Bunnie Hilliard, an HBCU graduate and mom of two, transformed her passion for children’s literature into a successful business. In 2018, she opened Brave + Kind Bookshop in Decatur, Georgia, with a clear mission: to celebrate and elevate representation in children’s books. Her goal was simple yet powerful — provide stories that reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Black children.
A Vision for Representation in Children’s Books
Hilliard’s vision was born from her own experiences as a mother. She wanted her children to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Growing up, she often struggled to find books with characters and stories that looked like her family. Now, as a mother, she aimed to fill that gap for other families. Brave + Kind Bookshop became a space where Black children could find stories that resonate with their lives and identities.
The bookstore quickly gained traction, not just within the Metro Atlanta area, but beyond. Families from all walks of life have embraced the curated selection of books that celebrate cultural diversity. Hilliard’s bookstore is known for its inclusive and empowering approach, creating a space where all children can see their stories reflected.
Leaving Corporate Life Behind
Before becoming a celebrated bookseller, Hilliard worked in the corporate world. Although successful, she often felt out of place. “I always felt like a square peg in a round hole,” she shared during an interview on the Mompreneurs podcast. Leaving her corporate job to raise her children brought a sense of relief. It gave her the opportunity to focus on what truly mattered — her family and her passion for books.
Hilliard holds two business degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and she had always been entrepreneurial. Before opening the bookstore, she co-founded a kids’ event planning business and even started a subscription book club. This side hustle was an early step in her journey toward creating Brave + Kind.
The Leap Into Entrepreneurship
When her children started school, Hilliard faced a pivotal decision: return to corporate life or pursue her dream of bookselling. “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” she asked herself. That question became the turning point in her life. Instead of returning to the corporate world, she chose to follow her passion for literature and open her own business.
Her leap into entrepreneurship wasn’t without challenges. She had started putting together a business plan but wasn’t fully prepared. However, an unexpected opportunity came when Hilliard met a fellow mompreneur while taking a sewing class. The other mom offered her the space for the bookstore, which was a game-changer. With some savings and a bit of courage, Hilliard launched a crowdfunding campaign to gauge interest, and the community’s response was overwhelming. This early support helped bring her dream to life.
Community and Connection at Brave + Kind
Today, Brave + Kind Bookshop is more than just a bookstore; it’s a cultural hub for the community. Hilliard’s bookstore hosts a variety of events, bringing authors, readers, and book lovers together. From debut writers to household names like Tabitha Brown, Janelle Monaé, and Reese Witherspoon, each event strengthens the sense of community that Hilliard has worked hard to cultivate. “We try and create as much community as we can,” she says.
These events help foster a love for reading while also highlighting Black authors and stories that represent diverse experiences. Brave + Kind Bookshop has become a haven for families looking for meaningful, culturally relevant books that empower children.
Advice for Aspiring Mompreneurs
Hilliard’s journey is a testament to the power of trusting your instincts. She encourages aspiring mompreneurs to trust their gut and take things one step at a time. “Don’t overthink it, just keep going,” she advises. Even during the challenges of the pandemic, she relied on her vision and perseverance to keep moving forward. By staying focused and trusting in her passion, Hilliard turned her dream into a thriving business.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Bunnie Hilliard’s story is one of courage, resilience, and the power of following one’s passion. Through Brave + Kind Bookshop, she has created a space where children, especially Black children, can see themselves in the stories they read. Her bookstore is not only about books but about building a legacy of empowerment and representation.
Her journey proves that following your heart can lead to not only personal fulfillment but also to making a significant impact on your community. As Hilliard continues to grow Brave + Kind, she remains committed to creating opportunities for children to embrace the power of reading and storytelling.
