• YOU'RE INVITED •

kin·dred

/ˈkindrəd/

The word "kindred" refers to a group of people who are similar to each other in terms of nature, character, or interests. In essence, "kindred" describes a sense of connection or affinity between people who share common characteristics or bonds.

HOSTED BY:
Hope Henson-Lehman (Just BE)
& Donají Mejía

LOCATION:
CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar
360 13th Street, Oakland, CA 94612

DATE & TIME:
Every last Thursday of the month.
5pm - 8pm PST

Meet New Friends

✳︎

Meet new talented and passionate BIWOC entrepreneurs just like you who are committed to equity, justice, healing, and joy.

Heart to Heart

✳︎

Connect with others who are also navigating the ups and downs of business development. You are not alone in this journey.

Lasting Connections

✳︎

Develop a rooted business community that can support each other as clients, referral partners, and more, in the Bay Area.

FAQs

Who is this event for?

This is for Black, Indigenous, Women & Gender Expansive entrepreneurs of color in the Bay Area, also referred to as "BIWOC": Black, Indigenous, Women of Color.

What do we mean by the word “entrepreneur”? 

Calling all small business owners, creatives, makers, artists, musicians, dancers, freelancers, coaches, therapists, consultants, strategists, lawyers, personal trainers, Founders, restaurant owners, etc. We define entrepreneur broadly as anyone making a living on their own; and responsible for their own and/or others’ paychecks. 

What this event is not:

A stuffy, impersonal, networking event for people who like small talk, like to exchange business cards, talk about the weather, and/or solely be on the lookout for clients.

What this event is:

If you're feeling the Zoom burnout like us and are craving real human connection, give your eyeballs a rest and join us!

Our vision for this monthly gathering is to be intentional about connection and say goodbye to the dreadful, traditional networking. This is for those who despise attending networking events and cringe at the idea of superficial small talk. 

We're here to be real, make authentic human connections, encourage each other's visions and dreams, celebrate our growth, be of support, make new friends or collaborations, etc. There's no competition here!

This is all about building community with other badass, visionary, community-driven entrepreneurs who deeply care about the work they do and making a positive impact on the world. 

How it works:

We are setting up shop at CoCo Wine Noir on the last Thursday evening of every month from now until November 2024! 🙌🏽

We know that many of us have been struggling with social isolation, lack of motivation, depression, and overall disconnection since the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to provide a consistent monthly space that you know you can turn to for support each month amid the heavy social conditions we are all living within. 

We outchea for you all!

The flow of each gathering will have some structured get-to-know-each-other time mixed in with informal mingling, laughter, joy, and deep conversations. The goal overall is for you to show up, relax, have fun, and connect in whatever makes you comfortable.

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and charcuterie are available for purchase at each gathering.

Please note we'll be capturing the event through video or photography, so please let us know via your registration if you'd like to opt out.

About Our Co-Hosts:

Donaji Mejia is a brand strategist and multi-disciplinary designer. Her specialty is transforming Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color entrepreneurs' visions into beautiful, meaningful and purpose-led brands that reflect their values, passions, and roots. Her vision is for women of color business owners to build radical success, freedom, and community through a business that embodies a profound sense of purpose, where they can unapologetically stand in their power.

Hope Henson-Lehman (she/her) is a healer, solidarity economist, and Black Feminist creative. She is the co-founder of Just BE—a community for Black Women Entrepreneurs on a journey toward healing, restoration, and shared prosperity. She is passionate about building solidarity economies and community wealth models rooted in healing that holistically resource and sustain Black Women Entrepreneurs, their families, and communities.

Coco Noir Wine Shop & Bar is owned and operated by Alicia Kidd. She has been a member of the Just BE community for many years. Her passion lies in diversifying the wine industry and curating experiences that uplift diversity, inclusivity, and social impact.

What is your COVID-19 policy, how are you keeping folks safe?

We recognize that COVID is still at large, especially in the winter months. 

—PRE-EVENT COVID TESTING

If you have been exposed to COVID, we ask that participants take an “at-home COVID test” 3 days prior to the gathering. Please take a picture of your negative test and bring it to our event as part of your registration. In the event that your test shows up positive for COVID-19, please review our refund policy below. We ask that you stay home and rest if you are exhibiting any symptoms of feeling unwell.

—MASK POLICY

This is an indoor event (as it will be cold outside). We will ensure windows are open for good circulation throughout the event, so an indoor coat or sweater may be a good idea to add to your wardrobe. At this time, wearing masks during the event is optional for participants. Keep an eye out for any changes to this policy via our event messages. 

—COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION POLICY

We ask that all participants monitor their health post-event and reach out to me at hello@donajimejia.com and hello@justbecommunity.com to let us know if you develop COVID-19 symptoms or a positive diagnosis 3 - 5 days after the event. We will then inform the entire play day community of COVID-19 exposure. 

Oh no, I reserved a ticket, but now I can’t attend. What do I do?

Full refunds are provided up to 3 days before the event. Just email hello@justbecommunity.com

For folks who experience a last-minute emergency, please reach out to hello@donajimejia.com and hello@justbecommunity.com when you are safe, healthy, and able. We will credit your ticket toward the next Kindred Connection within the same year it was purchased.

Let’s grow our community ➜ Invite a friend!

If you know a BIWOC entrepreneur who'd love to come and make new connections, share this link with them so they learn more about it and get on the list to get the details  👉🏾 HERE.

STAND IN YOUR POWER