Erica: Reid Wisely Books & Brew
“I wanted them to see that our stories belong everywhere.”
Finding Herself in the Story
For Erica Reid-Wisely, books have always been a part of her world. Growing up, she didn’t always see her world in books. A first-generation American with Caribbean roots, she describes her childhood as a blend of cultures: “At home, we were Caribbean; outside the house, we were seen as Black Americans.” Reading was encouraged, especially by her mother, but Erica noticed something missing, “My dad struggled to find books that spoke to him culturally."
Her love of reading took shape in the library aisles, where she read Nancy Drew mysteries and dreamed of seeing a brown girl detective on the cover. “I wanted a Black Nancy Drew — someone who solved mysteries and was in bed by eight o’clock." That early wish stayed with her. Years later, when she became a parent of multiracial children, the struggle to find stories that reflected their identities came back around. “I didn’t want my kids growing up with one tiny table labeled ‘diverse books,” she says. “I wanted them to see that our stories belong everywhere.”
That desire grew into Reid Wisely Books & Brew, a mobile bookstore designed to bring representation to the forefront and make inclusive storytelling accessible to all.
Building a Mobile Bookshop and a Movement
When Erica first entered the world of bookselling, she found herself welcomed by an incredibly generous and collaborative community. “Booksellers have a reputation for being friendly, and they live up to it!” she says. With support from the BincTank bookselling community and mentorship from leaders like Kamilah Clarke at the American Booksellers Association, she found her footing in a new chapter of her career.
Her mobile bookshop allows her to bring curated collections directly to the people who need them most. From school events and author visits to pop-ups and local markets, Erica is about more than selling books. “Yes, we’re selling stories,” she says, “but more importantly, we’re creating a space that matters. It’s a space where people feel seen, inspired, and connected.”
Each event becomes a chance to spark new conversations, especially around representation and joy in reading. “Meeting local authors and connecting with families has been incredible,” she adds. “Every time someone finds a book that reflects their life or challenges how they see the world, that’s a win.”
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Reid Wisely Books & Brew is deeply personal; it's part family legacy, part love letter. “Reid is my maiden name, and Wisely is my married name,” Erica explains. “So together, it’s Reid Wisely, a reminder of who I am, where I come from, and what I want to build for my children.”
The “Books & Brew” portion speaks to her long-term dream: a brick-and-mortar shop where coffee flows by day and microbrews by night. The plan is to be a cozy community hub where readers can gather, talk, and connect. “It’s about creating warmth,” she says, “a space where everyone feels at home.”
The Joy of Connection
The most rewarding part of bookselling, Erica says, comes from the moments of connection she witnesses every day. “Watching kids light up when they find a book that looks like them, hearing families say they finally feel seen, or working with teachers who are excited to bring more diverse stories into their classrooms — those moments bring me more joy than I ever imagined.”
Her love for her community runs deep, especially for the diverse, tight-knit neighborhoods of Rockland County. “There’s such a spirit of acceptance and celebration here,” she says. “That’s what drives our mission — helping families see themselves in the stories they read while also discovering new perspectives and experiences.”
Curating her collection starts with listening — to parents, teachers, and kids. “I want my shelves to feel both familiar and expansive,” she explains. “It’s not just about representation — it’s about connection, understanding, and belonging.”
Words to Build By
For anyone dreaming of opening their own shop, Erica offers simple but powerful advice: “Know your why and let it guide you through the tough moments.” She emphasizes the importance of community, flexibility, and staying grounded in purpose. “This work takes patience,” she says. “But even small, meaningful steps can grow into something extraordinary.”
That belief fuels the heart of Reid Wisely Books & Brew. Its mission is clear: to celebrate diversity in storytelling, uplift BIPOC authors, and create spaces where every reader, no matter their background, feels at home in the pages they turn.
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Follow Reid Wisely Books & Brew to see where Erica will be headed next!
