Today we’d like to introduce you to Corendis Hardy.
Corendis, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Avant-garde Books was originally established in 2003, and used solely as a publishing imprint for books I had written. However, after almost 30 years of service as a classroom teacher in public schools, I decided to create a company that would promote and build literacy, particularly for children in urban and/or impoverished communities.
Providing books that express positive images and messages about people, especially children represents about 60% our inventory. This also led us to create a subsidiary company, “Mahogany Bookshelf” (www.mahoganybookshelf.com) in which about 90% of the inventory are books featuring people of color.
Avant-garde Books strongly believes that the right literature can potentially inform, uplift, inspire, transform an empower people to lead better lives. Thus, we are also committed to creating own books to fulfill the deficit of literature that do this. For example, since we’ve been a full-time bookstore, we produced titles such as The Heart of a Prince: An Inspirational Journal for Boys; an inspirational journal for Black girls; and the first installment in our “I Love Learning” Series on the alphabet. Moreover, we support other independent African-American, independent authors and publishers and their works, absolutely free. (In some cases, we sell their books, but even when we don’t, we promote them) In fact, we are hosting the “African-American Booklovers Expo” to celebrate and showcase them in November. At some point, within the next few years, I hope to open a brick and mortar storefront that no only sells books, but offers classes that support personal and academic achievement in our community, such as free tutoring and enrichment classes.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This journey in business has been indescribably rewarding and life-changing. I have met hundreds of wonderful people at events who understand the power of literacy and supported me. However, generating daily, online sales has been a challenge. Almost 80% of our revenue comes from vending; not having daily sales and a place to do this has been the principal part of our financial struggles. In December of 2016, I left teaching full-time. However, I am back in the classroom today. While I appreciate this amazing opportunity, I am still passionate about making Avant-garde Books grow and become a constructive and impactful resource in the community. I must admit that juggling two full-time jobs can seem overwhelming, but my faith, support from my family and close friends, and their encouragement serve as the fuel I need to keep going and never give up.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Avant-garde Books and its subsidiary, Mahogany Bookshelf are exclusively online. We sell new and used books for affordable prices. Shipping is absolutely FREE. We also sell our books and educational supplies at events that take place in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. We’ve vended at Sweet Auburn Fest, Juneteenth, and Taste of Soul. We are available to do Book Fairs and Book Parties. Every member of the Avant-garde Books team strongly believes that the right literature can potentially inform, uplift, inspire, transform, and empower people to lead better lives. That’s why we love what we do! Our principal goal is to make sure we meet our customers’ reading needs.
We also deeply understand the impact that literacy levels can have on personal, academic, and professional success. Therefore, we are committed to promoting and building literacy, particularly among children in urban and/or impoverished communities. People distinguish us from other bookstores because we have a large inventory of books for children of color. The thing that 99% of our customers say when we are vending is that they have never seen so many books with Black children on them at one time. I am most proud that I have been able to use my experiences and knowledge as an educator, and language strategist for English and world languages for almost 30 years, to empower parents to support their children’s literacy development. I get a “natural high” explaining the “30-million-word gap” and the steps parents can take to ensure their children don’t get behind academically. Additionally, I am grateful that I can help prospective new authors fulfill their goals of writing and publishing a book. I have published books for 14 years and love sharing what I’ve learned.
What were you like growing up?
I feel really fortunate to have had the late, Mrs. Ruth Pierce, as my sixth-grade teacher. She read to her students every day after lunch. The year I spent with her (which was elementary school in Florida at that time) was a pivotal moment in my educational and personal life. She helped me to discover the power of literature, not just for gaining knowledge, but for personal growth and development, therapy, and pleasure.
My childhood was filled with many challenges, including abuse. While this might sound like a strong statement, I am convinced that God used books to help me endure it. Books literally saved my life! After sixth grade, I became an avid reader. I learned through stories how not to succumb to negativity, apathy, and failure. I still use books to empower and inspire me today.
Pricing:
- How prices range from $3.99 to $25.00.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.avantgardebooks.net
- Phone: 678.348.0112
- Email: avantgardebooks@gmail.com
- Instagram: @avantgardebooks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/avantgardebooks100/posts/?ref=page_internal
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/avant_gardebks
- Other: www.mahoganybookshelf.com
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
