Meet Nyshell Lawrence of Socialight Society

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyshell Lawrence.

Hi Nyshell, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. Reading books, buying books, gifting books all bring me so much joy. In 2017, my husband took me on a date to a local bookstore and I was so disappointed with the with the availability of books written by and for black women. As a woman of color I felt unseen. I left, without making a purchase, and we spent the rest of the evening mapping out plans for the bookshop I’d own one day celebrating women of color.

After doing a little research I found (at that time) there were less than 10 Black-Owned bookstores in Michigan, none of which were in Lansing. I knew that if I wanted to see Black stories better represented, I would need to create space to make that possible… Insert Socialight Society.

In the summer of 2021 I started an online shop and book club, featuring classic and contemporary titles written by and for women of color. Soon after we started participating in local pop-up markets and now we’re opening our first micro-shop in Downtown Lansing.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. I think when starting something new, or pursuing anything worthwhile you can expect challenges. One of my biggest hurdles was making the leap to actually start.

Socialight Society was an idea in 2017, that I wasn’t planning to pursue until my children were much older and other things in life were more established. I had no intention of starting a business mid-pandemic, and I had plenty of reasons (read: excuses) why now wasn’t the best time. I also though, felt an urgency to create space to celebrate Black women in this way so I had to push past fear, self-doubt, and every other excuse to make it happen.

Thankfully the support of family, friends and the community has made this journey an absolute joy.

We’ve been impressed with Socialight Society, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Socialight Society is an independent bookshop in Downtown Lansing, celebrating Black women and Black literature. We curate classic and contemporary titles written for and by women of color. We proudly create space online and in-person that contributes to women feeling seen and celebrated.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.socialightsociety.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialightsociety/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socialightsociety
• Other: www.supportsocialightsociety.com

Image Credits
Layah Lauchie’ (For the main photo)
Lost Girl Vision