Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nyshell Lawrence. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nyshell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At Socialight Society, our mission is to amplify the voices of Black women authors and celebrate Black womanhood through literature, community, and activism. This mission is deeply meaningful to me, rooted in my lifelong love of words and the desire for representation. Growing up in a family that taught me to be proud of my culture, I was surrounded by dolls and books that reflected my identity. My fascination with Black literature began early, and experiences like my dad taking me to local bookstores solidified my love for books.

The idea for Socialight Society was born out of a disappointing visit to a local bookshop in 2017. The lackluster “women of color” section highlighted the need for a curated space where Black women could feel seen and celebrated. That night, I envisioned a community where people come together to be the light in each other’s lives. This vision became Socialight Society, a space dedicated to honoring Black women’s voices and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Socialight Society is more than a business; it’s a movement to ensure Black women’s stories are heard, valued, and celebrated. Our mission extends beyond bookshelves, engaging in discussions and initiatives that promote equity, inclusion, and social justice. By highlighting the works of Black women authors, we are creating a space that values their contributions and inspires future generations to embrace their power and potential.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the creator of Socialight Society, a bookshop and creative space dedicated to celebrating Black women and Black literature. I’m also a poet, performer, entrepreneur, and activist based in Michigan. My journey into this industry is deeply personal and rooted in my lifelong love for words and stories, especially those that reflect my culture and experiences.

In addition to my work with Socialight Society, I’m the author of “I’m Praying For You, Girl,” a poetic collection of private prayers made public, an ode to lessons lived and learned, and a celebration of womanhood. My background is in visual branding and design, and I offer creative consulting services and website design. I’m also a wife and mom of four girls, which adds another layer of passion and purpose to my work.

What sets Socialight Society apart is our unwavering commitment to centering Black women’s voices and experiences. We help solve the problem of underrepresentation by providing a space that highlights the contributions of Black women in literature. Our offerings include curated book selections by Black women authors, literary events, and community conversations that center Black womanhood. I’m most proud of the sense of belonging and empowerment we foster through our work. Potential clients, followers, and fans should know that Socialight Society is more than a business—it’s a movement dedicated to honoring the legacy of Black women.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

In the fall of 2021, I launched a crowdfunding campaign with a goal of raising $10,000 in 90 days to fund Socialight Society. Although asking for such a significant amount felt challenging, I was driven by my faith and a strong belief in the mission. To my amazement, the campaign exceeded expectations, raising approximately three times the goal in under three months.

The success of the campaign not only enabled us to launch Socialight Society but also demonstrated the community’s commitment to our vision of celebrating Black womanhood and amplifying Black women’s voices. This experience was a key moment in turning my dream into a tangible reality and underscored the strong backing from those who believe in our mission.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One pivotal moment in my journey with Socialight Society occurred when I had the opportunity to share space with a local Black-owned smoothie shop. She had some extra room in the front of her business, and I created a permanent pop-up there, planning to stay for six months to a year before finding a space of my own. However, just two weeks into this arrangement, I received a text message informing me that she would be closing her business at the end of the year.

Faced with the choice of packing up and going home or finding a new solution, I knew that packing up wasn’t an option. The community had heavily invested in this idea, and I felt a strong commitment to keeping the momentum going. Determined to make it work, I decided to pivot.

A few days later, I secured a space inside the Lansing Mall. We’re now located in an old Gymboree store—a place that had been vacant for eight years before we moved in. This new location has allowed us to continue serving the community and provided a larger, more permanent home for Socialight Society.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.socialightsociety.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/socialightsociety
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/socialightsociety

Image Credits

Lost Girl Vision
Laicee Thill Photography