As a UNL senior in 1991, Cinnamon Dokken opened A Novel Idea Bookstore in an unheated basement of a downtown Lincoln warehouse. After graduating, she moved the shop to its current location near 14th/O Streets. In 2001, she and other tenants formed a limited liability company, purchased their building, and renovated it to create second floor studio spaces for artists and startup companies. The Parrish Project Shops & Studios are a vibrant part of downtown’s First Friday celebrations. The company has made a point of keeping rents affordable for artists and entrepreneurs.

A Novel Idea Bookstore has hosted numerous fundraisers and events. All in all, Cinnamon’s goal for the business is to provide a place in which all are welcome to imagine, explore, and discover. She believes books have the power to inspire and enlighten - and that, through reading, we develop our compassion for others and our ability to become our best selves.

In addition to reading, she enjoys cooking, gardening, learning to fix or build things - and spending time with her hilarious and loving family.