vol. 270 / PORTALExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 270 / PORTAL
Elise Kindya is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who runs PORTAL Therapy from her Museum District office, operating on the belief that the only way out is through. She's passionate about helping clients reclaim their lives from trauma by holding safe therapeutic spaces. When she's not in session, you can find her snuggling her dogs on the couch, walking through Byrd Park checking out baby geese and turtles, or taking a well-deserved self-care day.
Her therapeutic approach blends EMDR, IFS, mindfulness, and her Master Reiki Practitioner training with sound baths in experiential sessions. Holistic healing has transformed her own life—seeing herself as part of nature has been deeply healing, which she brings into her work at PORTAL's healing groups and classes. You can also find her on Instagram @elisekindya and hosting her podcast "Returning Home." Her husband Daniel owns Crewel & Unusual, where he embroiders cute and quirky original art on wearable items.
Take it away, Elise ...
Sacred Candlelit Fridays: BREATH
Unwind from the week and reset your nervous system at Sacred Candlelit Fridays: BREATH—an intimate, trauma-informed breathwork session at PORTAL. Guided through somatic practices in a cozy, sober space (max 8 participants), you'll reconnect with your body and breath, cultivating presence, balance, and self-compassion. Whether you're new or experienced, this is a powerful way to come home to yourself.
Tell your story through collage and creativity at SoulCollage® with Cheryl Groce-Wright at The Innerwork Center. This reflective, intuitive process invites you to cut, glue, and arrange images into personal art cards that hold deep meaning. It’s accessible to everyone—no experience needed—and offers a profound way to tap into your inner wisdom. Think: tarot meets art therapy. I took this class years ago and still reflect on what I made.
Slow down and restore your nervous system at The Art of Restoring Us—a sliding scale class at TAOU Studio. This gentle, trauma-informed practice is designed to help you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and replenish energy in a welcoming, intentional space. I’m a huge fan of slower yoga. The pace allows for deeper self-connection, and TAOU always delivers—beautiful vibes, supportive people, and unmatched energy.
PORTAL Therapy is a trauma-focused mental health practice where we believe that the only way out is through. Our team of experienced, trauma-informed therapists creates a safe space for healing and self-discovery using an integrative approach tailored to each individual's unique needs.
We work with people of all backgrounds, offering culturally sensitive care for trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Our practice is built on collaboration, empathy, integrity, holistic healing, and safety—creating a "portal" for clients to move toward personal empowerment and fulfillment.
vol. 269 / Penny'sExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 269 / PENNY'S
This week's guest editor, Kristen Gardner Beal, co-founded Penny's Wine Shop in Richmond's Jackson Ward, specializing in clean farmed wines and locally sourced food. She's also behind RichWine, a monthly wine club offering curated selections with personalized tasting notes. By day, she consults on business strategy and organizational design. UVA grad, class of 2012.
Her wine journey began during a transformative 2014 trip to South Africa's wine-lands, following stints at the Department of State in Peru and a decade in New York finance as a hedge fund relationship manager. She now shares her passion through customized wine tastings for companies and private gatherings.
When not immersed in the wine world, Kristen is an avid traveler, reader, and enjoys coffee dates and dining experiences with loved ones.
Take it away, Kristen ...
Afterglow Coffee
This worker-owned roaster and café is committed to resource redistribution and mutual aid while serving some of the best coffee in Richmond. I truly believe their vanilla lattes are perfect, and they offer what might be the best matcha on the East Coast. A must-visit for ethical coffee enthusiasts!
Richmond's largest year-round outdoor market offers a wide selection of local produce and handmade goods every Saturday. My perfect weekend morning ritual—grab fresh beets, treat myself to a cronut, enjoy a sausage biscuit, and pick up beautiful flowers for my home!
Vitals:
RVA Big Market / Saturday, May 24 / 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road
Odd Bird
Need a thoughtful gift or just a little treat for yourself? Odd Bird has you covered. Every item feels personal, intentional, and full of character. I love swinging by Odd Bird to treat myself to a delicious candle, imported chocolate, and a new home good to brighten up my living space.
Vitals:
Odd Bird / Open Thursday - Saturday 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM / 320 Brook Road
More From Kristen.
As we round out spring and welcome summer, there's no better time to explore something new in Richmond's wine scene. At Penny's Wine Shop, our new seasonal menu is turning heads—and it's not just the food. We've launched exciting private event packages perfect for engagement parties, birthdays, retirement celebrations, or even your next corporate holiday party. Join us Wednesday through Saturday for dinner or stop by on Saturdays for a daytime wine tasting to see what’s new by the glass!
Looking to bring the wine experience home? RichWine RVA has you covered with our monthly Wine Club! Get four hand-selected bottles delivered to your doorstep every month—each with tasting notes, pairing ideas, and the story behind the wine. It’s the perfect way to sip, learn, and discover new favorites from the comfort of your home.
Whether you're dining out or cozying up in, Richmond has your next great glass of wine waiting. Cheers!
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.
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