We recently connected with Brittany (Founder,Owner) Amie (co-Owner) Smith, Waltzer and have shared our conversation below.
Brittany (Founder,Owner) Amie (co-owner), looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Brittany – Growing up I spent a lot of time in bookstore. I just loved the way they made me feel, they’re magical. Bookstores are for everyone—kids and adults, whether you’re with friends or alone. They offer a kind of self-care, a space for creativity and to recharge. Our tagline at The Book Bird is “Read and Take Flight!” because reading opens our minds and allows us to soar and that’s what we hope our customers as well as my own children get to experience when they walk through our doors.
Amie- There is something truly special about an independent bookstore. It’s just this magical feeling that exists within the doors of a place that houses so many wonderful and diverse stories. Growing up, I practically lived at the bookstore. It was my “third space” where I could spend time with friends – both real and within my favorite stories. Throughout my childhood, my dad would faithfully drive me to our local store and spend as long as I wanted with me as I browsed – and would even bring me to (several) midnight Harry Potter releases. Some of my favorite memories have occurred in the space between bookshelves. Fun fact – I actually got engaged in a bookstore (shout out to Atlanta Vintage Books!)
I have literally been building my TBR list since childhood..it’s a big one by now. The opportunity to offer other people within this incredibly special community of Avondale Estates a place to gather with others who appreciate this unique magic and want to repeatedly jump in and out of new worlds is something I cherish. I jumped at the opportunity to help Brittany expand this amazing community space that she had already built, and every moment since has been a dream. I love showing my two daughters what it’s like to follow your passion, to have something that is yours but that you share with others because it is just that magical.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Brittany- in 2019 my husband and I moved Avondale along with our three growing boys. I co-started a book club in the neighborhood to get to know other Mom’s and neighbors. I came home after book club one night and told my husband that Avondale really needed an indie bookstore and I bet someone would open one. Well little did I know in that moment, that “someone” would be me. It was something I just couldn’t stop thinking about.
It began as a small pop-up, and over time, it slowly grew into what it is today. A few months ago, I brought on my business partner, Amie—an avid reader who loves books and this industry as much as I do. Having someone by my side who truly believes in this has been magical. We make a great team.
I’m so proud of the community we have built through a shared love of reading and mindfully curated events. We spend a lot of time curating book clubs and events that we feel are topical, important, and create a share experience with books being the focus. There’s nothing better than seeing kids come in with their friends, browse the shelves, and walk out excited about a new book. Or hearing an adult say, “I can’t believe I didn’t know this place existed—I’m so happy to have this bookstore here.”
Sometimes I look around the store and think, Wow, we’ve really created something special. Honestly, I don’t think it gets much better than that.
Amie- I graduated from Emory in 2011 with a degree in English, and followed my passion for writing straight into a career in marketing and advertising. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I discovered Avondale Estates – and I fell in love. It’s a true small town feel here with all the advantages of city life. I was SO excited when The Book Bird opened in 2023, and I spent A LOT of time there. Like almost every Saturday. My TBR list has never been longer. Brittany and I got to know each other, and when she mentioned she was looking for a partner to help grow the store, I literally leaped into her arms and begged her to take me on.
I am most proud when we host events and we can see the joy and community we have built in action. Even if we have a small group of people attend a book club or signing, there is nothing but genuine excitement in the room. And when we have large events filled with members of the community who we have seen browsing the shelves throughout the week or weekend, it reminds us that there is still space for the things we love in this crazy world. Open Mic Poetry (hosted every month on the second Tuesday night) is also something I have personally watched grow in the time I have been involved with the store. It is now this gigantic and fantastic night of sharing, creativity and love that also brings new and diverse voices to people who may never have otherwise have been exposed to them. We also have a huge emphasis on local authors – carrying their books, hosting their events, keeping them top of mind – which I think is important in this world where it can be hard to hear unique voices over the never-ending noise.
I think what sets The Book Bird apart – outside of the community gathering space it has turned into – is that everything is thoughtfully curated by our little mom owned team. I get so excited when someone buys and loves a book I brought in and suggested to them. The alchemy of finding the right book for the right person at the right time – it’s just indescribable!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Brittany- Since I opened the doors almost two years ago, I have had to pivot more times than I can count. But honestly, I think that’s what makes or breaks a business. If you believe in what you’re building, stay flexible, and have a little magic on your side—it’s worth fighting for. And maybe it’s even meant to be. My last pivot was bringing Amie on and it’s been a great pivot for me and the business.
Amie and I feel that that our store is are more than just books on a shelf. We strive to create a space where people can relax, have fun, get creative, and have a shared experience either through a book or event. We love what we do and folks seem to be happy that we exist. But ultimately, we hope to build a space unlike any other where our kids and community want to come and support what we’re doing. And if we are ablate earn that, then it makes all the pivoting worth it.
Amie- I actually feel like this season of life is my biggest pivot. I went from being 100% focused on online advertising to working in the store. I have never worked in retail before, let alone co-owned a business like this. I am learning new things everyday, making mistakes and (hopefully) growing. I thought this would be a “slow down” from my previous work, but it is just as fast paced in a completely different way. The book business certainly isn’t for the faint of heart, and retail right now is very up and down. In the store, we have tried to really be nimble with the events we host and the items we bring in to align with not only what is going on in the world but also what people want to hear about, learn about, and convene on. It’s been a really interesting (and fun!) journey.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Amie was a long time supporter and customer of the bookstore. Our connection grew through a mutual friend and over many conversations and meet-ups. Over time we both felt she’d be a great asset to the store. Amie got engaged in a bookstore- clearly she has a passion for books! But more so she’s a good friend, and a hard worker, and cares about this business. I’m so happy to have her on board!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebook-bird.com
- Instagram: thebookbirdae
- Facebook: thebookbirdae
