Meet Bonnie Yi Hyde | Philanthropist & Real Estate professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonnie Yi Hyde and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve perpetually embodied an independent spirit, occasionally veering into the territory of being overly outspoken and forthright for those in positions of authority. My upbringing in mainland China often presented challenges in this regard. Fortunately, I was nurtured to possess the strength needed to pursue my genuine convictions, take actions I deemed right, and embark on the journeys destined for me. This journey has ultimately brought me to where I am today, as the proud owner of my own business, but above all, it has enabled me to courageously chase my dreams.

With that said, I’ve always had this dream, to be a philanthropist. Growing up, my mother has always helped kids in need with their tuition. I remember there was a girl that she “sponsored” by paying for all of her schooling. And one time we had the opportunity to go visit her in person. We took a bus for hours, then got off and got into a small van. We drove on winding dirt roads for what seemed like the longest time. Then when we finally got off, we had to walk, because there were no more roads. When we finally arrived, I was so bored and exhausted. I was shocked when I saw the little girl. She was my age. It was winter, and she was “playing” in the mud, with no shoes on. I turned to my mother to ask, “How come she doesn’t have to wear shoes?” My mom had to explain to me that it’s not that her parents allowed her to not wear shoes, but that she didn’t own any shoes. And even worse, she had no parents. She was an orphan. That day, it really sunk in for me, that not every child was fortunate enough for the very basics. I think it had forever planted a seed of philanthropy in my mind, I wanted to be that person to make a difference in children’s lives.

Even though I always had this dream in the back of my mind, I always told myself, one day, when I become rich, I’d donate generously to help underprivileged children access education and improve their lives. It was not until a couple years ago, I read a book that changed my perspective, that is, you don’t need to be rich to take action and donate your time. You can always do something about it by starting an initiative! I give credit to my mentor, the author of “Philanthropy Revolution” Lisa Greer. Thanks to her book, I took action and founded the nonprofit, the American Born Chinese Foundation. A public charity that dedicates its efforts in bringing educational resources to children in need, and supporting their bilingual journey and cultural inclusion. Through the nonprofit, we’re now bringing the first Los Angeles Kids Book Festival to our community, where we celebrate reading and bilingualism, as well as cultural diversity.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m a mother who recognized the absence of cultural inclusion in the bilingual children’s book sector and felt compelled to take action. My motivation stems from a deep desire to fill the gap in resources available for our bilingual children. It’s crucial to me that every multicultural child who steps into a bookstore feels not only welcomed but also avoids any sense of alienation due to their home language being different. I aim to instill pride in them, encouraging them to openly share their unique experience of being multicultural and multilingual. Above all, I want them to be embraced and celebrated for who they are.

We may still be a budding nonprofit in the eyes of the world, but we’re driven by lofty dreams and ambitious goals that we believe will eventually earn recognition on a global scale. Currently, we’re proudly serving as co-sponsors for the inaugural Los Angeles Kids Book Festival. Our mission is simple yet profound: to create an inclusive and joyous atmosphere that fosters children’s literacy and a genuine love for books.

The journey from the inception of our nonprofit to where we are today has been far from smooth. It has entailed myriad challenges, from sourcing bilingual books for purchase to securing permits for a city-sponsored book event and assembling a dedicated team willing to work tirelessly without financial compensation. At each step, I’ve relied on my unyielding determination to bulldoze through obstacles. While this approach may ruffle a few feathers, I firmly believe in the importance of tangible progress. Recognizing this facet of my personality, I embrace it wholeheartedly. As long as my actions are rooted in doing good, in line with the values my mother instilled in me, I’m unwavering in my commitment, even when it feels like I’m standing alone.

They say the path to success can be a lonely and arduous one, filled with skepticism and negativity, and I’ve found this to be true. However, I am resolute in my conviction that these are the necessary steps to make the world a better place—a place where every child can experience pride and acceptance from the world. I’m not letting anything deter me from turning this vision into reality, and I’ll stop at nothing to achieve it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s kickstart our day with a delightful cup of coffee at some of my all-time favorite Melrose Avenue coffee spots – just to name a few: Sightglass, Rocketship Coffee, Alfred’s. And while you’re there, don’t miss the chance to savor their famous $20 avocado toast!

Melrose Farmers Market: Sundays were made for this – a visit to the Melrose Farmers Market. It’s the perfect place for Sunday morning LA people-watching, picking up fresh fruits, and basking in the heartwarming sight of babies and puppies. We might even run into a celebrity or two, if not, at least a model or an influencer!

Century City Mall: Prepare to be spoiled for choice when it comes to food, from boba tea to hotpot, not forgetting my absolute favorite, Meizhoudongpo, the Chinese restaurant. You can explore shops on multiple levels, enjoy live entertainment, and often stumble upon exciting giveaways. Besides, it’s a stunning outdoor mall for leisurely strolls.

Rodeo Drive: We can’t possibly overlook the iconic Rodeo Drive, especially if our visitors are here from abroad seeking tax-free shopping extravagance.

San Gabriel Valley: It’s an absolute must to savor a meal at an authentic Chinese restaurant at least once. With my best friend’s roots in Chongqing, China, we’re eagerly anticipating a hot pot culinary adventure!

Pantages Theater: To genuinely immerse ourselves in the magic of Broadway in Hollywood, we must pay a visit here. Even though the Walk of Fame might seem a tad cliché to locals, it never fails to ignite a special thrill for those visiting from out of town.

Head downtown for some museum fun, exploring gems like The Broad Museum, MOCA, and more. We’ll grab dinner and cap off the night with a fantastic concert experience!

Disney Concert Hall: I can hardly wait to introduce my bestie to this awe-inspiring venue, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and architectural grandeur. Plus, we’ll lose ourselves in the captivating world of beautiful music!

Last but certainly not least, Malibu. We’ll enjoy a leisurely brunch at the Malibu Cafe while savoring the tranquil sounds of the waves and relishing some delectable cuisine to end the trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Undoubtedly, my mother deserves a heartfelt shoutout. From my earliest memories, she has consistently revealed her true essence—a woman of boundless compassion and exceptional business acumen.

Throughout my formative years, my mother became my living example of the profound importance of philanthropy. She always made choices that prioritized doing good and standing up for those in need. I vividly recall countless instances where she extended her hand to help others, whether it was through acts of kindness, generous donations, or tireless volunteering. Her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place has left an indelible mark on my heart and instilled in me the values of empathy and benevolence.

Equally inspiring is her journey as a businesswoman. She navigated the complexities of the business world with remarkable resilience and a sharp intellect. Even when her authentic self didn’t conform to societal norms, she fearlessly embraced her true identity. She proved, through her unwavering determination, that one can authentically be themselves, embrace contradictions, and still find genuine happiness.

My mother’s life is a testament to the extraordinary blending of compassion, philanthropy, resilience, and authenticity. She has not only shaped my character but has also touched the lives of countless others with her unwavering principles and unwavering spirit. She’s not just a role model; she’s a living embodiment of the positive change one person can bring to the world. I am immensely proud to call her my mother, and her life journey continues to be a profound source of inspiration for me.

Website: www.lakidsbookfestival.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonnie.realestate/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/byhyde

Image Credits
First 2 photos, Brett Glatman Last 4 photos, Dylan Lujano