Bunnie Hilliard transformed her quest to find diverse children’s books into a thriving business venture. The founder of Brave + Kind Bookshop opened her Decatur-based store in 2018 with a clear mission: “celebrate and elevate representation in children’s books.” Now in its seventh year, the bookstore has expanded beyond Metro Atlanta, building a loyal community of readers who value diverse storytelling.
Hilliard recently shared her entrepreneurial journey on “Mompreneurs,” hosted by Nancy Redd. Her path from corporate employee to stay-at-home mom to celebrated bookseller offers valuable insights for other mothers considering business ownership.
From Corporate Life to Mompreneur Success Story
“I always felt like a square peg in a round hole,” Hilliard told Redd about her corporate career. Leaving her 9-to-5 job when she became a mother brought unexpected relief from work that “didn’t feel particularly fulfilling.”
The transition wasn’t completely unfamiliar territory for Hilliard. With two business degrees from HBCUs, she had already explored entrepreneurship through side hustles. Before her bookstore, she co-founded a kids’ event planning business and launched a subscription book club to nurture her daughter’s love of reading.
Finding Purpose Through Representation in Children’s Literature
Hilliard’s motivation stemmed directly from her experience raising two young readers. “I wanted to raise them to be readers,” she explained. “I was looking for books to share with them that had stories and faces that looked like theirs.”
This personal need evolved into a broader vision. “I wanted to have a place where people would not have to look far to find stories that resonated with them,” Hilliard shared. Her bookstore now fills that crucial gap, offering carefully selected titles that celebrate diverse characters and experiences.
Taking the Leap with Community Support
The physical bookstore materialized through a serendipitous connection. While taking a sewing class, Hilliard met another mompreneur who offered her soon-to-be-vacant studio space. Though still “in the idea phase” with only a developing business plan and modest savings, Hilliard saw an opportunity.
To test market interest and generate startup capital, she launched a crowdfunding campaign. “It was a litmus test to see if it was something that the community would support,” she recalled. Friends, family, and even strangers enthusiastically backed her vision, providing both funds and validation for her concept.
Building a Cultural Hub Beyond Books
Seven years later, Brave + Kind Bookshop has evolved into more than just a retail space. The store hosts regular events featuring authors ranging from emerging voices to celebrities like Tabitha Brown, Janelle Monaé, and Reese Witherspoon.
These gatherings form a crucial part of Hilliard’s business model and community-building efforts. “We try and create as much community as we can,” the entrepreneur explained. These events transform the bookstore into a cultural hub where readers connect with authors and each other.
Wisdom for Aspiring Mother-Entrepreneurs
Reflecting on her journey, particularly through pandemic challenges, Hilliard offers straightforward advice to other potential mompreneurs. “Just trust yourself. Trust your gut and take baby steps,” she recommends.
Her approach during uncertain times was refreshingly simple: “Don’t overthink it, just keep going.” This persistence, combined with her powerful question – “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” – guided her transformation from corporate employee to successful independent bookseller.
