BrickRose Exchange

Looking for somewhere to hold your next event in the DMV area? Look no further because BrickRose Exchange has the perfect venue for you. It was all started by a black female visionary, Bianca Jackson, who wanted to create a space that is based on love and appreciation for connecting people. Her mission is “to bring people together for change, one event at a time.”

Bianca J. Jackson, Proprietor

Her event space is perfect any event including weddings, expos, and pop ups. At BrickRose Exchange they host “Posh Pop-Ups” which are themed pop-up shops for vendors to reach new audiences. She also has a ceiling to wall whiteboard room available for people to rent out. To ensure the safety of her customers, she has implemented additional safety guidelines in response to COVID-19. The use of enhanced sanitation practices, flexible event layouts, and an intimate, private space the venue has remained open.

On her website you can find out about her “Virtual Art Residency Program”. It’s a digital art gallery that features independent artists that want to gain more exposure and increase their online sales. With the coronavirus pandemic, she wanted to help artists that have been forced to close their exhibits. Each artists receives all the proceeds from their art sales through this program.

Check out the website to book the space, learn how to list your art, and/or purchase art from an independent artist!

https://www.brickroseexchange.org/

Woofbowl

All of you with furry friends will love this dog food truck, Woofbowl! Not only does their dog food look similar to human food, but it’s healthy as well. Woofbowl strives to provides fast food exclusively for dogs that has quality ingredients.

Ron and Solo, Founders

The founders are a couple from Milwaukee that are parents to two dogs. Ron and Solo started owning dogs to combat Ron’s PTSD. Solo came up with the idea for Woofbowl when she noticed the difference that switching their dogs to a raw diet made. Now they operate their food truck in four cities: Atlanta, NYC, LA, and the DC metro area.

On their website you can find out when and where they plan to pop up. You can even buy some adorable merch for your dog or a little something for yourself online. They also offer catering services and even can be booked to attend events.

Be sure to visit their website!

https://www.mywoofbowl.com/

The Spice Suite

You know that the key to some good food is the spice that you throw into it. Find your new favorite spice to bring your food to the next level at The Spice Suite where “Food is Fashion”. And who knows best how to spicin’ up some food than a black woman. The Spice Suite was created by a black woman named Angel who is also a mother, home cook, activist, and educator. Her love and expertise for food actually landed her in the Top 40 for Season 8 of MasterChef.

Angel, The founder

Her shop located in Washington, D.C. features a unique blend of fashion and food. She offers various gourmet spices, oils, and other “culinary delights” in her actual store. On the website, you don’t have access to all her spices, but you can try out one of her spice boxes that have a portion of different spices. There’s also kitchen tools and a cookbook available for purchase online.

Spice Box 2
Food is Fashion Plate

The Spice Suite also interacts heavily within the DC community. Angel hosted 405 free pop up shops in her shop and she also started “SpiceGirlin’ Marketplace”. SpiceGirlin’ is a membership club filled with women that sell handmade or uniquely sourced products at reoccurring pop up shops at The Spice Suite. The members also have their products featured on the website. The club offers monthly education webinars, workshops, and seminars to the members’ knowledge of how to be successful in their businesses.

Make sure you check out this top tier spice shop! It’s been featured across multiple platforms including Essence, Forbes, and Beyonce: The Black Parade Route. The City Paper even awarded The Spice Suite “Best of D.C.” in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Visit her website or stop by her shop!

https://www.thespicesuite.com/

Big Dee’s Chicken & Waffles

Calling all my foodies! You know there’s nothing better than a good brunch. Big Dee’s Chicken & Waffles puts a delicious spin on classic brunch dishes. Big Dee is a traveling chef that does catering, private chef services, and even serves through UberEats.

He also offers private dinner bookings. You can choose between pickup and delivery for catering and single orders.

Check out his Instagram to see his full menu and make an order!

https://www.instagram.com/bigdeeschickenandwaffle/?hl=en

Boombox Boxing Club

“Our mission is to empower and inspire, while making the health benefits of boxing-inspired training accessible to all fitness levels and backgrounds.”

