Carolynn Bain - How a Black Independent Bookseller Celebrates Cultural Representation and Self-Care

“My faith has transformed my compassion into a passion.” - Carolynn Bain

Independent bookshops are enchanting spaces. Step into a brick-and-mortar indie, and you instantly join a larger conversation. However, creating that blend of cozy nooks and a welcoming community requires considerable effort. These shops flourish thanks to the dedicated booksellers behind them—real people focused on more than just making sales.

Carolynn Bain, the founder and owner of Afrori Books in Brighton, UK, embodies this spirit. She’s an award-winning entrepreneur whose thoughtfully curated selection and culturally rich events make her shop an essential local resource. In our conversation, Carolynn discusses the importance of centering diverse narratives and the significance of taking time to rest.

“Afrori Books was born out of frustration,” Carolynn shares. “My children struggled to find books that offered genuine representation. And by that, I mean it’s not enough to simply change the color of a character's pencil; true representation goes much deeper.”

For Carolynn, the year 2020 brought together her struggle and sense of purpose. “We were marching in protest of George Floyd's murder, and I found myself asking, ‘What are we doing here with my kids?’” she recalls. “I attended my first march at nine, and now, 40 years later, I’m doing it again. It felt absurd.”

Since opening its doors in October 2021, Afrori Books has become a sanctuary for literature by Black authors in Brighton and stands as one of the few Black-owned, Black-focused bookstores in the UK. Carolynn’s commitment to showcasing Black authors across various genres is mirrored in the vibrant events she hosts. “Those are the moments I’m most proud of,” she says.

Yet, running an indie bookstore is both financially and physically taxing. “Sales were never my main focus,” Carolynn confesses. “I honestly didn’t think I’d sell enough books to quit my day job.” So, she prioritizes self-care days. “For women in general, there’s this pressure to always be ‘on,’ and for Black women, that expectation is even greater.”

I envision a future where effort and ease can coexist, especially for individuals like Carolynn who play such a vital role in fostering community connections.

If you’re in Brighton, I highly recommend a trip to Afrori Books to feel the love and support their mission!

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Mentioned in this Episode

• Round Table Books - Brixton

• Sevenoaks Bookshop

• Lenny Henry

• Lush UK

• Love Supreme Festival

• Mikaela Loach

• Nikki May

• 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
    

  GUEST CONTACT AND 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.

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