Meet Chi, aka, Auntea Hughes | Co-owner, Bookstore Gallery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chi, aka, Auntea Hughes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chi, aka, Auntea, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in Hollis, Queens, NY., lived in Washington, DC for 10 years and spent another 30 years in Los Angeles, CA. Living in large cities has taught me to appreciate diversity and chaos. I also recognize that the vibrancy of city life can be a catalyst for creativity, taking risks and welcoming competition. New York gave me my swag and California showed me that I didn’t really need it.

My parents (one born in New York City and the other from Alabama) were unapologetically Black and demonstrated a nuanced melding of Southern traditions and New York style. Both encouraged the exploration of my creative side. My father’s father was responsible for my interest in natural healing, medicinal herbs and healthy eating. My grandfather and mother are the primary inspiration behind the Auntea ethos. Dad graced me with his intelligence and humor and allowed me to be bold.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Studying journalism at Howard University (HU) allowed me to witness Black excellence beyond textbooks and folklore. Here is were I learned to be aware of the white gaze that always influenced how Blacks were depicted in white-owned media conglomerates. At HU the importance of owning and telling our own stories was emphasized and supported. Today it translates into telling the story that destigmatizes cannabis/hemp and restores this important plant to its critical place as an important medicinal.

At HU I also encountered ubiquitous homophobia in what I thought was a safe place for all Black folks. Needless to say this experience caused some cognitive dissonance. Yet, it was the perfect environment to launch a career in activism. I talked, organized, wrote, performed and followed my s(heroes) hoping to create a path to wholeness for all in the diaspora. As one of a few out and proud Black lesbians (in the eighties) I was invited to sit at many tables to clarify the often dismissed perspectives and contributions of Black women. It became clear to me that there were not enough healthy and safe spaces for “minority minorities.” The best option that I saw for empowering marginalized communities was to get a degree in Social Welfare from UCLA to undergird a career grounded in activism. Many people (from those living with AIDS, to amazing creatives, to political and social activists to our omniscient Ancestors) have been generous with their love and support. The words of Audre Lorde kept me centered. “When I dare to be powerful- to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.

With their guidance I gained the knowledge, learned the coded language, arrested my fears and grew my network, while also increasing my self efficacy. I’ve worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and spent over a decade in the field of philanthropy where I found opportunities to secure resources and funding for effective nonprofits. I gained insight into the strategies behind sound financial management for social service organizations and am able to apply this experience to building Bookstore Gallery’s impact as a for profit business with a social mission. In addition to the dab and tea bar experiences, Bookstore Gallery offers mental health meet ups, entertainment, art, educational sessions, and advocacy for CBD/Hemp use and access.

Our family-owned and operated businesses are examples of what can happen when we activate our dreams and our purpose. Through imagining safe spaces, where wellness and safety and joy combine, we are creating more beloved communities. When guests enter our space they often talk about a “vibe” of serenity. They also appreciate the importance we place on good service and quality products. I am grateful for the openness and support that surrounds our space on a little island on Nelson street in Castleberry Hill.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
1- Sober Social – a swanky vibe on non-cocktails and ambience 2- Buteco – where my fav DJ Wahine rocks the joint
3- Kitty Dare for great Mediterranean food
4 – Hammonds House Museum – this historic hidden gem to find Black Art Exhibits
5 – Brooklyn Tea – for a variety of teas and healthy beverages
6 – Simply Greta – for the best one-of-a-kind Afrocentric clothing and accessories

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Foremost a big shoutout to all that have inspired and supported me to take the path less traveled. While others in my cohort were driven to pursue corporate jobs and make lots of money, I dreamed of being a writer and a change agent. Most recently I have Kyle Brown, my nephew and co-owner of Bookstore Gallery, to thank for his belief in our ability to manifest dreams. His emotional intelligence is palpable as soon as you meet him. Also I want to acknowledge the unrelenting support of my wife Edali Pollard who witnessed the creation of the first Auntea blend (New South Sweet Tea) right in our humble kitchen.

Website: bookstoregallery.com

Instagram: @bookstoregallery_atl @auntea_chi