Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurence Wilson.
Laurence, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From Diagnosis to Destiny: The Journey of Laurence Wilson (aka Larry Wilson, Jr.)
My journey began in Detroit, where I was born and raised. Over the years, I have worn many hats—media professional, advocate, entrepreneur, choir director, and peer recovery coach. But my path into advocacy, particularly around HIV and substance use recovery, was deeply personal. HIV saved my life.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with HIV, a moment that could have broken me but instead became the turning point that reshaped my future. For 16 years, I battled alcoholism, numbing pain and suppressing my potential. But on 21 September 2018, I found recovery. That same year, I began a self-care journey that transformed my body, mind, and spirit. I lost over 50 pounds, and through self-care, I discovered a new passion—creating handcrafted moisturizers that would eventually become my business, Make 2Day Great Shop. Using my products has significantly reduced my stretch marks and improved my skin and hair, and many of my family and friends have been inspired by my journey of hope.
My diagnosis didn’t just change my health; it changed my purpose. It led me to become a certified Peer Recovery Coach and a Michigan Community Health Worker, dedicated to helping others break through stigma and isolation. I channeled my experiences into peer support and community engagement, working with SEMHAC (Southeastern MI HIV/AIDS Council), the SERO Project, and Michigan’s EHE (Ending the HIV Epidemic) coalition to advocate for HIV decriminalization and awareness.
Education has always been a cornerstone of my growth. I am a proud graduate of Cass Technical High School (Class of 2000), Specs Howard School of Media Arts (2010), and Washtenaw Community College (2020). Now, I am pursuing my Bachelor’s in Communications – Media Arts at Lawrence Technological University, where I recently made the Dean’s List.
Blending my passion for advocacy and storytelling, I launched the Details at XI Podcast, a platform that amplifies the voices of those impacted by HIV criminalization. Additionally, I have had the honor of being featured in the CDC’s “Let’s Stop HIV Together” campaign in 2022 and 2023, using my story to educate and uplift others on a national scale.
Every step of my journey—from overcoming addiction to embracing my HIV diagnosis, to becoming an entrepreneur, advocate, and scholar—has been about turning adversity into purpose. I am living proof that hope, resilience, and self-care can create a new path forward. And I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Stigma (Internal and External).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Make 2Day Great Shop L.L.C. specializes in handcrafted moisturizers designed for both skincare and haircare—products that are great for the entire family. What makes my brand unique is that I personally craft each product using high-quality ingredients that I carefully select and purchase myself.
One of my signature creations is mini-moisturizer bars, which are colored in ribbon designs to represent various causes. It started with red for HIV awareness and purple for Substance Use Disorder (SUD)/Alcohol Recovery Awareness, reflecting my own journey. Over time, I expanded the collection to include pink for cancer awareness and green for mental health awareness, that are placed atop the whipped moisturizers. These products allow me to merge self-care with advocacy, sparking meaningful conversations about important health issues.
Beyond skincare, M2G has become a bridge between communities. When I am in spaces outside of the HIV advocacy world, I use that opportunity to educate people on better skin and hair health while also sharing knowledge about HIV prevention. It’s a way to reach people who may not normally engage in these discussions. After all, we all need moisturizer, and we are all HIV possible—knowledge is power.
What I’m most proud of is changing my life, returning to school, and building a business that helps the community. My journey—from overcoming alcoholism and embracing my HIV diagnosis to becoming an entrepreneur—has shaped my purpose. What sets me apart is that my business isn’t just about selling products; it’s about spreading awareness, breaking stigma, and giving people a reason to take care of themselves—inside and out.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was an inquisitive, church-boy nerd 🤷🏽
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.make2daygreat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/make2daygreatshop?igsh=MXVzZXYzZjAzd3ln&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AHgx9hehk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@detailsatximedia?si=T4JquCF5YyW7fINb
- Other: https://www.bonfire.com/ehestartswithme/
