Heart & Soul, Your Guide to Black Virginia

Paris's Richmond

Born and raised in Richmond, Paris is a flight attendant by day and a full-time Content Creator whose creativity never really turns off. For someone who travels daily for a living, coming home to RVA always feels like a “big hug after a long stretch of time away.” She’s had the chance to see the world and truly enjoys being immersed in other cultures and expanding her worldview, but the 804 will always be her home.

Downtown & Shockoe

Buttermilk and Honey

Whether you’re Downtown, in Short Pump, or Manchester, Buttermilk and Honey has got you covered. I'm a lover of all things HOT and have fallen in love with The Nashville Hot Fries and The Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, but trust me you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu.

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Jackson Ward & Arts District

Mama J's

It wouldn’t be a RVA guide if I didn’t send you over to Mama. Mama J’s feels like home on a plate. It’s that good southern cooking with soul. Its right down in Jackson Ward and represents a business that is good on the taste buds and good for the soul. The catfish platter will do the soul good, and definitely don’t skip dessert.

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Downtown & Shockoe

Richmond Night Market

As a black woman born and raised in Richmond, the history of this city still echoes through the buildings and people that tell its story. I’m so proud to be a part of that continuing history. This is one of my favorite spaces to enjoy events taking place in Shockoe Bottom. Year round events like the Richmond Night Market, and community yoga help our community reclaim this space and add to its history. The Market is truly a space of growth with the best views of what Richmond has to offer in terms of great food, local artisans, and musical talent.

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Mike

Richmond

“Spurweezy” knows how to throw down in the kitchen, but even the best home chef wants to let someone else do the cooking sometimes. Mike Spurlock is an event professional and content creator who’s built a loyal, food-loving following on TikTok with his authentic and relatable approach to food and cooking. While grateful for his virality on the platform and the opportunities that have come along with it, Mike is most passionate about creating content that truly connects with his audience and wants to create a more inclusive space for all creators and viewers alike.

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Jarrell

Harrisonburg

Jarrell Williams of Nomarama is the father of two beautiful boys, Lennon & Leo, and promotes a lifestyle of positivity, self-worth and exploring the world with his partner, Heidi Joy. His online brand, Nomarama, highlights an authentic lifestyle of travel, food, power of play and exploration of nature, all while supporting local businesses. On his shows, “The City with Bite” and “Just Droppin’,” he takes you on food journeys around the state and beyond. You might also recognize him from his small business incubator the Munchie Market, or his adventures as a tourism ambassador, nature aficionado, and overall creative powerhouse.

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Tashira

Alexandria

It’s all fashion on Tashira’s corner of the internet. So, what keeps her going in the DC Metro area? Find out more as she takes us through her Alexandria City Guide. Tashira Halyard—known to her online community as Tashira Garcon—is an attorney, equity consultant and fashion content creator. She’s a breast cancer survivor who seamlessly blends style, self-care and social justice into her brand “Politics & Fashion.” Her Instagram and YouTube channel are hubs for not only fashion inspiration, but also a rapidly growing sisterhood.

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Matt

Charlottesville

A resident of Charlottesville, Matt Harmon spent the past 5 years developing a love of wine. As his passion for wine developed, he wanted to share that passion with family and friends. As he did so, he noticed people’s preconceived ideas about wine, and who “should” drink wine and sought to change this perception. And thus, his entrepreneurial journey with Harmony Wine was born. Matt challenges the perception of who and what wine drinkers should be in his everyday life—sometimes he drinks wine in a suit, sometimes he kicks back and drinks his wine wearing his joggers.

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Xavier

Roanoke

Xavier Tramaine Duckett is a community leader, artist, entrepreneur, traveler, and mentor based in Roanoke, VA, where he was raised in a culture of service, generosity, and love for community. In 2015, Xavier moved back to Roanoke after finishing his football career at ODU, with the mission to not only give back to his community, but to uplift it. He recognized the need for local youth empowerment programs and founded nonprofit The Humble Hustle Co. with that in mind. Xavier has leveraged his diverse background to impact youth and inspire others. His work continues to uplift his community and its members.

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