For years, the world of literature has been dominated by men and male narratives, leaving many women and other marginalized groups feeling unheard and unseen. But what if there was a place where women’s voices and perspectives were prioritized, where local authors and poets, and artists could shine, and where diverse stories and experiences were celebrated? Enter Next Chapter Books, a bookstore co-owned by Sarah Williams with a mission to uplift underrepresented voices and provide a platform for female authors.
Sarah’s idea to establish a bookstore didn’t come out of nowhere; rather, it was rooted in her lifelong love for reading. During her childhood years, she regularly visited the Jefferson Branch Library and was introduced to the world of literature, which quickly captured her heart. In addition, her father used to read her chapter books, and she would read them on her own wherever possible, including at the breakfast table and while walking home from school. This passion for reading stayed with her throughout her life and motivated her to share it with others. Sarah believes that many people fail to connect with reading because they haven’t yet found a book that brings them joy. That’s why Next Chapter Books strives to offer a diverse selection of books so that everyone can find something that resonates with them.
In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that our actions can have a powerful impact on those around us. This is especially true for Sarah, who resides in the bustling city of Detroit, where she is surrounded by a community of inspiring and resilient women who are leaving their mark on the world. When reminded of the influence she wields, Sarah is humbled by the opportunity to be in a position to inspire and empower women.
It is a real focus here to uplift women. This dedication extends to our partnerships as well. We intentionally selected coffee partners, who are women and are leading their businesses. Furthermore, we are proud to support local women entrepreneurs who sell their products in our store, and we showcase the work of women writers and poets. I am able to do a lot of the selection around that because I have a heart for it.
Running a bookstore, according to Sarah, is not just a business, but a way of life. As she puts it, “There is something magical about helping someone find their next favorite book.”
For Sarah, the most rewarding part of her job is when customers seek her recommendation. “I love it when people come in and say, ‘I don’t know what to read.’ It’s like a puzzle, trying to figure out what book would be perfect for them. And when they finally find the right one, it’s so fulfilling.”
But it’s not just about selling books for Sarah. She believes that bookstores can also serve as important community spaces, where neighbors can come together and connect. “We’ve had people who haven’t seen each other in years run into each other here. It’s that third space where people can come and be in community.”
As Sarah reflected on her journey of starting a business with her husband Jay Williams, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the support they had received from ProsperUs Detroit. It was a pleasant surprise when she found out that the loan officer who was helping them was also a woman and an entrepreneur. This sense of kinship and solidarity made her feel like she was part of a larger movement of women entrepreneurs who were breaking barriers and making their mark in the world. It was a reminder that with the right support, anything was possible.
With the support of organizations like ProsperUs and other like-minded groups, Sarah is able to access resources and opportunities that she might not have been able to find on her own.
Sarah sees Next Chapter Books staying on E Warren Ave. There is no desire to franchise or go elsewhere because everything they need is available to them right there. Nurturing the business in the community that made it thrive is all that matters.
Stay connected with Next Chapter Books, or explore their online bookstore by following them on Facebook and Instagram, or visiting their website.
