Xavier's 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.
Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar
One of my favorite “city bars”; with aesthetics, energy and vibes are unmatched for bars in Roanoke. Did I forget to mention the food and drinks? Chef's Kiss! They allow me a place to escape when I am having one of those weeks where I wish I was in D.C, or New York.
Visit WebsiteLucky Restaurant
One of my favorite “city bars”; with aesthetics, energy and vibes are unmatched for bars in Roanoke. Did I forget to mention the food and drinks? Chef's Kiss! They allow me a place to escape when I am having one of those weeks where I wish I was in D.C, or New York.
Visit WebsiteRND Coffee
This was really hard to pick as well. There are several tea shops, and coffee shops that I frequent but this Black owned coffee shop had to make the list. They deserve their flowers for staying progressive. Not only is the coffee & tea a hit, but the food and snacks are a must! RND provides a very dope working environment where you can grab your favorite teas, coffee, food, and meet with people in a cool upcoming neighborhood called Wasena, which also has several other food attractions in the same vicinity.
Visit WebsiteSidecar
One of my favorite “city bars”; with aesthetics, energy and vibes are unmatched for bars in Roanoke. Did I forget to mention the food and drinks? Chef's Kiss! They allow me a place to escape when I am having one of those weeks where I wish I was in D.C, or New York.
Visit WebsiteThe Collective
The Collective is an entrepreneurial hub in the heart of NW Roanoke, VA. The Collective is a contagious, energetic space that provides entrepreneurs, creatives, and artists, a space to create, co-work, and collaborate. Whether you're just riding by to see the murals and see more of the city, or you spend some time there working on your projects or meeting with someone to brainstorm a creative idea. The art was curated by myself and painted by one of the greatest, Bryce Cobbs. The Collective is home to many of Roanoke's Black entrepreneurs.
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Mike
“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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Paris
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.
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Jarrell
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
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
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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