People ask me for financial advisor recommendations all of the time and Petya is one of the first people that come to mind.  She did a financial literacy workshop for my members when I owned The BPBF Inc. a few years ago.  Petya works for Ameriprise Financial and is one of the top financial advisors in the DMV.  She focuses on investments and retirement planning.  I highly recommend that everyone has a financial advisor no matter how much money you make, the goal is to make your money work for you so that you don't have to work for the rest of your life.  You can contact her by phone (301)263-8514 or email petya.r.balevska@ampf.com.

Kimberlee Randall of the Kimberlee Randall Group is a licensed real estate agent in VA, MD, DC and PA.  She helped us seal the deal for Chef Skip 202 and I am forever grateful to her.  What should have been a smooth process turned out to be a 45 day process of lease negotiations and tons of phone calls and emails with the leasing agent.  She kept us informed throughout the entire process and advocated for us to get the best terms.  

​You can reach out to her for residential and commercial needs by email kwrandallkrg@gmail.com or by phone (240)455-2750.

Chris who is popularly know as "Chef Skip" is one of my favorite cousins and now business partner. He is the owner of Chef Skip in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth and we now own a location in Washington, DC. After graduating from culinary school, Chef Skip started as a food truck in 2016. If you only knew his story prior to this. I've watched him grind so hard to not be labeled as a statistic and am so proud of the man he is today. Follow Chef Skip on IG @chefskip757

You can also check out the locations:
📍1591 Dahlia Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
📍4210 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth, VA
📍715 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC

Tia is the mastermind behind Rooted River Essentials, an organic handmade product company based in Maryland.  Tia, a fellow pediatric nurse (who I hired as a new grad nurse) and mother of 5 (yes, 5) recently started Rooted River Essentials which includes a line of soaps, body scrubs, body butters, candles and face products.  If it's made by a nurse, you can trust it. Lol.  I ordered the coffee body scrub and can't wait to try it!  You can check out her products www.rootedriveressentials.com or IG @rooted.river.essentials 

Irene Colon, the creator of Abeille Bliss, a luxury candle and home fragrance company based in Newport News, VA.  I've known Irene since high school and I am so proud of her.  She's a single mom and runs the company herself.  I love the clean look of her brand and heard the candles smell amazing. She sells full size and mini candles, wax melts and room sprays.  I just ordered mine, make sure you do the same. www.abeillebliss.com or IG @abeillebliss

April, aka The Popcorn Queen launched her gourmet popcorn business with her mom "Popcorn Queens" over 5 years ago.  I was originally introduced to April through mutual friends.  It's always a pleasant surprise when I see her at events.  You can catch her at the Spice Suite on the 1st Saturday of the month. You can also order online. My favorite flavors are the cinnamon apple, peanut and salted caramel.  I enjoy the salty-sweet combo but they have more options.  Be sure to check them out www.popcornqueens.com or IG @popcornqueens

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