Heart & Soul, Your Guide to Black Virginia

Mike's 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.

Around The James

Brown's Island

Brown’s Island is an amazing, six-acre riverfront park. Brown’s Island is located south of Tredegar Street between 5th Street and 12th Street on the James River. It was formed by the Haxell Canal and is part of the 1.25-mile Riverfront Canal Walk.The Island connects to the James River Park and is the popular venue for outdoor concerts and festivals including the Friday Cheers concert series…

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West of Belvidere

Dinamo

The menu eschews the trendy Southern inspired flavors for the garlic and olive oil-laden flavors of the Mediterranean.

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Jackson Ward & Arts District

Lillie Pearl

Lillie Pearl is a full service restaurant serving New American cuisine with southern ingredients and global influences. We pride ourselves on impeccable service and delicious food in a fun and inviting atmosphere!

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Downtown & Shockoe

The Valentine

Located in the heart of historic downtown Richmond known as the Court End neighborhood, the Valentine collects, preserves and interprets Richmond's unique stories through exhibitions, programs, guided tours, events and stewardship of the Wickham House. Built by prominent attorney John Wickham in 1812, the house is a spectacular example of 19th-century Federal architecture. Listed as a National…

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Downtown & Shockoe

The Well Collective

Good coffee is more than just a drink. It is a moment. Sometimes, it's a moment of escape from the chaotic demands of the day. Other times, it is a good excuse to connect with a friend and share that moment. The Well will serve the community as both a place of refreshment and connection. It will also be a target destination for those looking for espresso coffee drinks and other beverages items not…

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See More of Richmond

Selah

Richmond

Selah Marie was born and raised in Richmond, VA and influenced by southern culture and the urban creativity surrounding her from an early age. As both a mother and a photographer, she’s learned that being creative and having fun is the key component to solving a multitude of problems. When pitching clients, she believes that you are not simply purchasing a photoshoot, you are investing in an experience that will serve both as a statement in your portfolio and as an illustration of your creative ability and willingness to adapt to creative vision. She takes pride in accelerating careers and helping brands create viral visions and social media branding elements.

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Paris

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.

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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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