vol. 268 / SlowdowwwnExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 268 / SLOWDOWWWN
This week's guest editor, Brandon Lewis brings over a decade of experience as a design leader who transforms digital complexity into elegant, scalable systems. At the intersection of brand identity, product function, and systems thinking, he guides cross-functional teams through the creative wilderness with strategic clarity and purpose. His portfolio spans diverse territories—from philanthropy and fintech regulation to wellness platforms and health tech innovation—where he builds design operations that not only drive business growth but deepen human connection. Whether working with startups, agencies, government initiatives, or global enterprises, Brandon unifies marketing, product, and brand under a vision rooted in equity and genuine care. Brandon is also preparing to launch Slowdowwwn Café, a soulful new space coming to the heart of Richmond—a coffee shop and café nestled within a vibrant community hub and social club.
Beyond his professional life, Brandon finds joy in exploring cities on foot or by bike, discovering hidden corners with good light, and believes we notice more magic when we slow down. Insatiably curious about the human experience as it surfaces in art, grief, creativity, and play, he's raising three wildly imaginative kids who remind him daily to pause, be present, stay soft, and laugh maniacally often – reinforcing his belief that to create is to be alive.
Take it away, Brandon ...
SwapMeetRVA
Shop vintage fashion, sneakers, candles, jewelry, home décor, and more at SwapMeetRVA—Richmond’s hub for Black and brown creatives, queer makers, and sustainable style. Set against the backdrop of Main Street Station, this community market celebrates slow fashion, self-expression, and the art of intention over trend.
Vitals:
SwapMeetRVA at Main Street Station / Saturday, May 18 / 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM / FREE / Main Street Station, 1500 E Main Street
Poetry Open Mic Night @ KavaClub
Step up to the mic or just soak it all in—KavaClub’s Poetry Open Mic Night is an open invitation to share truth through words. Whether you're a seasoned poet or trying it for the first time, this is a space for vulnerability, creativity, and radical self-expression.
Vitals:
Poetry Open Mic Night @ KavaClub / Wednesday, May 15 / KavaClub, 1529 West Main Street
Park Chan-wook Screening @ Studio Two Three
Experience the haunting beauty and emotional depth of Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook at this special screening hosted by Studio Two Three. Known for works like Oldboy, his films explore grief, intimacy, and transformation with unmatched visual storytelling. Studio Two Three continues to champion inclusive, accessible art—and this is one more reason to show up.
Vitals:
Park Chan-wook Screening @ Studio Two Three / Monday, May 20 / 7:00 PM / FREE / Studio Two Three, 3300 W Clay Street
More From Brandon.
Slowdowwwn is in the making.
We're shaping it with care: a cozy café and book bar by day, a soulful lounge by night. A space that invites us to breathe, to be, and to belong. It’s designed for curiosity and connection. For gathering without performance. For joy, grief, and rest to sit side by side.
But this isn’t just our dream. It’s a collaborative pursuit to walk alongside others already doing the work of healing, hospitality, and justice in Richmond. We’re not here to reinvent the wheel. We’re here to contribute to the ecosystem with care and intention. We’re hosting a press release gathering on May 18th at Black Iris.
If you’re curious, come meet us. Ask questions. Share your vision. See how you might fit into this growing thing.
Give us a follow on Instagram and click to RSVP below.
vol. 267 / ChromophoreExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 267 / CHROMOPHORE
This week's guest editor is Ayah Davis-Karim! Ayah is a Richmond-based mixed media artist with roots in Jamaica and a professional background in architecture, interior design, and fashion. Her work blends vibrantly colored acrylics, fabric, and found objects to affirm cultural identities, spark joy, and tap into the healing power of color. After experiencing exclusion from traditional art spaces, Ayah founded Chromophore Artspace—a multifaceted gallery and creative hub designed to uplift underrepresented artists. Inspired by the science of chromophores—molecules that absorb light and reflect color—Chromophore Artspace features rotating exhibitions of emerging talent, curated wearable art, home décor, and hands-on workshops. It also serves as a community space where Black and Brown creatives can connect with collectors and collaborators in an inclusive, affirming environment.
Ayah moved to Richmond in high school and is a proud mother of five, with children ranging in age from 15 to 28.
Take it away, Ayah ...
CHIAROSCURO: Alchemizing the Shadow
Face your shadow. Find your power.
