YOU'RE INVITED TO!
Hosted by Just BE + Donaji Mejia
We provide a monthly third space for Black, Indigenous, Women & Gender Expansive entrepreneurs of color to build community outside of home and work
Location: CoCo Noir Wine Shop & Bar - 360 13th Street, Oakland, CA 94612
Every last Thursday of the month 5 pm - 8 pm
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, referal 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.
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.
Please note we do charge a $10 registration fee to help cover the monthly venue reservation cost. 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 me know 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 small business visions into beautiful brands that reflect their values, passions, and roots. If you are looking to do a partial or full rebrand for your business, Donaji is the person to hit up.
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.
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.
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
The Holiday Play Day 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 the Just BE team at 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 at the email above when you are safe, healthy, and able. We will credit your ticket toward the next Kindred Connection in 2024.