Pressed Coffee

Pressed

LCS alumna Christina Livesay Needham (‘06) seeks to build community in Lakeland.

Photos by Dan Austin

here are few places in a city that bring the type of calm and comfort that an independent bookstore brings. They curate community, creativity, and connection- all core values of any thriving community. With Pressed, LCS alumna Christina Needham aims to bring these attributes to downtown Lakeland.

Pressed stands at 213 E. Bay Street in downtown Lakeland, and its evidence of a collaborative effort to continue the growth of the distinct creative culture in Lakeland. It’s a space for those to gather and feel at home, an undisturbed safe haven of sorts in a world that is increasingly fast-paced. “The inspiration for Pressed began many years ago as a conversation with my husband, Paul, from our own love of

Christina’s dream of opening a local bookstore in Lakeland came true in 2021. Pressed opened its doors on July 29.

“It was exciting to imagine a place where people could gather around books as a means to grow individually as well as connect with others.”

bookstores and the dream of opening up a local bookstore here in Lakeland.” says Needham. “It was exciting to imagine a place where people could gather around books as a means to grow individually as well as connect with others.”

In a world dominated by cellphones and social media, one might think that opening an independent bookstore is more of a risk than it was twenty or thirty years ago. But Needham saw that risk as inspiration, and even used it to solidify the necessity for a place like Pressed in downtown Lakeland. “In our ever changing and technologically advanced world, I believe more than ever we need a physical space to make connections with people.”

To build a strong community, it starts behind the scenes. To curate the environment and the culture of Pressed, Needham gathered some

local favorites to make sure she was building a space that was community first. “I wanted Pressed to be a place that was warm and welcoming, accessible, and community focused. From the beginning, I wanted to collaborate with other local businesses like Ethos for coffee, Honeycomb for baked goods, and Vakti Gallery and Mockingbird Artist for art.”

Of course, no dream is dreamt without a proper foundation. Needham credits her time at LCS for giving her the foundation she needed, and wants to utilize what she learned during her time at LCS as a new business owner in Lakeland. “LCS gave me a solid foundation in academic, personal, and spiritual growth.” says Needham. “I loved being able to experience a well rounded education that included music, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. When I reflect back on my time at LCS, I cherish the individuals who cared for me, cheered me on, and shared wisdom when I

Christina credits LCS with providing a solid foundation and a well-rounded education for life.

“...When I reflect back on my time at LCS, I cherish the individuals who cared for me, cheered me on, and shared wisdom when I needed it most.”

needed it most. I hope to carry those values into the relationships I form in my new role as a business owner.”

It’s those values that Needham obtained during her time at LCS that will carry her through this experience. Still, her advice to those looking to open their own business or bookstore is simple: you’ve got to know your why. Without it, you won’t know much of anything. “In the beginning, I spent most of my time reflecting on the purpose and vision of the business, asking myself why this business should exist and who it would serve. I wanted to answer the question, “if we build this why would people want to come?” I also believe there is value in every work experience, and would give the advice to be intentional about every opportunity to listen, learn, and build relationships. Starting the business has been a wonderful season of change, growth, and self discovery.”