Jameson Deloatch

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a lifestyle influencer and the owner of Specs by Jame, a creative eyewear accessory brand

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Describe Richmond in 3 words.
We’re unique. We’re a true melting pot and have so many different types of people here. Visionary—If there’s something you want to do in Richmond, there’s room and a space for it. Underrated—Richmond’s a good time. You really can have a full life here.

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From sun up to sun down, what’s your ideal day in RVA?
I’m heading to Urban Hang Suite for breakfast and coffee. If it’s a Saturday, I’m getting a haircut at Salon 201, right around the corner from Urban Hang Suite. I always check to see if there’s a local vendor event hosted by Made by RVA, because I’m always able to find lots of new Black local vendors. The vendor events provide the most creative shopping experiences, and I get to support Black entrepreneurs. I’m definitely having lunch at Soul Taco; I love tacos. On a perfect day, I’ll stop by an event that DJ Lonnie B and Kelli Lemon are collaborating on, like the Art of Noise or any Saturday event they’re hosting. I know I’ll get great energy, great people, and I’ll catch a whole vibe with them. 

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What would you say is Richmond’s best kept secret?
Cocktails & Choreo, which is an event I host with Unlocking RVA and Studio 4 Dance Agency. It’s once a month, and it allows people of all ages and dance abilities to have a great time. And I host the event, so we laugh, joke, and have great choreography, all fueled by spirits from local vendors. It’s the most underrated, best-kept secret in Richmond.

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BLK RVA is all about supporting the thriving Black businesses and culture in the Richmond region and encouraging tourists to do the same. What’s one thing every visitor MUST do or see when they come to our region?  
Come with an empty stomach! Be prepared to eat, eat, eat, and then hit the gym when you get home. If there’s one thing you can do in Richmond, it’s eat. The chicken wings from Mama Js, the fish boat from Croaker’s Spot, and the shrimp and grits from Vagabond are my go-to dishes.

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You’re originally from Richmond. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re staying close to home? 
What I enjoy most is the HeArt & Soul Brew Fest at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. It combines everything I love: fashion, art, music, and entertainment. There, I get local artists, local vendors, craft beers, and it’s a family-friendly and feel-good time, all in one. 

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When we say the name BLK RVA, what does that mean to you? 
It means inclusivity. Richmond’s Black community, we make room for everyone—all races, sexes, orientations. That’s what Blackness represents. It’s an energy, a feel, a love for one another as we live our best life. Blackness is an indescribable energy that takes over a room or park, or wherever we get together. So BLK RVA is all of that in one. It’s home.