Reggie & Angela, Founders

Boombox Boxing was founded on “a love for music, boxing, and community”. Reggie and Angela have created a unique workout experience that is a fusion of hip-hop, street culture, and boxing.

Their classes are 50 minutes and focus mainly on cardio. What you’ll be doing in a class is a combination of shadowboxing, Aqua bag work, and functional training guaranteed to get you right and tight. The classes are open to all so you don’t need experience to attend a class.

Their studio is located in Washington D.C. and they’re currently open for classes! They have implemented various regulations in observance of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out their website to book a class!

Website: https://www.boombox-boxing.com

The Butterland

Keep your hair and skin glowing! The Butterland has all your hair and skincare needs from homemade leave-in conditioner to beard oil.

This company was started by Paris when her daughter Sydney was going through chemotherapy. Paris couldn’t find products that would repair her daughter’s hair so she decided to create her own. It started out with their Whipped Shea Butter for Hair and Skin and Moringa Growth Oil. Later they expanded to seven additional products. Their goal is to promote healthy hair for the entire family regardless of age and gender.

Dynamic Duo

Along with the previous mentioned products, they offer various products. They have natural oils, body scrubs, facial serum, shampoo, face cleanser, hair mask, and many more natural, homemade products. They also do wholesale orders and party favors.

TBL Everything Bundle-Full Size

Be sure to check out their website!

https://www.thebutterland.com/

Sankofa: Video, Books, & Cafe

Sankofa is a black-owned bookstore that has a wide range of media products. Within their store they have comic books/graphic novels, audiobooks, films, and much more. You can either order from their website or visit their store to purchase items.

Black Panther and the Crew: We are the Streets

If you’re looking for somewhere chill to read a book and have a snack the cafe is the place for you. You can try their smoke salmon panini or fruit smoothies while browsing the bookstore.

In their store they also hold events that focus on black experiences for the surrounding community. Since COVID-19 they have temporarily closed their store, but they hold virtual events.

Visit their website!

https://www.events.sankofa.com

Beyond Basics29

FashionNova isn’t the only place to find stylish fits that will have your friends asking where you got it from. Beyond Basics29 has a variety of clothing that can bring your wardrobe to the next level. You can find any type pf clothing on their website such as dresses, sets, and jumpsuits. They also offer plus size options. Due to COVID-19, all their sales are final.

Check Me Out
Which Way
Sheer All Over
Splash Paint
Moneybagg
Shades of Grey

Watch Out

Check out their website to see all the styles they have to offer!

https://www.beyondbasics29.com/

Adore Shonta’ Beauty

Adore Shonta’ is owned by a “Momtrepreneur” that wanted to provide for “ALL women from all walks of life”. She wants to make each women that has on one of her products feel “Be-YOU-Tiful”.

On her website she offers lip gloss and eyelashes that can be shipped to her customers. Her lashes are 100% mink and come with a stainless steel lash applicator. She has two collections: The Queen Collection which is for more dramatic looks and The Signature Collection is for more casual, everyday use.

Goddess style , Queen Collection
Signature Collection, Chic
Adore Sheer Lip Collection

Adore Shonta’ Beauty will have you saying “my lip gloss is poppin, my lip gloss is cool.”

Be sure to check out her website!

https://adoreshonta.com/

Artistry of Ashley Joi

Looking to feed your creative side? Looking for some art that reflects who you are?

Ashley Joi Whitley is an amazing abstract painter that has an unique style that incorporates “mixed-media elements with traditional painting techniques”. The primary subjects of her artwork are women of color and she loves to depict their beauty in unforeseen ways. Her mission as an artist is “to spread joy through her creations, and offer positive, peaceful, therapeutic, and meditative imagery for the viewer”. Her work has been featured across the Washington, D.C. area.

Ashley Joi Whitley, Founder

On her website she features all of her artwork she has available for purchase. She allows customers to pick up their artwork or have them shipped to their home. She also offers in-person service such as live event painting and paint parties.

Check out more of her lovely artwork on her website!

https://artistryofashleyjoi.com/

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