Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Mecca Williams and I am a licensed mental health professional and one of the faces behind the Style and Spirits RVA and Two Triple Oh! movements. I have lived in the region all of my life; I’m from Petersburg, VA, and have lived in Richmond since I was 17 years old.

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Describe Richmond in 3 words.
Evolving, Foodie, Separate

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From sun up to sun down, what’s your ideal day in RVA?
I’d start the morning at the back of Suntrust on Semmes Avenue to walk/run the path across the Potter's Bridge and the overlook. I love the view of the city and nature. If I’m not walking, I’ll go work out at Baker Unified Fitness on the Southside, and then eat brunch at Plant Zero or Brunch before heading over to Carytown. There, I pop in to one of my favorite stores, Bygones Vintage, or stop by Halcyon Vintage in the fan. I can’t forget Urban Hang Suite in Jackson Ward to grab some coffee and talk to familiar faces. I make a weekly stop at Bahashem Soap Company on Hull Street to pick up my favorite body oils, body butters, and soaps. As for dinner, I’d make my way down to Sugar’s Crab Shack; the seafood is banging. If it’s a Friday, I’m ending my evening partying at Vagabond with the incredible DJ Lonnie B and Kelli Lemon.

Every day in RVA is different for me, so I’m always spending my time at various places around the city. I’m a regular at VMFA, Brewer's Café, Boogaloos, S. Ross Browne’s art studio, Good Tymes, Mini Bar RVA, and VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art.

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What would you say is Richmond’s best kept secret?
The food! Richmond has really good restaurants and drinks. Also, the history. Richmond's history isn’t highlighted enough, even though we’ve got such a deep history here.

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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/see when they come to our region?
Every visitor must attend a Two Triple Oh! dance party or an Afrikana Independent Film Festival event.

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You’re from Richmond. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re staying close to home?
I live on the Southside, right in the city. When I’m home, I take long walks with friends around the Manchester neighborhood, or head downtown to attend cultural events.

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When we say the name BLK RVA, what does that mean to you?
BLK RVA means supporting various forms of Black businesses and brands, and finding opportunities to volunteer for community-based efforts that support Black children, Black families, and Black communities. To me, BLK RVA also means showing up in all spaces as your Blackest self!