By Ashley Brown
In a remarkable fusion of literature and wellness, Dr. Viola Lanier, a distinguished Morehouse School of Medicine graduate, has opened A Better Today Books & Boutique in Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta. Officially opened on Nov. 30, this innovative establishment stands out for its commitment to promoting reading and holistic well-being.
A Better Today is more than just a bookstore; it serves as a âliterary sanctuaryâ that integrates a carefully curated selection of books with an array of wellness products designed to foster personal growth and mindfulness. âIâve 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,â Dr. Lanier commented. âBooks helped me see what was possible for my life, and from there, I was able to create the world around me that I wanted.â
The grand opening coincided with Small Business Saturday. While the boutique features diverse literary worksâincluding contemporary novels and timeless classicsâit also emphasizes wellness, providing essential oils, candles, and other self-care items for patrons looking to enhance their living spaces.
Dr. Lanierâs academic credentials are noteworthy; she holds a Masterâs and a PhD in biomedical research and sciences. However, her true passion lies in literature. âI 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,â she explained.
Visitors to A Better Today can enjoy a cozy lounge area and personalize their reading experience using the bookstoreâs bookmark-making station.
A Better Today Books & Boutique aims to inspire individual growth, foster community, and offer hope for a better tomorrow through its unique blend of books and wellness offerings.