Much like our previous blog post, this is another occasion where we here at Gather simply cannot contain our excitement about all of the incredible things our Coworkers are doing for the community. We are so proud to provide a home and workspace to UnBoundRVA, a local nonprofit which aims to "impact all of Richmond by empowering talented individuals from low-income communities with a path to entrepreneurship." (www.unboundrva.org) After four years, they have launched 18 businesses with 14 still in operation! And their largest cohort to date is launching 6 of those 18 with their "Class Four," pictured directly below. Through their cofounder model, UnBoundRVA works intensely alongside a class of about 20 individuals for 18 months to "innovate, construct, and develop both themselves as individuals and their future businesses."
They are currently recruiting for Class Five, which will begin this Fall 2018! More information can be found at www.unboundrva.org/apply.
Regarding their latest entrepreneurs, let's get to know them and their new business a little better through a Q&A!
Bottom: The team at UnBound!
K.I.S.S Soul Kitchen
Owned by Jessica Clark
- What do you do? What is your business?
I’m Jessica Chef JMarie Clark, owner of K.I.S.S Soul Kitchen. K.I.S.S Soul Kitchen is a pop-up themed dining experience specializing in southern soul food favorites.
- Why did you start this business?
I started K.I.S.S Soul Kitchen because I wanted to reconnect people with food and share my talent, love and passion for cooking, especially southern soul food, with the everyone. I also wanted to establish financial security within my family and to make a name for myself while also creating a legacy for my family.
- What do you hope to accomplish through your business or through business ownership?
As a lifelong foodie with over 15+ years of cooking and culinary experience I’ve noticed the steady increase in social disconnect between people on all levels, I want to use K.I.S.S Soul Kitchen to reconnect people with food, by bringing them to my dinner table literally!
- One fun fact about yourself?
One fun fact about myself is that I’m a huge New England Patriots Football fan!! #GoPATS
Skincare Creations
Owned by Latifah Crenshaw
- What do you do? What is your business?
I create all natural skincare products by mixing all natural ingredients and molding them into friendly designs to promote healing, healthy skin in a fun family way.
- Why did you start this business?
I started skincare creations to spread awareness about healthy healing habits and to educate on how healing starts with you.
- What do you hope to accomplish through your business or through business ownership?
I hope to break bad traditions, spread awareness and promote healthier lifestyles starting with our youth
- One fun fact about yourself?
My nickname is Winey Biney. I was a big cry baby (still is some days)
From Dusk To Dawn
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- Owned by Dawn Goodwin
- What do you do? What is your business?
I do home healthcare, my business is From Dusk to Dawn. Home healthcare to me is being able to take care of people in their comfortable place. I just want to be able to provide my clients and their families, with a little bit of sunshine when they’re experiencing their hard times.
- Why did you start this business?
I do this because God showed me that there was a need in the community for GOOD home healthcare companies that would put the need of the people first. Someone that would just love on these people and show them kindness. He revealed my purpose in these clients.
- What do you hope to accomplish through your business or through business ownership?
I want to be able to take families from their Dusk (the dark place in their lives), to their Dawn (where the sun shines and it is no longer dark).
- One fun fact about yourself?
My newfound hobby is couponing!! :)
Vivid Juice Company
Owned by Stephanie Hewlett
- What do you do? What is your business?
Create magic with all natural juice made from fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Vivid Juice Company is for individuals searching for a holistic balance for their mind, body, and spirit. At Vivid Juice we believe chewing is overrated and we seek to discard the need to chew our feelings and reveal holistic healing to nurture the mind, body, and spirit through juicing.
- Why did you start this business?
At a time when I felt like I had little control over most things in my life juicing centered me and became my passion.
- What do you hope to accomplish through your business or through business ownership?
Vivid is a path to upliftment for both myself and the people I serve. I want to create a movement towards holistic health and self sufficiency.
- One fun fact about yourself?
I haven’t had a piece of chicken in a decade.
Ishi
Owned by Natisha Knight
- What do you do? What is your business?
I am a program manager for a nonprofit, but working to build my own transportation business. Ishi aims to be a high quality and trustworthy transportation service for unaccompanied minors in the Richmond area.
- Why did you start this business?
As a single mother, transportation for my daughter is a major issue. I want to create a service that I would feel comfortable using with my own child that could benefit other parents as well.
- What do you hope to accomplish through your business or through business ownership?
Pride in creating a successful enterprise and providing a legacy for my daughter are my primary goals.
- One fun fact about yourself?
I have a goal to travel to every state and continent; I have been only been to one other continent so far and 29 states but hopefully Ishi will help lead me to the others!
There you have it, folks! If you see any of these friendly faces around Gather (usually our Scott's Addition location), be sure to say hello!