Nadia S. Anderson, this week's guest editor, is a problem solver who balances luxury with productivity and joy. Richmond Community High School and University of Virginia alumni, she emphasizes the importance of rest and play. Nadia's analytical and imaginative sides shine through her roles as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Wedding and Event Planner. She owns Virginia Grace, an event management company that plans, designs, and coordinates elegant weddings and events, and Lavender Hill, a commercial property for celebrations and collaborations. After volunteering for seven years with CreativeMornings, Nadia now sponsors the organization and shares her expertise through The Anderson Accounting and Advising Group (TAAG). She's a founding board member of the National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals (NSBWEP), contributes to The Knot + Wedding Wire, and is an international speaker. Outside of work, Nadia is an avid reader and music enthusiast, frequently spotted at Richmond's restaurants or exploring new countries and states.
Take it away, Nadia...
Beats & Blockbusters in the Garden at Lavender Hill
Come join us for a night filled with entertainment in the garden at Lavender Hill. We'll start the evening as Legacy Band sets the mood with twilight tunes. After the sun sets, we'll laugh and reminisce under the stars with the classic 90's film Brown Sugar. This event is for adults only. Access to a folding garden chair, popcorn, and one drink from the bar are included in the ticket price, so you can sit and snack while you watch! Additional food is available for purchase from Sweets and Soirees.
Want to feel more comfortable? Don't forget to bring a blanket, wear shoes you can kick off, and get set for a cozy and entertaining evening outdoors.
Vitals:
Live Music + A Movie Outdoors - Beats & Blockbusters in the Garden at Lavender Hill / Thursday, May 30th, 6:30pm, tickets here / Lavender Hill, 1705 Commonwealth Avenue, Richmond
The 46th Annual Richmond Greek Festival
Well before Richmond was known as a foodie town, making lists as a travel destination, and encouraging folks to come visit for the festivals, this has been on my essential Summertime kick-off list! Get out and indulge in one of the longest running Richmond festival traditions featuring legendary Greek food and wine, dancing, music, art and jewelry vendors. Take a tour of the beautiful sanctuary at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral to learn more about the religion and the culture.
Health is wealth. I strive to move my body intentionally five times each week. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you’ll find me in a private strength training session at Baker Unified Fitness. When I’m really being an over-achiever, I pop in to do a group class too! Maybe I’ll see you there on Saturday.
As the owner of Virginia Grace, I curate rich sensory experiences that allow clients and their guests to be fully present while celebrating milestones and collaborating with partners. Lavender Hill gives me a chance to showcase the work that I’ve shared with clients across the country, right here in my hometown.
Our newest initiative at Lavender Hill is an exciting offering for intimate gatherings of 25 guests or less. The package includes the venue, a wedding officiant, live music, a photographer, flowers, catering, china, glassware, flatware, and linen, all coordinated through a single point of contact. For those who want an effortless way to celebrate or gather, this is the perfect match. Learn more & book a tour here.
This week’s guest editor, Leah Fremouw is a familiar face and dynamic force in the economic development community. She currently serves as the President & CEO of Bridging Virginia - a newly established community development loan fund. In this role, she partners with businesses, nonprofits, and localities in a variety of industries and growth stages to support their capital needs and movement to the next level. In 2020, she led the relaunch of the Richmond region’s small business development center (SBDC) and in 2021 helped secure $10 million from the General Assembly to establish and fund the new VA CDFI (community development financial institution) Fund, later founding and chairing the VA CDFI Coalition.
Previously, Leah was SVP and Director of Community Innovation at Virginia Community Capital, driving impactful financial services statewide. Her diverse background includes roles at CarLotz, VCU’s Performance Management Group, and Richmond’s public housing communities.
Leah is deeply involved in her community, serving on boards like ChamberRVA and the Partnership for Housing Affordability, and launching the Renegade Capital podcast. She has led TEDxRVA, chaired Impact 100 Richmond, and earned accolades like the VCU Top 10 Under 10 award. Appointed to the GO Virginia Board by Governor Northam, Leah is also a real estate and business investor, contributing to projects like the Regency Mall pickleball facility.
Take it away, Leah…
PopUp RVA
PopUp RVA is back for its fourth season, offering Richmond’s largest weekly vendor market at The Diamond. Featuring 50-70 local businesses, including artisans, food trucks, and dessert stands, the event also boasts live music, a margarita bar, and various beverages. Free to attend, each week presents a new lineup of vendors and entertainment, ensuring a unique and fun-filled experience supporting local businesses and enjoying great food and music.
Vitals:
PopUp RVA / Saturday, May 25th, 10am - 3pm, free / The Diamond, 3001 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard Richmond, VA 23230
Richmond Liminal
Heed the call to adventure in Carytown! In this city-wide game of art & wit, you'll join the Wandering Liminal Society in their quest to fight the Void. Use your wits to find remnants of inspiration from the past and your artistry to create something beautiful for the future in the secret and forgotten spaces of the city! Bring your whole squad or fly solo. All experience levels & abilities welcome. Voted Best Interactive event at its world premiere at Adelaide Fringe in Australia, this is a co-project of local creators, Sam Chan & Carmel Clavin.
