’ help to avoid complacency but push for improvement.

“I’m grateful for so many friends, family members and colleagues who have encouraged me as I’ve pursued this dream for several years,” she said.

“I can open a book and be transported anywhere, just like I did growing up as a girl on a farm in Mississippi,” she said.

Dauma grew up in Fulton, Miss., just east of Tupelo. After attending Itawamba Community College, she earned a bachelor’s degree at Mississippi University for Women and a master’s degree in gifted education from the University of Alabama.

Robin and husband Anthony married and lived in Washington state and moved to Huntsville in 1995. Robin is an Elvis Presley fan, which even casual friends soon realize.

The Daumas’ children are Adrienne, graphic designer in Portland, Ore.; Turner, mechanical engineer for LSINC; Alec of Madison working in dramatic arts; and Harley, freshman at University of North Alabama.

Anthony and Robin have one grandson, Cyrus.

For more information, visit shopsouthandpine.com or @shopsouthandpine.