20 Under 40 | ANGIE GRAU
Angie Grau opened Paper June, a children’s bookstore and art studio, in 2018. She strives to create opportunities for young Topeka families.
Angie volunteers at Sheldon Head Start and donates books and art lessons to local elementary schools and organizations.
She is a Big for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is a board member of United Way of Kaw Valley’s Young Leader Society.
She is a member of the American Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association.
In 2023, Angie received the Founders Principle of Scholarship Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Education from the Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta.
What is an important part of your work?
It’s important that Paper June is a shop where kids see themselves represented within the books.
What is something you wish someone had told you during your career journey?
It’s ok if your career or business isn’t working for you anymore.
It’s ok to admit if you’re unhappy or even failing. We are always evolving, so these times of unrest or disappointment may be opportunities for greater happiness or success.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
My mom. She taught me to love deeply and give freely. She taught me that life is short, so it’s important to be happy now.
And, of course, I got my love of reading from her!