Vitals:
Richmond Liminal / every Friday in June, 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM, $32+ / VMFA Sculpture Garden, 1613 W. Laburnum Ave Richmond, VA 23227
The Hello Summer Festival
The Love Movement Social Event Series presents The Hello Summer Festival, a community celebration to kick off the summer season. The lineup is filled with incredible music from The Love Movement, DJ Adapt, DJ Kirven, and DJ E1, hosted by the energetic Chey Butta. Enjoy live performances from R&B sensation LoveJoi and Washington DC’s own Go-Go legends, The Experience Band and Show! The festival will also feature a variety of vendors, food trucks, drinks, and plenty of fun, all in support of a great cause.
Vitals:
The Hello Summer Festival / Saturday, May 25th, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, $15 tickets / Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Lane Richmond, VA 23220
More From Leah...
We're honored that Bridging Virginia has been nominated for Richmond Times-Dispatch's 2024 Richmond The Best Awards. Nominations close May 29. Click here to learn more and nominate us!
On a more personal note, I’m compiling my summer reading list, starting with my friend Andrea Longton’s new book, "The Social Justice Investor." You can order it at a local bookstore like the Book Bar RVA. Also, pick up Jessica Norwood’s book, "Believe in You Money"—you won’t regret it!
My weekends are packed with pickleball games and tournaments. As an investor in Performance Pickleball RVA, I plan to play in many tournaments. The upcoming Body Armor 804 Open, featuring pro divisions, live broadcasts, food, and music, promises to be fun for players and spectators. See you on the courts!
Meet Rachel Scott Everett, this week’s guest editor and Co-Founder & Creative Director of EVERGIB, a nomadic creative studio specializing in strategically led advertising and branding.
As an alum of the VCU Brandcenter, Rachel worked at ad agencies in Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas for 12+ years before returning to Richmond with her partner in work and life, Brian Gibson. In addition to creating ad campaigns for national clients like Atlantis Resort and Dollywood, she’s developed impactful branding work for local non-profit organizations including Richmond Ballet, Startup Virginia, The Richmond Forum, VPM, and VoteEquality US. She recently shared her journey in a talk for CreativeMornings Richmond here.
While based in Richmond, Rachel travels extensively and has backpacked through more than 60 countries across six continents. She recently shared her journey about creating her own rhythm in a talk for CreativeMornings Richmond.
An avid supporter of local arts and culture, she feels hopeful about the city’s continuing evolution as a capital of creativity. When not working or wandering, Rachel practices yoga and loves to dance any chance she gets.
Fan Arts Stroll is an annual event bringing joy to the community through local art and music in Richmond’s historic Fan neighborhood.
Initially a grassroots effort run by a tiny team of volunteers (myself included), the Fan District Association now heads up the stroll with the support of local sponsors. This year’s event will feature 125 artists, musicians, vendors and performers along the 10-block strolling path. Brian and I are excited to welcome back students from GreenSpring International Academy of Music to play on our front porch.
Fan Arts Stroll is free and open to everyone (tips are greatly appreciated for our performers.) As street parking can be limited, walking, carpooling or Uber/Lyft is recommended.
Fan Arts Stroll / Thursday, May 16 & Friday, May 17, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm, free / The Fan: 2000-2500 blocks of Hanover Avenue & 2200-2500 blocks of Grove Avenue
After the stroll on Thursday, all roads lead to Havana 59 for Tropical Thursdays in downtown Shockoe Bottom.
I’ve been salsa dancing at this iconic Cuban bar & restaurant for over a decade. I love how diverse, inclusive and welcoming the salsa community is — not just in Richmond, but around the world. A group lesson starts at 8pm followed by social dancing that includes salsa, bachata, merengue and more.
Can’t make it Thursday? No worries, there’s somewhere to dance nearly every night of the week - check out the FB group: Richmond Salsa Community.
See you on the dance floor!
Vitals:
Tropical Thursdays / Thursday, May 16, 8:00 pm - midnight, $5 (21+) / Havana 59: 16 North 17th Street
May kicks off VMFA’s After 5 Fridays outdoors — my favorite place to be on Friday evenings in the spring and summer.
On a beautiful night, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a drink in hand and people-watching on the hillside. This Friday, the River City Taiko Drummers will perform. While there, don’t miss the museum’s surprisingly stylish exhibit on Samurai Armor.
Vitals:
After 5 Fridays / Friday, 5:30 pm - 8pm, free / Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Robins Sculpture Garden: 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Since 2016, I’ve worked to leverage my creative expertise in activism and speak out where I can. As a contributing writer for RVA Mag and other publications, my essays have promoted action and advocacy related to some of the most pressing issues facing our community. In under six months, we'll vote in a pivotal U.S. election. While many are rightfully disheartened about the state of U.S. politics and our country’s role in worldwide affairs, it’s important we choose action over apathy. Shaping the world we want to live in requires everyone’s participation and it begins on a local level. Virginia's Primary Elections are on June 18, with early voting from June 8, and the U.S. Presidential Election on November 5, with early voting from October 26. I'm participating in Vote Save America's initiatives. Remember to vote and inspire others to do the same!
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