JHud Surprises Black Woman Bookstore Owner Who Appeared in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Commercial
October 25, 2022
Jennifer Hudson is celebrating an entrepreneur who runs the only Black woman-owned bookstore in Flint, Michigan.
On Tuesday’s episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” JHud spoke with Egypt Otis, a mother-of-two who owns Comma Book Store & Social Hub.
After losing her job as a political campaign manager early in the pandemic, Egypt — who is passionate about literature, specifically the work of BIPOC writers — was determined to make her dreams of owning a bookstore come true. After raising $20,000 through crowdfunding, Egypt opened her doors in 2020.
Describing her store as a “cultural bodega,” customers can get locally made products including art, books, music, and in her own words, “a little bit of everything.” Egypt also said Comma acts as an “epicenter of multiculturalism” that gives artists and designers a platform.
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View StoryIn addition to receiving praise from her community — which she said is “going through a renaissance” — she has also gotten the attention of Hollywood and starred in Mastercard’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” commercial.
“Still having a difficult time processing it,” Egypt said, noting that she is honored to be connected to a “movie that is a cultural touchstone.”
Overall, Egypt’s advice to aspiring business owners is to “challenge yourself with being uncomfortable” and to “take risks.”
For her bookstore, she said her goal is “to sustain it and stay open.”
“I measure success by impact, so I want to continue making an impact.”
Mastercard helped give Comma a makeover, and now they’re teaming up with “The Jennifer Hudson Show” to give Egypt $25,000 to invest in her business and her community!
“I think you’re incredible,” Jenn told Egypt.
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” airs weekdays. Check your local listings.
