Book•ish began as a way to heal.

Book•ish was born from the isolation of 2020 and the belief that stories are what bring us back to each other. What started as one book fair in 2023 has grown into a thriving community built on connection, culture, and the power of a good story shared out loud.

Chinyere Aririguzo

Chinyere Aririguzo believes knowledge is meant to be shared — especially the kind that helps people better understand themselves, one another and the systems shaping their lives.

For more than a decade, she has worked as a clinical social worker in the greater Grand Rapids area, providing therapeutic, case management and other social work services. A proud cultivator of community and healing, Chinyere finds joy in partnering with individuals and teams who are ready to get curious, dig deeper and discover new ways forward.She is a big believer in “each one, teach one” and will happily share what she knows, what she has learned and probably a book recommendation or two.

When she is not working, Chinyere can usually be found taking on a DIY project at home, diving into a new story — books and anime top the list — or connecting with the people she loves.

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.”

– Marianne Williamson

Phalesha Kyes

Some people find their purpose. Phalesha K. built hers — from the ground up and from the inside out.

A proud BIPOC and Native American business owner, Phalesha spent years building her expertise across start-ups in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, gaining experience in sales, customer service, event planning and public relations. In 2021, that vision became By Phalesha Events. (Get it?) But the story behind the business runs deeper than a résumé.

Phalesha’s journey from the foster care system to entrepreneurship is a testament to what becomes possible when you choose healing over habit.

Today, she is the founder of businesses including By Phalesha Events and Book•ish, creating thoughtful experiences that bring people together, uplift BIPOC and women-owned businesses and help communities feel seen, supported and celebrated.

"HEAL, so we stop allowing our subconscious to rule our conscience, and keep calling it fate."