Dr. Viola Lanier Opens Wellness-Focused Bookstore in GA

A Morehouse School of Medicine graduate has opened a bookstore to uplift her surrounding community.

According to a news release, Dr. Viola Lanier, who boasts a Master of Science in biomedical research and a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, has launched Better Today Books & Boutique, located at 2300 Shallowford Rd., Ste. 8, Marietta, GA 30066.

“Wasn’t too impressed about the condition, but I said, ‘You know what? This is a place.’ But I figured I could make it work, even though I was skeptical about a lot. I got it. Anyway, so we’re putting a check mark on these dreams. Y’all stick with me as you renovate,” she explained in the video.

Seeing the potential, Lanier’s interest put her on the path to establishing her own bookstore, with a grand opening planned for Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

“I’ve loved reading anything I could get my hands on since childhood. Books gave me a glimpse of parts of the world I had not yet seen,” Dr. Lanier said in the news release. “Books helped me see what was possible for my life, and from there, I was able to create the world around me that I wanted.”

At the bookstore, readers can expect to find classic novels, biographies, and top fiction titles in diverse categories.

“I curate our collection of books. You can find brand-new titles and classic bestsellers, but I also introduce our readers to authors they may not be familiar with. We also feature a host of local authors,” Lanier mentioned.

The bookstore will also feature a snack and beverage area, bookmark charm-making station, reading room for children, and wellness products such as scented candles and essential oils.

“A Better Today Bookstore Boutique is launching one of the few Wellness focused book communities around the world. Our reading selections encourage your emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, financial, social, cultural, and vocational well being. And we want to build a community of Well and Better people,” a caption on the bookstore’s Instagram read.