Craig Conover is expanding his career in a meaningful new direction.
The “Southern Charm” star is releasing his first children’s book, “Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You,” later this year, inspired by the Bravo star’s own experiences growing up and struggling to fit in.
According to People, the book follows “Little Craig,” a young boy who loves sewing and prepares for a school talent show before facing criticism from classmates.
The official synopsis explains that the character begins feeling “embarrassed and unsure of himself” after being teased for his hobby.
“With calm support from his family and teacher,” the synopsis states, “Little Craig learns how to steady himself and be true to who he really is.”
The story also includes a moment where Little Craig helps another struggling student during the talent show.
Craig Conover Says His New Children’s Book Was ‘Really Personal’
Conover opened up to People about why writing the book mattered so much to him personally.
“This book is really personal to me,” Conover said.
“Growing up, I didn’t always feel like I fit perfectly into one box, and I know so many kids feel that way too.”
The Bravo star explained that he hopes the story encourages children to embrace their individuality.
“With Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You. I wanted to create a story that reminds children that the things that make them different are also what make them special,” Conover continued.
“My hope is that kids feel seen when they read it and that it encourages them to be a little braver, a little kinder, and proud to be exactly who they are.”
Conover previously discussed some of the bullying he experienced during childhood in his 2022 memoir, “PILLOW TALK: What’s Wrong with My Sewing?”
The reality star, who began sewing during home economics classes as a child, admitted the writing process became emotional for him.
“The process of writing this book has been therapeutic for me and it is the first time I’ve ever opened up about the insecurities from being bullied as a kid, and even into adulthood,” Conover told PEOPLE at the time.
He described the journey as a “long, winding road.”
In a separate interview with Forbes, Conover shared additional details about the social struggles he experienced growing up.
“The style of bullying I’d deal with regularly is a ‘friend’ who would sit with you when we first got on the bus and then they’d act like they didn’t know me when everyone else got on the bus,” Conover explained.
“Which really can mess you up, not knowing when you can fully believe someone, or whether someone’s going to leave you.”
According to the publisher, the book aims to help young readers build confidence, seek support from trusted adults, and embrace what makes them unique.
The ‘Southern Charm’ Star Also Celebrates New Sewing Down South Milestone
The children’s book announcement comes as Conover also celebrates another major milestone involving his business, Sewing Down South.
The Charleston-based company recently reopened and rebranded its flagship King Street store after operating in the original location for five years.
Conover explained that the redesign reflects how much the business has evolved since it launched seven years ago.
“We opened Sewing Down South, a company, seven years ago, and then our flagship store right here on King Street five years ago,” Conover told ABC 4 News in Charleston.
“We really loved our original design, but we figured we’d give people something to look forward to if they’d been here before, or even if they haven’t visited, and it feels brand new when they walk in.”
The reality star said the company has expanded well beyond pillows and now represents a full lifestyle brand.
“When we started, we were just kind of a small little pillow company, and now we’ve really evolved into an entire home decor brand, a lifestyle brand,” Conover explained.
The store sits in Charleston’s well-known King Street shopping district, an area Conover says has been part of his life since college.
“I went to college on King Street,” Conover said. “A lot of these bar owners and restaurant owners are the same, and they’ve known me since I was like 18 years old.”
The entrepreneur also reflected on the early days of building his business.
“I knew we had a good idea when I started,” Conover said. “I just had to figure out how to show everyone else that it was a good idea.”
“Patch Work: Bee Brave. Bee Kind. Bee You” is currently available for preorder ahead of its Oct. 13 release.
