Dr. Faith Wilkerson, also one of my VCU connections, is a walking guide of Richmond, VA.  Her business, UnlockingRVA highlights things to do, local businesses and places to explore in Richmond, VA.  UnlockingRVA also curates it's own events such as Hip Hop Karaoke and Brunch on the Plaza.  Various levels of Friend of the Brand memberships are offered which will you get you early access to events, local discounts and more.  You can check out more info www.unlockingrva.com or follow on IG @unlockingrva 

Sesha and I went to undergrad together at VCU and she's quietly been smashing her goals ever since.  Her latest goal, she has not been so quiet about.  Sesha, along with her sister Enjoli recently launched the JXN Project with the goal to recontextualize Jackson Ward.  Historically, a hub of African American enterprise, Jackson Ward was nicknamed the "Harlem of the South".  Richmond, a city with a very rich history, couldn't tell it's story without mentioning Jackson Ward.  I'm so proud of Sesha and Enjoli for starting this project to ensure the story of Jackson Ward is told and recognized.  You can read more about the project Richmond-Times Dispatch or thejxnproject.com/the-jxn-journeyman.  You can also follow on IG @thejxnproject.

I met Kelli when I was a student at VCU.  She worked in student affairs and oversaw the Activities Programming Board.  She was goals then and she is goals now!  Kelli's resume includes an extensive background in entertainment and entrepreneurship and at the core of it all is her love for Richmond, VA.  She owns the Urban Hangsuite, a coffee shop in Jackson Ward.  She also host a podcast called Coffee with Strangers.  She is also associated with Richmond Black Restaurant Experience and the Jackson Ward Collective.  Both focusing on promoting black entrepreneurs in Richmond.  You can follow Kelli on IG @likethefruit @urbanhangsuiterva @jacksonwardcollective @rbrexperience @rvastranger

The Urban Hangsuite Location: 304 East Broad St, Richmond, VA

Mekeda, mom, model and Entrepreneur.  I met Mekeda, when I had the BPBF, she participated in our Cupcakes and Cocktails event and I have been using her ever since.  I ordered some kedakakes for a family occasion and now my family orders from her for EVERY event as well.  Keda is super creative, she can execute almost any theme.  Kedakakes are always super fresh and moist and taste as good as they look.  She also offers cakes, kakepops, stuffed strawberries, chocolate covered strawberries and other specialty items.  To order visit www.iwantkedakakes.com or follow her on IG @kedakakes 

Ian Callender, Serial Entrepreneur and owner of Suite Nation has his hands in so many dope projects, I can't even keep up.  Ian, a lover of wings and sneakers has used his platform to build an extensive portfolio.  Culture House (formerly Blind Whino), the Nicholson Project and Sandlot Southeast are just a few things you may find his name attached to, but he also specializes in corporate sponsorships, art and entertainment, real estate development and non-profit organizations.  Check out more about Ian, www.suitenation.com or @ianeyecan on IG.

The multi-faceted, super talented Ms. Porter.  Tinea is an amazing hair stylist and designer that embodies her own eclectic style, which is one of the reasons I love her!  Tinea is owner of the Green Room salon.  She is one of the few people I allow to cut and color my hair.  A cute cut, highlights, color...she got you. Tinea is also a part of The Fun Aunties, a podcast hosted on Clubhouse, Mondays @ 9pm. Tinea never ceases to amaze me with her creativity and ability to be dynamic.  To book appointments, visit www.vagaro.com/tgrbeauty.  Be sure to follow her on IG @msporterdidit @thegreenroom_tgrbeauty @funauntiespod.

Tinita and I go all the way back to our teenage years and have stayed in contact ever since. Tinita is an award winning and published writer, poet and public speaker. She is releasing a new children's book called Torrie the Great, featuring her adorable 4 year old daughter Torrie. She previously released two other children's books called Dear Son and Dear Daughter, which are poetic letters of affirmations for children. In addition, Tinita has a podcast called On this Journey, an inspirational podcast empowering women to find joy in the journey. Tinita's ability to be real, open and vulnerable has always inspired me and is what makes her such a dynamic writer and poet. I can't wait to see what's in store for her and Torrie the Great. You can check out her site www.tinitatennant.com or follow her on IG @tinitatennant @onthisjourneypodcast @torriethegreat.

I have been working with Veronica for about 5 years now.  She is a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual.  Before meeting Veronica, I did not properly manage my finances.  She helped me create a budget, a defense plan and a plan for retirement.  I think the thing I love most about Veronica is that she is really big on educating you about the different services NWM provides and the benefits and limitations of each of those services.  I have a life insurance policy, supplemental disability, a Roth and IRA with her.  Like most people, I thought the benefits my job provided were enough but when she really broke it down, I realized it wasn't.  I recently updated my personal finance worksheet and found a copy of the first one I did with Veronica.  I went from having debt and liabilities to increasing my net worth and having assets.  I strongly recommend a financial advisor, no matter your age, it is never too early or too late to start.  You can call Veronica @ 202-600-7118 or email her Veronica.fuentes@nm.com. 

I have to give props to my personal trainer (and cousin) Darryl Greene.  Darryl is a trainer at PLAY Training Facility in Landover, Maryland.  PLAY is a CrossFit/HIIT training facility that offers personal and small group training.  After closing during Covid, PLAY has reopened with Covid safety measures in place.  Darryl's brand "Keep Workin" is the perfect motto.  Darryl pushes me to my limit, but is patient and allows me to go at my own pace.  He focuses more on proper form and completion of reps than on speed. No matter how many times I quit on him, he welcomes me back with open arms.  This past month, he has gotten me all the way together. You can follow Darryl on IG @dougies_world or @_keepworkin_ and PLAY @playtf 

Celebrity Chef, Tobias Dorzon is a long time friend and one of my favorite chefs. Tobias, an awarding winning chef has been featured on Guy's Grocery Games (Food Network) several times. I've witnessed Tobias grind from the football field to starting his food truck, Victory to several restaurants and now his most recent venture with James Harden, Thirteen in Houston. Houston is on my list of destinations for the summer so that I can check out his new venture. If you find yourself in Houston, please make sure Thirteen is on your list. Tobias' food is outstanding!! He did a dinner party for me and a few friends last year and they are still raving about it. The lamb chops, the salmon, the mac and cheese, the banana pudding...all something special.

You can follow Tobias and Thirteen on IG, @tobiasdorzon and @thirteenhouston
www.thirteenhou.com