Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1544361
98 maconmagazine.com | April/May 2026 In this series, we turn to the passionate Maconites, those who call this vibrant city home, to curate their very own guides to experiencing Downtown Macon. Whether you are a resident seeking to rediscover your city or a curious visitor eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, these guides will open doors to new ideas and lasting memories. Discover what defines Downtown Macon: from feeling the energy of our bustling streets and exploring historic landmarks to savoring the mouthwatering cuisine and engaging with the vibrant arts and music scene. We'll let the insiders share more. M y M a c o n I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H N E W T O W N M A C O N I N S I D E R G U I D E S T O D O W N T O W N M A C O N INTERVIEW BY ALI SULKO | PHOTO BY MELESSA MIMS SO HOW WAS IT STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? LIKE, WHAT WERE THE TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS, EXCITING PARTS? It was really a validating and invigorating journey in some ways. It really was kind of a next right thing process when I started doing the events at The Web. People said, 'Have you ever thought of opening a brick-and-mortar space?" And then someone suggested the entrepreneur's academy at NewTown Macon, which I ended up doing. It was fabulous. That really helped me out in practical ways and with encouragement as well. My background is in teaching. I taught for 21 years before opening the bookstore. I really needed some instruction on how to run a business and still do. The things concerning, you know, inventory and cost of goods... But really, the excitement and the momentum that's taking place downtown right now really outweighed any frustrations that I had about it. COULD YOU TELL US WHAT IT'S LIKE BEING A FEMALE OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS? It's really satisfying for me. I come from a long line of strong women, so you know, it felt natural to pursue a W hen you find yourself entranced in a good book, it can be hard to put it down and even harder to stop talking about it. This love for reading and a passion behind books is part of what inspired former teacher Margaret Harrington to open her own bookstore in Downtown Macon. Margaret, or as her family called her "Bear," opened Bear's Books in 2023 with a vision to share her passion with the community at large. In this article, Margaret will talk all about what inspired her venture and what it's like running her own business as a woman in Macon. HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR BEAR'S BOOKS TO COME ABOUT? I started with a website and with events, which I held at The Web. I'm a writer and I've done an MFA in creative writing, but I haven't been published yet. I thought, well, I can just put some essays and things about books on a website, and be active with my writing in that way. So that's kind of where the website was born. Then, I just was looking to build some community around reading and writing, and that's where it started. challenge. That's what I've always seen women in my life do. But in terms of owning a business, I've really enjoyed the freedom and the autonomy that I have and the ability to grow. SPEAKING OF THE COMMUNITY, WE KNOW MACON HAS BEEN CHANGING A LOT. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE MACON DOES FOR YOUR BUSINESS? AND VICE VERSA, HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR BUSINESS EFFECTS MAKE IT? Macon is just... It really is a hub for creatives. I really feel like all of that invigorates my business. And I think, in terms of what I offer to the community, I believe service and community involvement is very important. I think that that is an important thing that we can contribute and I'll say to people a lot in different contexts, this is a no shame space. Reading elevates everybody, no matter what you're reading, if you are reading, it elevates people individually in the community. And I think that is something we can offer is an opportunity to find out more about books and for it to, and for it to be seen as fun and enjoyable, and something that doesn't have to be just solitary.