Featured photo: 2025 Middle Village cohort Ashia Williams, owner of Blueprint of Beauty Boutique; Britt Houze, owner of BHouzeOriginals and Simone Gaines, co-owner of BeBe’s Boutique.
From left to right: Cathleen Edgerly, Executive Director at Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI); Marcus Martin, Business Development Manager at Lake Trust Credit Union; Mayor Andy Schor; Simone Gaines, co-owner of BeBe’s Boutique; Britt Houze, owner of BHouzeOriginals; Ashia Williams, owner of Blueprint of Beauty Boutique; Kate Litwin, Community Development Director at DLI;
New and Returning Shops Expand Downtown Lansing’s Retail Landscape
LANSING, MI — Middle Village, a retail accelerator program presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. (DLI) and powered by Lake Trust, officially welcomed its fifth cohort with a Grand Opening celebration on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 215 S. Washington Square in the historic Atrium Building. The event marked a milestone for downtown’s entrepreneurial community and introduced three dynamic businesses now open to the public.
Middle Village has become a cornerstone of retail revitalization in Lansing’s city center by offering a supportive, low-barrier platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. The 2,000-square-foot shared space features three micro shops, each offering distinct products and experiences designed to connect directly with the community.
“Middle Village is creating a pipeline for more retail entrepreneurs to find their home in Michigan’s Downtown,” said Kate Litwin, Community Development Director at Downtown Lansing Inc. “Each shop brings something unique to the shared space, and we’re excited for the community to experience their creativity and energy firsthand.”
This year’s featured businesses brought a bold mix of creativity, community focus, and retail excellence.
BeBe’s Boutique, a returning favorite, re-launched with a new look and a year-long residency featuring curated women’s fashion. Simone Gaines, co-owner of BeBe’s Boutique, is from Flint, Michigan, the youngest of four sisters. Her love for fashion began during childhood shopping trips and flourished when her mother enrolled her in modeling school. After graduating from Central Michigan University and spending nearly three decades in Atlanta, she returned to Michigan with her family and partnered with Dr. Tonya Bailey to launch BeBe’s Boutique. Now with two locations, BeBe’s Boutique offers more than fashion—it creates a space where women feel confident, empowered, and beautifully seen.
BHouzeOriginals debuted its signature designs focused on expressive individuality and streetwear innovation. Britt Houze, founder of BHouzeOriginals, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. In 2014, a spontaneous tattoo design sparked the idea for his now 10-year-old brand. Tired of recycled trends in fashion, he built BHouzeOriginals to disrupt the norm and spotlight the person behind the clothing. Hpuze’s bold, unapologetic approach celebrates individuality and self-expression, and his energy continues to inspire those who visit his shop.
Blueprint of Beauty Boutique joined with a line of holistic wellness products and a mission rooted in ancestral healing and self-care. Ashia Williams launched Blueprint of Beauty Boutique in November 2024, fueled by her personal journey into natural wellness. Her boutique offers high-quality products made from herbs, essential oils, and plant-based ingredients, including tonics, teas, healing bath soaks, and more. For Williams, natural living is not a trend but a lifestyle rooted in ancestral wisdom. Blueprint of Beauty is more than a store—it is a sacred space where community members can gather for tea circles, DIY workshops, and soulful conversations. Williams’ long-term vision is to grow Blueprint of Beauty into one of Lansing’s most trusted wellness destinations.
Middle Village is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. By supporting Middle Village, visitors directly invest in local entrepreneurship, cultural diversity, and the economic vibrancy of downtown Lansing.
Middle Village is a retail accelerator program presented by Downtown Lansing Inc. and powered by Lake Trust. Designed to reduce the barriers to entrepreneurship, especially for women- and minority-owned businesses, the program transforms local shopping into a powerful tool for economic growth and community connection. Middle Village is supported in part by federal funds awarded through the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
To learn more, visit www.MiddleVillageShops.com.
