270 - Carolynn Bain - How a Black Independent Bookseller Celebrates Cultural Representation and Self-Care
“My faith has made my compassion a passion.” - Carolynn Bain
Independent bookshops are magical places. Enter a brick-and-mortar indie, and you will immediately become part of a broader conversation. But building that mix of quiet corners and convivial community doesn’t come without a lot of sweat equity. Indie bookshops thrive because of the booksellers behind them, real live humans who concentrate on more than just commerce.
Carolynn Bain, founder, and owner of Afrori Books in Brighton, UK, is “that” indie bookseller, an award-winning entrepreneur whose meticulously curated titles and culturally focused events define what it means to be an indispensable neighborhood resource. Anne’s conversation with Carolynn taps into the connection between centering diverse stories and celebrating rest.
“Afori Books is born outta frustration,” Carolynn begins. “My children grew up not being able to easily access books where there was true representation. And, by true representation, I mean that it's not enough to just change the pencil color and color a white-featured person brown.”
Struggle and purpose coalesced for Carolynn in 2020. “We were on a march (protesting the murder of George Floyd), and I was just like, what are we doing? Why am I marching with my kids?” she recalls. “I went on my first march when I was nine years old, and here I am 40+ years later doing it all over again. I just thought, ‘This is ridiculous.’”
Since opening in October 2021, Afrori Books has become a “haven for books by Black authors” in Brighton and one of the only Black-owned, Black-focused shops in the UK. While its shelves reflect Carolynn’s dedication to platforming Black authors across genres and generations, Afrori’s special events line-up amplifies her commitment to community. “Those are things I'm most proud of,” she says.
But, being an indie bookshop owner is financially and physically demanding. “It was never about sales,” Carolynn admits. “I didn't think I’d sell enough books to give up my day job.” She hasn’t, so self-care days are non-negotiable. “I think that, for women in general, there’s an expectation to always be on, to always perform,” she says. “That’s multiplied for Black women.”
I dream of a day when effort and ease can coexist, especially for folks like Carolynn who provide critical community infrastructure.
RECOMMENDED EPISODES
Mishara Winston––A Model For Communal Mental Wellness
Mishara Winson––Eat Snacks / Take Naps
Wandile Mthiyane––Anti-Racist Architecture And Inclusive Workplace Culture
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
GUEST CONTACT & BIO
Afrori Books
Carolynn Bain is an award-winning entrepreneur, recognized as British Bookseller of the Year 2023 and Brighton Businesswoman of the Year 2023. She founded Afrori Books, a groundbreaking shop specializing in works by Black authors. Passionate about diversity and representation, Carolynn also created Brighton’s Anti-Racist Kids Club (ARK), which she delivers to schools across Sussex. Carolynn’s pioneering work has been highlighted on Sky, ITV, and BBC, solidifying her as a trailblazer in both business and education.
Authentic Leaders Group
Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time?
Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles?
Our Authentic Leadership Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be.
Next cohort starts November 2024!
Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field.
Register now at https://bit.ly/cwhauthenticleaders.
Right Use of Power™ Basics Training in Chicago
Right Use of Power™ is a dynamic, inspiring, and relational approach to the ethical use of power to promote well-being, the common good and right relationship. Our Basics Training is a 5-hour in-person learning experience for people who want to deepen their understanding of power and start to learn how to use power with strength and heart.
When: Friday, November 15, 2024 - 10:00am-4:00pm CST
Where: Head/Heart Therapy, 4411 N. Ravenswood, Suite 250, Chicago
Cost: Pay what you can $100-$225 includes 4 ethics CEs!
Learn more and sign up at https://bit.ly/cwhrup.
Know the Numbers/Navigate the Feelings: Financial Literacy for Group Practice Owners
Join Aggie Chydzinski and Sarah Buino for an engaging and interactive online workshop designed specifically for group practice owners. Gain valuable insights into financial literacy and begin to build confidence in your business management skills. This workshop will equip you with essential tools to understand the numbers and address the emotions surrounding your business finances. Designed for group practice owners of businesses large and small.
Details: 7pm CST Live on Zoom - Third Thursday of every month (starting Oct. 17, 2024)
Cost: Pay what you can. Guests who pay $17 or more will receive access to the recorded webinar.
Save your spot here: https://bit.ly/cwhgpfinancial
The New Perimenopause: What Every Psychotherapist Should Know
Perimenopause is a natural developmental stage and yet women (and folks with uteruses) are so often caught off guard by this important (albeit bumpy) rite of passage.
Now more than ever before there are options to support women with both the mental and physical health vulnerabilities that can pop up during these years that lead up to menopause.
Join Jessica Fruchter in partnership with Head/Heart Business Therapy Friday, December 6 to discuss all things perimenopause through the lenses of mind, body and spirit.
RSVP at tinyurl.com/perimenochicago
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch
Join our Patreon for gifts & perks
Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers
Share a rating & review on Apple Podcasts
***
Let’s be friends! You can find us in the following places…