Cocoa Pariis "The Food Stylist"

Tell us a little about your business and your connection to Richmond.

I am the founder of CocoaPariis, LLC which is a lifestyle brand that elevates the experience of self-care and overall wellbeing through social experiences. Despite my accent (which usually makes an appearance when I’m excited over food) I am a Richmond native as well as a global citizen. My family is originally from Ghana, West Africa and migrated to Richmond to cultivate roots. Richmond is more than my home, it's my foundation. It is embedded with so much history, culture and black capitalism. Richmond has a proud legacy of achievement among African American residents which is still apparent today.

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What led to the start of your initiative?
The definition of self-care: Is giving yourself permission to give yourself what you need at that exact moment. For me that was through food styling and community. Charcuterie allowed me to reconnect with fellow Richmonders especially of color who are not only local partners but now friends from local beekeepers to my jam lady to local florists to the farmers I source from weekly for produce to curate each experience in a box. It's my hope that you experience a bit of self-care from every box.

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What does BLK RVA mean to you?
Black is Beautiful

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What’s something about your business that most don’t know, but should?
It's all in good taste! I'm truly passionate about everything that tastes as good as it looks! Charcuterie allows me to combine my love of food and art in a box!It's not only my passion but my self-care.