Business
Nyshell Lawrence
About Nyshell
What is your business/idea?
Socialight Society is an independent bookshop + creative community, celebrating Black women and Black literature. We curate classic, contemporary, and children’s titles written by and for Black women.
What inspired you to start a business?
I saw that there was a need in our community. Black women are often underrepresented in traditional bookstores and I wanted to fill that gap.
How did you get to the point you are today with this business/idea?
Socialight Society has been a dream since 2017. In 2021 we started an online book club, and then started doing pop-up shops. With the support of our community we raised funds to open a micro-shop in Downtown Lansing, which grew to us securing our own storefront space a few weeks later.
What is your vision for the future of your business?
I see Socialight Society serving as the premiere space for the celebration of Black women and Black literature. I imagine multiple locations and national recognition.
What goals do you hope the One and All program will help you achieve?
I hope that the One and All program will provide me with additional insight and knowledge of how to successfully run a business including finances, marketing, and finding additional resources.