New retail store invites community to celebrate and be immersed in African culture
LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 18, 2023) - On Sept. 16, 2023, Nubian, a retail store showcasing Africa's culture, beauty and fashion to the people, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new storefront located at 120 S. Washington Square in Downtown Lansing. Situated in the heart of Lansing, Nubian is a vibrant hub that celebrates the diversity, creativity and elegance of the African continent.
Established in 2022, Nubian invites visitors to embark on a journey that transcends borders, exploring the kaleidoscope of African heritage through a carefully curated collection of fashion, accessories, and beauty products. The store's founder, Rihab Musa, has meticulously sourced a wide range of handcrafted garments, jewelry, and cosmetics from various regions across Africa, ensuring that each piece tells a unique and compelling story.
"We are thrilled to introduce Nubian to the Lansing community and beyond. Our vision is to create a space that not only showcases the immense beauty of African culture but also fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation," said Musa. "Through our carefully curated collection, we aim to highlight the talent, craftsmanship, and innovation of African designers while promoting sustainable and ethical practices."
Nubian is a Middle Village Micro Market graduate, which is a business incubator program sponsored by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust Credit Union. Middle Village Micro Market is a yearlong program that supports six to eight unique retailers as they receive business programming and marketing support to grow their brand, build their customer base, and test the market.
“We are so proud of Rihab’s growth since joining our program,” said Julie Reinhardt, director of downtown community development at DLI. “When we created our Middle Village Micro Market program, our vision was to diversify our business offerings and redefine Downtown as a retail hub. We hope more entrepreneurs and small business owners like Rihab will continue to see Downtown as a go-to destination to build momentum and thrive.”
To further enrich visitors' experience, Nubian will host regular events and workshops, inviting local artists, designers, and influencers to share their insights and expertise. From fashion showcases and styling sessions to cultural performances and panel discussions, each event will offer a glimpse into the vibrant tapestry of African heritage.
For more information, visit Nubian's Etsy page or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @Nubian.Jewelry.
To learn more about DLI’s Middle Village Micro Market, visit DowntownLansing.org/Middle-Village-Micro-Market.
About Downtown Lansing Inc.
Downtown Lansing Inc. is the downtown management agency and Main Street organization committed to promoting the culture and sustainability of the downtown business district while lifting up local. Learn more at www.downtownlansing.org.
