HOW I GOT MY START AS A WARD 8 ENTREPRENEUR

It's no secret that I just love ARCH Development! Everyone knows that I worked for ARCH as both their Director of Marketing and Business Development and the Managing Director of The HIVE and The HIVE 2.0. But how many of you knew that it was ARCH, specifically Duane Gautier, ARCH's CEO that gave me my small business start? It's true! ARCH funded my very first project under my reSPIN Public Relations imprint, Eat Shop Live Anacostia (ESLA) in 2010. And over the past decade I like to think I've made my mark east of the river not only as a resident and community advocate but also as an entrepreneur. That would not have been possible without ARCH.

ARCH Development may be a tiny nonprofit with an even tinier budget but they are very mighty! It's so amazing to see the ARCH team finally get the recognition they deserve for providing a launch pad for hundreds of minority and woman-owned Ward 8 businesses like mine. Please take a moment to learn more about ARCH Development and their projects such as the Anacostia Arts Center, Honfleur Gallery, Vivid Solutions Gallery and The HIVE 2.0, the ONLY co-working space located east of the Anacostia River and the only one where the majority of members are African-American! And if you are so moved, consider making a tax-deductible donation to ARCH's mission. I can personally attest that every single penny makes a difference! 

This week NBC4 Washington did a segment on the Anacostia Arts Center. Check it out below: