Meet the SIBA Board: Bunnie Hilliard, Brave + Kind Bookshop
Tell us about your store and your role at the store.
I'm the founder of Brave + Kind Bookshop, an independent children's bookstore in Decatur, Georgia. We believe stories connect us, and our shop exists to help every child feel seen while bringing people together across generations. My role spans everything from buying books and hosting authors to building partnerships and dreaming up community events that make reading feel joyful and accessible.
What is your favorite part of your job and why?
Creating moments people remember. Sometimes that's putting the perfect book into a child's hands. Other times, it's watching a packed room connect with an author or seeing neighbors who didn't know each other leave as friends. Books are the catalyst, but building community is my favorite part of the work.
What do you see as the most important challenges facing booksellers today?
Independent bookstores have to wear more hats than ever. We're retailers, event producers, educators, marketers, and community spaces, all while managing rising costs. The opportunity is finding ways to stay financially healthy without losing the personal experience that makes independent bookstores irreplaceable.
What inspired your decision to be on the SIBA Board?
Bookselling has always felt collaborative to me. SIBA has been a place where I've learned from generous booksellers who openly share ideas and encouragement. Serving on the Board is my chance to give that same spirit back while helping strengthen our region's independent bookstore community.
What are you most excited about working on as a SIBA Board member?
I'm excited to help create more opportunities for booksellers to learn from one another. Some of the best ideas in our industry don't come from big budgets; they come from conversations between booksellers who are willing to share what's working. I'd love to help foster more of those connections.
Will you be at NVNR and what are your goals there?
Absolutely. I always leave NVNR energized by the people as much as the books. My goal is to discover titles I'll be excited to hand-sell, strengthen relationships with publishers and fellow booksellers, and listen for ideas that help independent bookstores continue to grow together.