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.
Jackson Ward
Jackson Ward has always been the heart of Black culture in Richmond. It was once home to over 100 Black-owned businesses and known as the Harlem of the South. Don’t miss the 2nd Street Festival in October.
Visit WebsiteLillie Pearl
Lillie Pearl is a can’t-miss spot in Richmond. This Black-owned restaurant is Mike Lindsey’s love story to Southern cooking. You have to get the short rib egg rolls.
Visit WebsiteMama 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.
Visit WebsiteRichmond 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.
Visit WebsiteThe Beet Box
I like to start my day with either a wellness shot, cold press juice or smoothie. This Black-owned spot is the perfect place to catch a vibe and get some work done.
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Jarrell
Jarrell Williams is a storyteller, host, creative marketer, and advocate for positivity, self-worth, and joyful exploration. A father of three, Lennon, Leo, and Tala Joy, Jarrell champions a lifestyle rooted in curiosity, connection, and play alongside his partner, Heidi Joy.
As the creator of Nomarama, Jarrell has built a culturally influential platform that highlights the authentic joy of travel, nature, food, and community through compelling storytelling and immersive experiences. Jarrell’s on-camera work includes hosting the acclaimed three-season series City With Bite, produced in partnership with the City of Norfolk and VisitNorfolk, which showcases independent restaurants, breweries, and culinary culture across the region.
Beyond the screen, Jarrell has spent years working in marketing and advertising for Visit Virginia and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) across the country, crafting campaigns that generate visibility, tourism growth, and community engagement through authentic content and local partnerships. His work spans creative strategy, brand storytelling, content production, event curation, and experiential campaigns that celebrate local culture and small businesses.
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Matt
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
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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