Bring a whole new meaning to Friday Night Lights at this transformative workshop led by psychotherapist and yoga instructor Lex Hingle. Through movement, meditation, music, and mindful exploration, you'll alchemize the parts of yourself that usually stay hidden—and maybe even make peace with them.
The night will close with a meditative sound bath by Zarah Brock, a classically trained Master of Music, offering bowls, chimes, and deep calm.
Art heals. Shadow transforms. Come curious. Leave lighter.
Celebrate the power of the pen at this two-day literary festival spotlighting dynamic Black authors, thought leaders, and storytellers. With live performances, family-friendly programming, and panels covering history, health, spirituality, and more, the Black Books Expo brings the pages to life with purpose and power.
Come through, support local and national Black voices, and leave inspired.
Spice up your week at Brazilian Social Dance Night with Zouk—a smooth, flowing partner dance that fuses Brazilian and Caribbean roots with modern rhythm and soul. Whether you’re a total beginner or just curious, this night is all about movement, music, and community connection.
Hosted at KavaClub, Richmond’s only alcohol-free bar and gathering space, you’ll sip calming kava and soak in good vibes—no booze, no pressure, just pure connection. No partner or experience needed. Just show up and sway.
Right now, I'm especially energized by the expanding community programming at Chromophore Artspace. We’re now offering weekly Sound Healing sessions every Saturday, Restorative Yin Yoga on Sundays, and monthly Color Therapy Painting + Sound Bath Workshops—all designed to nurture creativity, connection, and well-being.
In partnership with the local nonprofit For The Fem In You, we also recently launched Fem Shop RVA—a five-month retail residency supporting over 20 women-owned businesses. This initiative goes beyond vending and pop-ups, offering entrepreneurs access to a dedicated retail space, financial literacy workshops, co-working opportunities, and curated events. It’s a powerful stepping stone for business owners looking to grow sustainably without the immediate pressure of a commercial lease.
vol. 266 / Loving BranchesExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 266 / LOVING BRANCHES
This week's guest editor is Christina Shawn! A reading specialist, literacy coach, and author, Christina writes heartfelt and humorous stories about magical moments in our everyday lives. Her published works include the picture books AND THEN CAME YOU (Maydani, Chronicle Books) and LUCAS PLAYS (Yu, 2017), with NO LOVE POTION (Miller-Gass, The Little Press) forthcoming in 2026.
Christina's current projects focus on early literacy foundations while helping children feel seen, heard, and understood. Through her writing and teaching, she creates spaces where young readers can discover themselves in stories.
Based in Richmond, Christina lives with her husband, three children, and two fluffy bunnies who provide a constant supply of support, humor, and inspiration. When not writing or teaching, she enjoys yoga, bike rides, hikes, and adventuring to new places. Most of all, Christina loves the spark of learning something new and passing it along to others.
Take it away, Christina …
Storytime with Christina Shawn: And Then Came You
Come join me at bbgb, an independent bookstore in Carytown, for a fun spring storytime! I’ll be reading aloud my new picture book, And Then Came You, and would love to share this special story with you. Books will be available for purchase—and I’ll be there to sign your copy, too!
Connect with nature—and some very playful baby goats—during a one-hour goat yoga class at Pactamere Farm. Led by a certified instructor, this session includes 45 minutes of guided yoga suitable for all levels, plus 15 minutes of goat playtime for feeding, photos, and snuggles. Ages 10+. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, and bring your sense of humor.
Treat yourself to a relaxed, supportive hour of community creative writing with Abbey at Headquarters (hq). Optional prompts will be provided, and all experience levels are welcome. This month’s donations support He She Ze and We, a local organization uplifting LGBTQ+ families and individuals.
Christina aims to help children (and adults) feel seen, heard, and understood through her writing. Her background as a reading specialist and literacy coach influences both her books and her work with students, parents, and teachers. Christina believes books connect us, helping us understand ourselves and others as part of one beautiful world, while making learning to read fun from the earliest ages.
This spring, Christina is touring the Richmond area with her new book and booking visits for fall. She'll be at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on Friday, May 9 at 10:00 AM for a special storytime and book signing (free with membership), with additional appearances at The Mom Walk (May 6) and Fit4Moms (May 22). Christina loves sharing easy ways to incorporate literacy-building skills into everyday activities with kids. Visit her website or Instagram for event updates and join her occasional newsletter.
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