Better Today Books & Boutique Expands Its Vision with the Grand Opening of a New Wellness Studio

When Dr. Viola Lanier opened Better Today Books & Boutique in Marietta, GA, she wanted to give her community more than a bookstore. She wanted to create a sanctuary—a place where stories, culture, and connection could meet. Now, that vision is expanding in a powerful way.

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, the beloved bookstore unveiled its newest chapter: the Better Today Wellness Studio. Complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. and celebration festivities from 2 to 4 p.m., the grand opening marked more than a launch. It was the beginning of a movement toward accessible, holistic health for families and individuals alike.

A Space for Whole-Body Wellness

The Wellness Studio isn’t just about classes—it’s about cultivating lifestyle shifts. Guests can now experience a range of activities, including sound bath therapy, silent reading parties, holistic chef cooking demos, therapeutic painting, and stress-relieving stretch sessions. Designed for both adults and children, the offerings blend creativity with intentional self-care.

“At the heart of it, our Wellness Studio is about encouraging people to make their well-being a priority,” says Dr. Lanier, a cancer researcher and community leader. “Sometimes that means taking five minutes to breathe and stretch before leaving the house. Other times, it’s about gathering in community to explore new wellness practices. I wanted to create a space where people can do both.”

The Healing Power of Wellness

Research continues to highlight what Dr. Lanier has long believed: wellness is transformative. Studies from Drexel University, the National Library of Medicine, and the American Academy of Neurology highlight the numerous benefits of engaging in leisure wellness activities—ranging from lowering stress, blood pressure, and heart rate to reducing symptoms of depression and improving mood.

Group wellness activities also carry unique benefits. They help sharpen problem-solving skills, boost cognitive function, reduce fatigue, and even delay age-related memory loss. Simply put: healing happens when we choose ourselves—and when we do it together.

A Grand Opening to Remember

At the grand opening, attendees were invited to experience one complimentary service of their choice. Featured partners included Sound Bath Therapist Mika Newton, Massage Therapist Paradise Johnson, and Paint Therapy Artist PeQue Brown—each bringing their expertise to help introduce the community to what’s possible inside the studio’s walls.

Located at 2300 Shallowford Rd, Suite 7, Marietta, GA, the Wellness Studio will be open Sunday through Friday, from 12 to 6 p.m. Regular programming will continue throughout the year, creating a consistent rhythm of wellness opportunities for families to enjoy.

Becoming Well, Together

The launch of the Wellness Studio is more than an expansion for Better Today Books & Boutique—it’s a love letter to the community. Dr. Lanier’s vision reminds us that self-care doesn’t have to be an afterthought; it can be a lifestyle.

Because wellness isn’t just a luxury, it's a lifeline.

Check them out at:

📍 Better Today Wellness Studio, Marietta, GA

⏰ Open Sunday–Friday, 12–6 p.m.

✨ Learn more at abettertodaybook.store