Mompreneurs: Bunnie Hilliard Elevates Representation With Brave + Kind Books

Bunnie Hilliard opened Brave + Kind Bookshop in 2018 with a vision to “celebrate and elevate representation in children’s books.”

As a mom of two raising young readers herself, it was important to Hilliard to create a space where her children could find stories that resonate. Today, the Decatur-based bookstore reaches beyond Metro Atlanta, drawing a loyal following with its curated selection of books.

In this week’s episode of Mompreneurs, Hilliard sat down with host Nancy Redd to share her journey—from leaving corporate life to becoming a stay-at-home mom, and ultimately, a celebrated bookseller.

‘What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?’

Hilliard left her 9-to-5 when she became a mom. Working in the corporate world, “I always felt like a square peg in a round hole,” she told Redd. So this was a welcome change of pace. “I felt like I had a little bit of relief in leaving something that didn’t feel particularly fulfilling to me.”

A two-time HBCU graduate with two business degrees, Hilliard always had a side hustle, she said. Before bookselling, she co-founded a kids’ event planning business and launched a subscription book club to spark her daughter’s love for reading.

Once both her children were in school, Hilliard had a decision to make: return to the corporate world or take a different path. “I asked myself, what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”

Her children were her motivation.

“I wanted to raise them to be readers. When they were small, I was looking for books to share with them that had stories and faces that looked like theirs,” she said. “I wanted to have a place where people would not have to look far to find stories that resonated with them.”

From idea to bookshop

Hilliard’s bookstore came together unexpectedly. While taking a sewing class, she met the owner of the sewing studio, a fellow mompreneur. They began talking, and by the end of their conversation, the owner offered her the space—she was relocating to a larger venue.

“I really wasn’t prepared at that moment,” Hilliard said. “I had started to put together a business plan and I had a little savings, but I was still in the idea phase.”

To gauge interest and raise funds, she launched a crowdfunding campaign as a “litmus test to see if it was something that the community would support.” Friends, family, and even strangers showed up in support of Hilliard’s new business venture.

Now in its seventh year, Brave + Kind Bookshop has become a haven for readers of all ages. In addition to its literary offerings, the bookstore is known for hosting exciting events, an important part of its business model.

Being able to create opportunities for the community to gather with authors and fellow book lovers adds to the magic of being an independent bookseller, Hilliard said. From debut writers to household names like Tabitha Brown, Janelle Monaé, and Reese Witherspoon, each event is special. “We try and create as much community as we can,” said the mompreneur.

Advice for aspiring mompreneurs

Hilliard trusted her instincts and her vision to build Brave + Kind Bookshop into the treasured cultural hub it is today.

“Just trust yourself. Trust your gut and take baby steps. That’s what I found myself doing in the hardest times during the pandemic when I just felt like I had no idea what was up or down,” she said. “Don’t overthink it, just keep going.”

Get the full conversation. Watch or listen to this episode of Mompreneurs above.

Catch new episodes of ‘Mompreneurs’ every week.

Every week, we celebrate beautiful Black entrepreneurs who are simultaneously amazing business moguls and awesome moms. Join host and New York Times bestselling author Nancy Redd as these mompreneurs share their life stories and inspiring advice. Catch new episodes of Mompreneurs every Monday on MadameNoire’s YouTube channel. Or listen to the podcast online on the Urban One Podcast Network.

Mompreneurs: Bunnie Hilliard of Brave + Kind Bookshop