About Us

Chief Executive Officer

Corendis C. (Brown) Hardy, Ed. S. founded Avant-garde Books to eliminate illiteracy around the world, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. She is the author of several children's books that feature positive images and messages for Black children. Her story time podcast has been listened to in more than 70 countries. She also fulfills her mission by serving her commUNITY as a full-time educator.

Since 2017, she and her daughter, Felicia C. Hardy have successfully operated the first Black, mother/daughter-owned bookstore in the world.

Chief Creative Officer and Vice President

While Felicia C. Hardy was born in Florida, she spent most of her childhood in Georgia. She is a proud graduate of Frederick Douglass High School. In addition to becoming a certified life coach, Hardy earned a bachelor of arts degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia. She is the author of three books, including: Trees of Peace: The Story of Wangari Maathai.