Meet Your Board Candidate: Bunnie Hilliard
BUNNIE HILLIARD
Bunnie Hilliard is the founder and owner of Brave + Kind Bookshop, a Black-owned, women-led independent bookstore in Decatur, Georgia, launched in 2018 and dedicated to thoughtfully curated books that reflect the beauty and diversity of the world around us. Bunnie is passionate about the role independent bookstores can play beyond their shelves: bringing people together through stories, creating access to books, championing diverse voices, and building meaningful community partnerships. Through Brave + Kind, she has welcomed acclaimed authors and cultural voices to Atlanta, created large-scale literary events and festivals, and collaborated with schools, libraries, publishers, nonprofits, and fellow independent booksellers to connect readers with books and one another.
Interview:
Why do you want to serve on the SIBA Board?
I'm seeking a second term on the SIBA board because my first term only deepened my commitment to this work and I still have more to contribute. My first term was about learning how the board works and building real relationships with fellow booksellers and staff. A second term means I can carry that momentum forward helping finish the initiatives I've been part of, and continuing to push for programming and partnerships that reflect the full diversity of readers and communities we serve across the South.
What do you think are the most important challenges facing independent bookstores in the SIBA region?
I think one of the most pressing challenges facing independent bookstores in the SIBA region right now is the combination of rising operating costs and the ongoing pressure from Amazon.
What do you think are the most important priorities for the SIBA organization?
I think one of the most important priorities for SIBA right now is helping independent bookstores discover and develop new revenue streams and experiences. The kind that simply can't be replicated by Amazon or a big box store. Book margins alone aren't enough to sustain us long-term, especially with rising costs. What sets indie bookstores apart is our ability to create experiences. Those experiences generate real revenue and deepen community loyalty in ways online retail never can.