Community organization 517 Living (517Living.com) has been promoting goodness in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area since 2014. Founded by Sarah Pierce, the website and social platform uses its ONE Calendar to build awareness of the Best Events happening throughout the year.
In 2022 Pierce introduced the prestigious merit 517 Living Community Member of the Month, bestowing the honor to Melik Brown of me2u Promotions, LLC in May of 2023.
In this interview Brown shares details about who he is, what he does, and what he loves about living in the Greater Lansing Michigan Area.
Who are you?
I’m a person who chooses to see goodness through the chaos. The dichotomy of my personality is conflicting personas. One that enjoys sharing joy and laughter with people. The other that feels comfort in the solitude of silence. Underneath it all, I hope to be able to show people how to go with love.
If you own or represent a business or organization, tell us about it or them.
me2u promotions, LLC is the umbrella through which I promote what is great about Metro Lansing through the Lansing Made, Metro Melik 517, Midwest Made 517, and Urban Dominator brands.
Visit Metro Melik 517 on the 500 Block of E César E. Chávez Ave to see some cool art, apparel, and stuff.
Tell us about a recent uplifting experience you had in the Greater Lansing Area.
The most recent uplifting experience I’ve had in the Greater Lansing Area was the announcement of the collaboration of the Lansing School District and the store Metro Melik 517. MM517 is the official store to sell authorized merchandise for the Lansing School District, Eastern, Everett, and Sexton high schools.
Another notable experience is the compliments I’ve recently received from people who’ve had their picture taken for me for professional purposes.
What’s the most recent “new” (to you) local business or organization you’ve enjoyed discovering?
I recently was introduced to Off Skate Vintage in Grand Ledge, owned by Carmen Weatherbee. Carmen specializes in mid century modern furniture. It was a nostalgic trip that reminded me of my father when he would shop for furniture or a house. My father was constantly tapping on things to see how they were made. It is something that very much stuck with me. Visiting Off Skate Vintage you can immediately notice the quality and craftsmanship of the furniture that she has handpicked to be available in her store. Wonderfully designed pieces that not only look good in any era or decor, but also can stand the test of time.
What is one thing, big or small, that you love about living in the Greater Lansing Area?
The people is what I love about living in Metro Lansing. There are some very wonderfully cool people here. The diversity of who they are, what they represent, and what they do constantly has me learning new things and enjoying new experiences. | By Sarah Pierce
Sarah Pierce is the founder of the website and social platform 517Living. Promoting goodness and the best events in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area, the process of building the platform helped Pierce overcome social anxiety, gave her a more purposeful life, and introduced her to the fascinating behind-the-scenes movers and shakers of her community who are much more “walk” than talk! 517 Living has enriched Pierce’s life, and she hopes it does the same for you.
